The Harbor Project 01 by BLLEND

12:07:00 architecture , BLLEND , Harbor Project 01 , interiors , Piraeus , short stay lodge 0 Comments

Award-winning BLLEND studio in its latest project, has applied the ship building theory to a loft boutique hotel in the city port of Piraeus. Harbor Project 01 is a building property, in the vicinity of the Economic University, that introduces a new concept in the philosophy of short stay lodging, comprising 5 apartment suites of average size 30 square meters.

The design proposal refers to a ground breaking design that maximizes ergonomics and functionality, amounting almost to a 50% increase to that of the typical apartment size. Following a research brief regarding container vessel design and boutique apartments internationally, the proposal focused on translating the modularity and autonomy of a large container vessel to that of small scale apartments. The compartmentalized nature of the vessels hull, its traffic patterns as well as cutouts that allow circulation and ventilation without compromising strength and tensile attributes are becoming a metaphor to the dominating wooden structure.

The modular synthesis following the architectural studio’s flow concept incorporates a kitchen, meal countertop, TV furniture, desktop, storage space and walk in closet. The design concept uses as reference typological elements of contemporary loft studios and boutique hotels in industrial areas of metropolitan cities, while building on universal associations of Piraeus as a harbor and its historical and commercial development. Every furniture piece is custom designed and manufactured in order to blend in the concept, being the same in terms of material choice and finishes while adding the element of surprise due to its unique color palette. OSB (oriented strand board) is the dominating material, which is brushed, plastered and resin finished, while the structure is pine wood brushed, stained and waxed. The one bedroom Harbor Suite offers a twin bed or king size Japanese low bed, which at the same time can be transformed into a comfortable sofa for relaxation or lounging in privacy.

BllendDesignOffice is a multidisciplinary design and research office based in Athens, Greece, (75Α Alimou Avenue & Irous 2, Alimos 17455) operating in the fields of Architectural identity, interior and lighting design, landscape and sustainable design, color consulting, 3D branding and research, in every phase of the design process from conceptual design to project development and construction.

courtesy: Architectural Design & Construction by BllendDesignOffice, Research by BllendDesign & Research Office

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