Corte Interna Hotel by Design Emotions Atelier
A complex of three stone-built buildings is located west of the city of Chania in the village of Kalivani, near Balos. Designed in 2024 by Design Emotions Atelier – Evi Kotsou, the property measures 220 sq.m. and arranges the buildings around an inner courtyard with water connecting the volumes. The design echoes the Venetian imprint on Cretan architecture while creating spaces that offer new emotional experiences, disrupted from modern everyday life.
Three Stone-Built Buildings in Cretian Village Monument Complex of Architecture
A complex of three stone-built buildings is located west of the city of Chania in the village of Kalivani, near Balos. Built on a plot of 420 sq.m. (4,520 sq. ft.), the buildings, measuring 220 sq.m. (2,367 sq. ft.), are arranged around an inner courtyard with water as the connecting element between the building volumes.
Pointed arches, doorways with semicircular or low-arched lintels reveal the Venetian imprint on Cretan architecture.
First Building Features External Spiral Staircase Entry
The two-story building is the first one you encounter as you enter from the main road of the village. The ground floor accommodates the living areas and a bedroom with its own bathroom. On the first floor, there are two bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and a WC.
One of the main interventions in this building was the opening of an internal door to connect the bedroom with the ground floor, as in the past there was only external access. The addition is distinguished by the metal frame of the door.
Spiral Staircase Brings Fluidity to Space
In the open space of the ground floor, a metal spiral staircase was placed to connect the two floors. Its shape and the choice of perforated metal sheet give a sense of plasticity to the space. The external stone staircase with the small domed space under it is preserved without major modifications.
Cement injections were applied for the static reinforcement of the shell. Externally, the old plaster was replaced with a new natural mortar, which in some places on the facades leaves some stones visible. On the other hand, the stonework was preserved on the inside. The use of polished concrete flooring in a neutral color tone, combined with the detail of the stone wall, creates a very strong visual contrast.
Second Building Features Natural Travertine for Cohesive Elements
In the second building, which is located on the pool level, the opposite choice of materials was made for the walls and floor. The walls have been preserved with a stone facade on the outside, while on the inside the shell has been statically reinforced with gunite. The calmness of the plaster is combined with the elegance of the natural travertine on the floor. The travertine acts as a unifying element, as it extends throughout the interior of the building, expands into the courtyard embracing the pool, and even enters the kitchen area of the two-story building.
Third Building Incorporates Old Fireplace as Skylight
The third building is located on a higher level than the other two, and the connection between them is made externally by a metal staircase. Inside, the old fireplace now serves as a skylight for the bedroom. On the floor, we find natural cotto tiles that continue into the courtyard of the building, giving a sense of continuity. A metal pergola filled with reeds, placed on the front of the building, provides shade and serves as a gathering space.
Corte Interna Inside Courtyard Features Linear Planters, Metal Structures and Elegant Furniture
The wider ensemble is enhanced by the choice of flowing forms in furniture and lighting that interact with the sturdy outline of the existing shell of the buildings. Metal, wood, fabric, glass and gypsum work harmoniously with the surfaces they come into contact with. Light materials, earthy colors and textures that highlight the contemporary addition to a restoration project that respects its history and natural wear and tear.
Spaces Designed for New Emotional Experiences
The architectural study aimed to create spaces that offer new emotional experiences, different from everyday life. The inner courtyard, the Corte Interna, takes on a scenographic approach, with linear planters, light metal structures and modern furniture that are placed harmoniously, creating new narratives of relaxation and rest. A disconnection from modern everyday life.
Photography courtesy of Design Emotions Atelier – Evi Kotsou
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