Iron Architecture, Building and Structure Design · 2024
Family Hotel Art
- A' Design Award 2024 Iron Winner in Architecture, Building and Structure Design
- Awarded April 15, 2024
- CLIENT: Artytechs
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 24,287
- Verification code 9B706E2046 · Verify this award
About Family Hotel Art
Abastumani is balneological resorts in the Georgia. In the past there was a historical fortress. Apart from the ruins of the old castles, there is not much to hold on to. However, there are ruins of several historical sites dating back to 19th century, including the site of an old building, with its architecture expressed in the form of a single-story simple building. due to building historical significance was decided to preserve some parts of the ruins during the reconstruction stage, adding modern touch with delicate materials and stained glass.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Due to building historical significance we decided to preserve some parts of the ruins during the reconstruction stage, adding modern touch with delicate materials and stained glass. Similar reconstructions had been recognized throughout the world as the most effective form for merging ancient and modern architecture creating contrasting characteristics of different times. Furthermore, it should be noted that the reconstruction project involves the addition of a second floor exposing ancient
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The building has 2 floors, each floor is 130 sq.m. the dimensions of the building are 7m x18m
old building had only 1 floor ruins. the dimensions of the old building was 7m x12m - Tags
- Artytechs
- Production Technology
- In addition, due to the limited allowance to the building and the scarcity of land, there is a plan proposed by our client for a small family-owned hotel with a common dining area and several terraces. It is noteworthy that the side of the stained glass overlooks Abastumani forest, owning its existence to it and creating vast space in the interior with modern fireplace.
- Design Challenge
- One part of the building today is in ruins, while maintaining the other part obsolete. Due to its historical significance we decided to preserve some parts of the ruins during the reconstruction stage, adding modern touch with delicate materials and stained glass. Similar reconstructions had been recognized throughout the world as the most effective form for merging ancient and modern architecture creating contrasting characteristics of different times. Furthermore, it should be noted that the reconstruction project involves the addition of a second floor exposing ancient Georgian architecture with its distinguished balconies.
- Project Duration
- The project started in February 2019 and finished in December 2019 in Georgia, Abastumani.
- Operation Flow
- Due to moderate dry climate the valley is covered with coniferous forest dominated by pine. The air is incomparable for both treatment and rehabilitation of the patients, therefore the demand for Abastumani as a vacation destination is high, especially for children who have weak lungs. Abastumani is known for its healing climate and
The almost vertical high slopes of the valley are covered with coniferous forest, where pine dominates. - Research
- Abastumani is 260 km away from the capital of Tbilisi. Abastumani is regarded as a moderately dry resort. Abastumani is known for its healing climate and sulfur waters. Abastumani is considered as a balneological resort due to its thermal waters. However, there are ruins of several historical sites dating back to 19th century, including the site of an old Bossel, with its architecture expressed in the form of a single-storey simple building.
- Inspiration
- In the past there was a historical fortress-town of Odzrkhe near Abastumani Odzrkhe ceased to exist in 15th century, when it was renamed with its adjacent village of Abastumani. Apart from the ruins of the old castles, there is not much to hold on to. However, there are ruins of several historical sites dating back to 19th century, including the site of an old building, with its architecture expressed in the form of a single-story simple building.
- Image Credits
- Main Image: 3D Visual Specialist Beka Petriashvili, render, 2019. Image #1: 3D Visual Specialist Beka Petriashvili, render, 2019. Image #2: 3D Visual Specialist Beka Petriashvili, render, 2019. Image #3: 3D Visual Specialist Beka Petriashvili, render, 2019. Image #4:3D Visual Specialist Beka Petriashvili, render, 2019. #5: Video Credits: Video Visual Specialist Nino Mujiri, video, 2019.
Colors of Family Hotel Art
Design Interview about Family Hotel Art
The inspiration for my design originated from the ruins found in the project area, which were only
the stone walls of a small building previously used as a cow shed. I chose to preserve these stone
ruins to honor the building's antiquity. Motivated by the unique natural surroundings of mountains
and forests, I envisioned transforming these ruins into a boutique hotel. This concept required
integrating modern amenities while respecting and adapting to the natural environment, guiding
the development of the building in a way that seamlessly blends the old with the new.
the stone walls of a small building previously used as a cow shed. I chose to preserve these stone
ruins to honor the building's antiquity. Motivated by the unique natural surroundings of mountains
and forests, I envisioned transforming these ruins into a boutique hotel. This concept required
integrating modern amenities while respecting and adapting to the natural environment, guiding
the development of the building in a way that seamlessly blends the old with the new.
