OUR PROJECTS
Hotel Complex with Underground and Above-Ground Apartments in Lentas
About the project
Near the settlement of Lentas, in a distinctive location in Southern Crete with dramatic natural terrain and uninterrupted views over the South Cretan Sea, a new tourist accommodation complex is being designed. The project unfolds across multiple levels, following the natural slope of the site and responding directly to the landscape.
The design combines above-ground apartments with underground units, making full use of the site’s southern orientation and panoramic views. This layered arrangement allows the building volumes to integrate naturally into the terrain while offering guests a strong visual and spatial connection to the surrounding environment.
Between the building volumes, green intermediate spaces are introduced, functioning as areas for relaxation and enhancing both privacy and the sense of immersion in nature. The complex is completed by a reception area and a restaurant, which form the central point of activity and orientation for visitors.
The Challenge
A key challenge of the project was the management of the archaeological protection zone of the area, combined with the strict requirements governing underground construction. The site’s steep natural slope was not treated as a limitation, but rather as a fundamental design tool.
The architectural solution needed to respect the landscape, integrate discreetly into its surroundings, and at the same time meet the demands of a contemporary, high-quality tourist accommodation.
Our Approach
Underground and above-ground construction
The architectural composition is based on the combination of underground and above-ground rooms, allowing the complex to follow the site’s slope while fully benefiting from the southern orientation and open views.
Underground construction was a key design strategy, enabling parts of the accommodation to be embedded into the ground. This approach reduces the visual impact of the development and enhances its bioclimatic performance. The underground units are designed with a single main facade, contributing to more stable indoor temperatures, lower energy demands, and reduced maintenance requirements.
At the same time, the above-ground rooms are strategically positioned to enjoy unobstructed views and a more direct relationship with the outdoor spaces, creating a balanced guest experience and a stepped architectural composition that blends harmoniously with the landscape.
Materials and landscape integration
The material palette is based on stone, wood and earthy tones, establishing a natural continuity with the landscape of Southern Crete. The building volumes are broken down into smaller units, allowing them to follow the terrain and integrate seamlessly into the site’s natural relief.
Functional layout and accessibility
The complex includes a reception area and a restaurant, which act as reference points for guests and support the daily operation of the accommodation. Circulation is organised through gentle-sloped ramps for easy access, as well as external staircases connecting the different levels of the site.
Selected units feature private swimming pools, while a shared pool is also provided for guests. In addition, a dedicated pathway leading down to the sea has been carefully designed, strengthening the connection between the accommodation and its natural setting.
The Result
The project is evolving into a low-impact accommodation that makes intelligent use of the terrain, orientation and views, offering a high-quality stay with a reduced environmental footprint.
The combination of underground and above-ground spaces creates a calm, functional and cohesive ensemble, fully aligned with the character of Lentas and the wider landscape of Southern Crete.
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