Athens-based architecture firm Block722 has designed an eco-resort that pairs earthy and soft beige tones on Folegandros island in Greece.

Named Gundari Resort, the low-lying resort, located in Folegandros, Greece, was designed to blend in with its pristine, priceless surroundings. 

The small Aegean Island is a perfect example of the natural beauty of its archipelago, with its low Mediterranean vegetation, dramatic rocky hills, and the sea's endless blue horizon providing the ideal setting for contemplation.

In addition to its physical attributes, such as its simple volumes and material selections, Gundari was designed to blend in perfectly with the island's laid-back lifestyle, providing visitors with the luxury of time, awareness, and relaxation.

Gundari, sea front suite

"The client’s brief outlined an eco-resort, a hospitality complex that is fully in tune with its surroundings, its light footprint respecting the Cycladic Island’s breathtaking scenery and cultural heritage," said Block722. 

In response, Sotiris Tsergas and Katja Margaritoglou, the founders of Block722, envisioned architecture that combines peace and a mild sense of adventure to create the ideal vacation.

Everything has been carefully chosen to reference the island's visual and cultural language, from the colors chosen, which drew inspiration from the nearby sea and rocky outcrops, to the anchoring effect of the materials and the overall composition, which pays homage to traditional Aegean village formations.

Situated on an expansive cliff face, Gundari was designed as a collection of modest buildings dispersed throughout the land. 

Inside, a number of suites are tucked away into the gently rolling landscape, each with an orientation that provides expansive views of the water. The complex was set up around two sections to achieve this.

The first is tucked away almost invisibly, with green roofs and a low profile; the second is above ground but still subdued. 

Drawing inspiration from images of the village hall standing out in the main square of the archetypal Greek village, the main resort building, housing the reception and communal amenities, sits slightly taller among them, subtly signaling its presence to the visitor.

Gundari, outdoor yard restaurant

A visitor is submerged in the blue backdrop of the Aegean Sea as an infinite swimming pool blends with its colors when viewed through a volume arrangement that directs their gaze towards the horizon beyond. A natural aspect of life at Gundari is strolling around the complex and discovering its perspective on island living.

The resort is simple and understated, designed in Block722's distinctive warm minimalism that, crucially, also pays homage to the Cycladic architectural traditions. 

Nonetheless, it has a palette composed only of natural materials and colors, giving it a richness of conceptual layering and tangible textures. 

Gundari, outdoor restaurant & pool. Image © Martha Vosdou

Both the interiors and the exteriors of the resort feature marble, wood, and clay, and a large portion of the natural stone and gravel came from the site, which ensures a soft circularity in the building process. 

In this way, the spaces—which are decorated in earthy colors like warm grey and soft beige—create an aesthetically pleasing, subtly opulent, and respectful environment both conceptually and practically.

This tranquil atmosphere is further enhanced by carefully chosen artwork, pottery, and music throughout the resort. The design is completed by custom built-in and freestanding furniture pieces by the studio, combined with antique pieces.

Gundari, outdoor restaurant. Image © Martha Vosdou

Gundari's meticulously planned, immersive experience is further embodied in the public spaces, many of which are outside, as is customary on the Cycladic Islands. 

This enables visitors to enjoy the views and feel at one with the surroundings. Along the resort's main circulation routes, delicate wooden structures provide shade and visual continuity between the sculptural, simple forms of the enclosed stone areas.

Gundari, suite. Image © Martha Vosdou

Despite the difficulties posed by its remote location, the recently opened Gundari Resort, which was painstakingly designed over the course of five years, flourishes in its wild context, maximizing the drama and character of its isolated setting.

Gundari, reception

"Thoughtful construction planning meant any equipment, skilled workers, and material that needed to be brought in from the neighbouring islands or the mainland, were done with an immense sense of respect for nature," said the studio.

"This ensured a minimal impact on the landscape that further bolsters this design-led, eco-resort’s considerate nature," the studio added.

Gundari, sea front suite

Gundari, reception area

Gundari, sea front suite

Gundari, sea front suite

Gundari, pool

Gundari, sea front suite, bathroom and shower

Masterplan

Ground floor plan

Section

Block722 previously redesigned a former concrete shell with timber elements and bold façade for a duplex home in Athens, Greece.

Established in 2009 in Athens, Greece, Block722 is a boutique architecture studio that was founded by interior designer Katja Margaritoglou and architect Sotiris Tsergas.

Project facts

Owner: Fol Resort 

Operator: Hotel Brain 

Developer: Apax 

Architecture & Ιnterior design: Block722 Leaders: Sotiris Tsergas & Katja Margaritoglou, Elena Milidaki, Francesca Balfoussia

Team: Natalie Dillon, Katerina Mavromoustaki, Tzemil Moustafoglou, Yannis Manztaris, Αpostolos Karastamatis, Michael Gryllakis, Danai Lazaridi, Maria Damianidou, Sofia Badeka, Sophia Damianidou, Dimitra Poulokefalou, Nikoleta Papalimperi, Eirini Liapikou, Marianna Kirkilitsi, Makis Giannopoulos, Aristea Topizopoulou, Ioanna Petroulaki, Rania Pikramenou.

Landscaping: Block722 

Planting: Outside landscape architecture

Main Contractor: Apax

Project Manager: Focal Project Managers

Procurement: Apax

Brand name /Logo: AG Design Agency

Graphic Design / Branding / Visual Identity: K2 Design

Lighting Design: L+DG lighting architects

Art Consultant: Block722, Efi Spyrou, Runonart

Structural &MEP engineering & consultant: Vangelis Georgostathis, Agapakis Consultants

Other Contractors / Consultants: Spa consultant: Naomi Gregory 

Reception desk: Design: Block722 Artwork: Esto Association Manufacturer: Form To Matter

Tile & Marble Stories

Furniture: Coffee table “SYB” Design and direction: Block722

Artistic Direction: Block722, Efi Spyrou, Runonart NPO

Sculpture: Elina Ioannou

Art direction: Block722 

Styling: Priszcilla Varga

Styling: Sissy Rousaki

All images © Ana Santl unless otherwise stated.

All drawings © Block722.

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Block722 earthy eco-resort Folegandros holiday villa