My main focus in designing this work was to create a building that combines elements
of ancient, modern, and traditional architecture. I aimed to design a structure that is not only
aesthetically pleasing but also functional and well-adapted to its natural surroundings, ensuring that
it complements the landscape while meeting contemporary needs.
of ancient, modern, and traditional architecture. I aimed to design a structure that is not only
aesthetically pleasing but also functional and well-adapted to its natural surroundings, ensuring that
it complements the landscape while meeting contemporary needs.
Receiving this award will undoubtedly draw public attention to the design of the building,
potentially increasing its user base. As the designer, my plan is to leverage the award to maximize
exposure for the project, aiming to reach the widest possible audience and highlight the award
potentially increasing its user base. As the designer, my plan is to leverage the award to maximize
exposure for the project, aiming to reach the widest possible audience and highlight the award
It took about a month to develop the concept. Notably, the initial idea that emerged at the
beginning of the process remained unchanged throughout the development phase.
beginning of the process remained unchanged throughout the development phase.
The concept of transforming the existing ruins into a hotel stemmed from my research of the
project area. The natural beauty of the site, ideal for tourism, inspired the idea. The new parts of
the building, particularly the glass construction, were designed to complement the harsh, snowy
winters typical of the mountainous location. For this reason, the building features a pitched roof.
The hotel lounge area, which offers forest views, includes a stained-glass facade with a glass roof.
To address the snow load, an automatic electric field is activated on the glass to ensure snow
melting. My primary goal was to seamlessly integrate elements of antiquity, modernity, and
traditional architecture in this design.
project area. The natural beauty of the site, ideal for tourism, inspired the idea. The new parts of
the building, particularly the glass construction, were designed to complement the harsh, snowy
winters typical of the mountainous location. For this reason, the building features a pitched roof.
The hotel lounge area, which offers forest views, includes a stained-glass facade with a glass roof.
To address the snow load, an automatic electric field is activated on the glass to ensure snow
melting. My primary goal was to seamlessly integrate elements of antiquity, modernity, and
traditional architecture in this design.
This design is unique and exclusive, and I have no plans to create any analogues or reproduce the
exact style for other projects. While I do create buildings with a similar architectural style, each
structure is radically different from the others. I value originality in each project, ensuring that no
two buildings are the same. -
exact style for other projects. While I do create buildings with a similar architectural style, each
structure is radically different from the others. I value originality in each project, ensuring that no
two buildings are the same. -
The design of this hotel was inspired by the desire to create a unique and harmonious blend of
historical and modern elements. The hotel features four guest rooms, a lounge with forest-facing
stained glass, and a similarly styled dining room/ cafe extending along the longer part of the
building. Nestled within the ruins, the guest rooms are spread across the first and second floors,
connected by a lounge that ascends to a central fireplace on the upper floor. The integration of a
modern glass structure with the ancient ruins, especially with views of the forest, provides a
compelling solution for the hotel lounge, both functionally and visually. This project emphasizes a
stylistic fusion of forms and materials, focusing on contrasting different styles to enhance the
variety and depth of the architectural expression.
historical and modern elements. The hotel features four guest rooms, a lounge with forest-facing
stained glass, and a similarly styled dining room/ cafe extending along the longer part of the
building. Nestled within the ruins, the guest rooms are spread across the first and second floors,
connected by a lounge that ascends to a central fireplace on the upper floor. The integration of a
modern glass structure with the ancient ruins, especially with views of the forest, provides a
compelling solution for the hotel lounge, both functionally and visually. This project emphasizes a
stylistic fusion of forms and materials, focusing on contrasting different styles to enhance the
variety and depth of the architectural expression.
The glass pyramid at the Louvre, designed by I.M. Pei, significantly influenced my approach to
blending antiquity with modernity. This iconic structure exemplifies how modern architectural
elements can be integrated with historical contexts in a way that both preserves and enhances the
original. Inspired by this, I have focused on reconstruction projects that honor historical integrity
while incorporating contemporary design, driving my development as an architect specializing in
this transformative approach.
blending antiquity with modernity. This iconic structure exemplifies how modern architectural
elements can be integrated with historical contexts in a way that both preserves and enhances the
original. Inspired by this, I have focused on reconstruction projects that honor historical integrity
while incorporating contemporary design, driving my development as an architect specializing in
this transformative approach.
