k-studio constructs timber beach-side barbouni restaurant

greek firm k-studio takes advantage of wood’s versatile nature to build the barbouni restaurant on the beach of costa navarino, greece. the structure begins with heavy timber log piers and columns laid out on a regular grid that support an elevated platform, allowing the ocean to seep underneath during high tide. back along the brush, the covered spaces nestle against the land, including the kitchen, storage, and bathroom areas.  clad in vertical wooden louvers, the enclosed spaces continue the repetitive rhythm of material as seen throughout the building. the public seating area exists in an open floor area on the ocean side of the structure. 

image © yiorgos kordakis (also main image) | all images courtesy of k-studio

piers protrude into robust columns along the perimeter of the footprint supporting a floating open timber canopy where a series of hanging fabric sheets forms a fluid three-dimensional roofscape that sways freely with the breeze. these create a sense of form in the ceiling and help to filter direct sunlight into the dining space below, allowing only flickering moments of fleeting rays to reach the hardwood floor below. the kinetic nature of the ground (water) and ceiling create an ideal and natural environment in between for a social culinary experience.

side elevation from the public approach
image © yiorgos kordakis

image © yiorgos kordakis

ceiling fabric are hung on tensile members stretching across the outer frame
image © yiorgos kordakis

entrance, with kitchen on the left and restrooms to the right
image © yiorgos kordakis

filteres light reaches the ground
image © yiorgos kordakis

open seating area enjoys vies of the ocean
image © yiorgos kordakis

image © yiorgos kordakis

image © yiorgos kordakis

image © yiorgos kordakis

ceiling view
image © yiorgos kordakis

image © yiorgos kordakis

hanging lights utilize the same material as the structure
image © yiorgos kordakis

image © yiorgos kordakis

view from the land
image © yiorgos kordakis

floor plan / level 0

project info:

name: barbouni
location: pylos, costa navarino, greece
designed by: k-studio
photographer: yiorgos kordakis
status: completed