KOS DIVINE HOTEL & SUITES

This is a study of the facades, interiors and exteriors of one of the most central and historic hotels of Kos town, a landmark due to its location in front of the island’s marina. It concerns the 5-star Kos Divine Hotel and Suites, of 4000 sq. m., that operates all year round, member of the Divine Hotels group.

The design axes were based on the modernization of the building using subtle manipulations. On the facades, the proposal initially moved by creating an imposing entrance with a linear character, removing the balustrades of the balconies and replacing them with glass, removing architectural elements, such as arches on the facade, which were used in a decorative way in the past, creating new openings and emphasizing parts of the facade with a new rhythm, through color and light. In the interior public spaces respectively, it was proposed to remove decorative plaster elements and old suspended ceilings, designing new ceilings, where lighting plays an important role in the organization and orientation of the main spaces. In the exterior spaces, shaded areas were created with green and water elements, creating places of coolness and tranquility. In the pool area, it was proposed to keep the shape of the pool clean by removing decorative elements and adding a floating seating area. The roof garden is a new addition to the hotel, featuring a large linear table as well as other outdoor lounges, creating a clean structure and a new attraction for both users and residents with unobstructed views of the island’s marina

More specifically, the internal public area was redesigned, the reception area, breakfast room, bar, as well as the VIP lounge and gym areas. The existing load-bearing structure of the building, in several places came to organize the above functions. From the new entrance, the reception area can be seen, which uses an existing column, on which the service counter is supported. The use of black and white contributes to the feeling of an imposing and floating volume. More generally in the design, black is used as a script to define a key function (reception, bar, direction to suspended ceilings) and white to lighten the space and create a clean feel. The use of wood in the wall coverings and the wooden details in the space come to create a warm-intimate atmosphere in the given space. Still, metal partitions and doors with striped glass are used, which allow light to enter internally while separating the spaces from each other.

In terms of room design, the compositional principles followed were similar to those of the rest of the hotel. Clean forms of special wooden structures, earthy tones, black metallic elements and hidden linear lighting that enhance the clean design lines, give the rooms a sense of relaxation and tranquility.

Finally, lighting was used as a design tool in the overall composition. Externally, the edges of the building are emphasized around the perimeter, making the volume of the building distinct and imposing. Internally, light defines directions while at points it comes in and highlights uses and functions.