k-studio's light, breezy pergola shades its helios restaurant on athens riviera

breezy and shaded with rhythmic shadows, k-studio’s ‘helios restaurant‘ overlooks the sunny athens riviera. with landscapes designed by doxiadis+, the project stands as the newest addition to the four seasons astir palace beach resort, occupying the hotel’s poolside with two distinct structures. the two pavilions are organized in an L-shape to corner the pool area while facing outward to the sea. the first structure, closest to the hotel, is the restaurant and bar which offers seating for 180 guests. not just a restaurant and bar area, the space is designed with an atmosphere of mediterranean relaxation.

images by peter landers

k-studio designs its helios restaurant as a continuation of the modernist architecture of the existing main building of the four seasons beach resort. the design team makes use of the hotel’s strong orthogonal grid to inform the orientation and layout of the new project. the new, free-flowing poolside space is shaded by a pergola and integrated with natural elements designed by landscape studio doxiadis+, opening the area to avoid competition with the complex building behind it. the white aluminum pergola respects the grid and integrates with the linear, orthogonal identity of the building. this aluminum materiality allows the structure to withstand the abrasive seafront environment while introducing a visual lightness beside the hotel, like a sketch over it.

the team at k-studio plans the helios restaurant with two core zones — a food bar and a drinks bar. these two points of attraction have a free-flowing circulation and visual connection between them, showcasing the artful creation and presentation of food and drink that is a signature of the four seasons brand. the floor divides the grid of the pergolas in half, creating smaller areas at varying heights to allow for a sense of intimacy within the openness. connected by the pergola, the two zones are separated by the ground plane.

project info:

project title: helios restaurant

architecture: k-studio

landscape design: doxiadis+

location: four seasons astir palace beach resort, athens, greece

photography: peter landers