Refurbishment of a hotel in the middle of nature

Thanks to a complete renovation, the KYT Hotel recovered the essence of a building steeped in history, transforming it into a charming boutique hotel on a Greek island. The project respected the spirit of the local architecture and reinterpreted the spaces with a minimalist and contemporary approach.

A harmonious work that respects the environment in this comprehensive renovation

With a surface area of 523 m², the KYT Hotel is located on the idyllic Greek island of Kythira (Kythera), on the Peloponnese peninsula. A building in such a special place as this deserved a work to match its uniqueness.

Before Enrica Mosciaro’s team carried out a complete renovation, the building was in a dilapidated state. Although it still retained the original local materials that revealed a unique blend of Aegean and Venetian influences, the passage of time had taken its toll on the structure, leaving obvious signs of deterioration. A complete restoration was essential.

The main objective of a complete hotel renovation such as this was to restore the building to its authenticity and, at the same time, to make it modern and give it a touch of modernity. To achieve this, a sober and respectful intervention was chosen, focusing on restoring the simple forms of the original design and eliminating unnecessary ornamentation. This approach was intended to integrate the building harmoniously with the surrounding landscape, so that it would not only respect its history, but also blend seamlessly with its surroundings, highlighting the beauty of natural light and traditional materials.

Architecture, design and nature

One of the biggest challenges of this project was to adapt the building to the natural unevenness of the terrain, as well as to reconfigure the modifications accumulated over the years. To this end, an exhaustive analysis was carried out to establish new spatial hierarchies and an organisation both inside and out.

With this in mind, the building was structured around horizontal and vertical axes that provide a new coherent, harmonious and dynamic order. The outdoor spaces were designed on the basis of successive terraces leading to the central element: a long, narrow swimming pool surrounded by patios. This route allows for maximum enjoyment of the architecture and the landscape, creating an immersive experience.

The choice of materials was key to preserving the authenticity of the building. Therefore, both the stone and the earth used are local, which, in addition to guaranteeing the sustainability of the work, created a special connection with the site. These traditional materials, combined with modern finishes and a minimalist design, provided a balanced aesthetic that highlights the building’s history without sacrificing modernity.

The interiors were completely restructured to offer comfort and functionality. At all times, the emphasis was on bright, open spaces, with carefully selected furniture to complement the simplicity sought. And neutral colours, highlighted by wooden details and natural textiles that add warmth.

Similarly, the surrounding grounds, spacious and with spectacular views, were given a total makeover. The island’s own particularly hardy Mediterranean vegetation played a leading role in the landscape design, achieving a double objective: low maintenance and reduced environmental impact.

Terraces with hammocks and seating areas invite you to enjoy the surroundings, creating an ideal fusion of architecture, design and nature.

A space for balance and serenity

The end result of Enrica Mosciaro’s project is a hotel that successfully combines history, architecture, design and landscape. Every detail, from the organisation of the spaces to the choice of materials, was designed to offer an experience of serenity and balance. The harmony between traditional elements and contemporary interventions reflects the respect for the past and the vision for the future that guided the work.

The complete refurbishment of the KYT Hotel is a clear example of how architecture and design can transform a building, but also the way of living and experiencing a place. In the heart of Kythira, this boutique hotel stands as a tribute to authenticity, sustainability and natural beauty.