The target customers for this hotel design are tourists visiting Abastumani, Georgia, who seek a
unique and picturesque lodging experience. Additionally, this project serves as a compelling case
study for property owners with small, abandoned ruins, demonstrating that transformation into a
boutique hotel is not only feasible but can also preserve and celebrate historical architecture. This
design exemplifies how even challenging, small-scale ruins can be innovatively adapted to meet
modern standards, offering inspiration and practical solutions for similar reconstruction efforts.
unique and picturesque lodging experience. Additionally, this project serves as a compelling case
study for property owners with small, abandoned ruins, demonstrating that transformation into a
boutique hotel is not only feasible but can also preserve and celebrate historical architecture. This
design exemplifies how even challenging, small-scale ruins can be innovatively adapted to meet
modern standards, offering inspiration and practical solutions for similar reconstruction efforts.
This design distinguishes itself from similar projects primarily through its innovative stylistic
solutions and the challenge of integrating these within a compact space. Unlike typical modern
boutique hotels that often have the luxury of larger areas, this project successfully employs creative
architectural methods to maximize a smaller footprint, effectively blending functionality with
distinctive style, making it uniquely appealing.
solutions and the challenge of integrating these within a compact space. Unlike typical modern
boutique hotels that often have the luxury of larger areas, this project successfully employs creative
architectural methods to maximize a smaller footprint, effectively blending functionality with
distinctive style, making it uniquely appealing.
To me, this hotel is not just a building but a work of art that embodies creativity and comfort in its design and ambiance, making "Art" a fitting name that captures the essence of this unique accommodation.
At first I worked on the concept for some time as sketches on paper, then I made a mock-up, then I also began to scale and draw on paper, and when I was sure that it was exactly the concept I had in mind, I began to draw it on the computer
The most unique aspect of this design is the seamless integration of ancient ruins with a modern
stained-glass structure, which strikingly contrasts yet complements the historical context.
Additionally, the inclusion of balconies that feature traditional architectural elements adds a
distinctive touch, blending heritage with contemporary design in a visually compelling manner.
stained-glass structure, which strikingly contrasts yet complements the historical context.
Additionally, the inclusion of balconies that feature traditional architectural elements adds a
distinctive touch, blending heritage with contemporary design in a visually compelling manner.
For this project, I collaborated with 3D visualization specialists.
The technology incorporated into this design serves a crucial role in mitigating the potential damage
caused by heavy snowfall. By integrating a special electric field within the frame of the glass roofing,
activated by sensors or a control panel, the system can generate heat to melt snow accumulation.
This proactive approach not only prevents damage to the glass from the weight of the snow but also
ensures the safety and functionality of the structure. Essentially, technology is utilized here to
enhance the resilience and durability of the design in adverse weather conditions.
caused by heavy snowfall. By integrating a special electric field within the frame of the glass roofing,
activated by sensors or a control panel, the system can generate heat to melt snow accumulation.
This proactive approach not only prevents damage to the glass from the weight of the snow but also
ensures the safety and functionality of the structure. Essentially, technology is utilized here to
enhance the resilience and durability of the design in adverse weather conditions.
Conducting a survey of the project area provided valuable insights into the environmental
conditions and potential challenges. Subsequently, studying aspects such as snow and wind loads,
and their effects on buildings, especially on glass structures, allowed for a more informed decision-
making process. By utilizing the method of automatic snow melting on the glass, based on this
research, the design is tailored to address specific challenges and optimize the performance of the
structure in the given conditions. This approach ensures that the design is not only aesthetically
pleasing but also practical and resilient.
conditions and potential challenges. Subsequently, studying aspects such as snow and wind loads,
and their effects on buildings, especially on glass structures, allowed for a more informed decision-
making process. By utilizing the method of automatic snow melting on the glass, based on this
research, the design is tailored to address specific challenges and optimize the performance of the
structure in the given conditions. This approach ensures that the design is not only aesthetically
pleasing but also practical and resilient.
Addressing snow loading was the primary challenge encountered during the design and realization
of the concept. However, with a sound understanding of physics principles and relevant experience,
this challenge was effectively resolved.
of the concept. However, with a sound understanding of physics principles and relevant experience,
this challenge was effectively resolved.
I submitted the design to an international competition because I believe it deserves recognition and
public attention. Winning a unique award reinforced my commitment to presenting even better
projects in the future at A' Design Award. This recognition motivates me to push the boundaries of creativity and
excellence in design.
public attention. Winning a unique award reinforced my commitment to presenting even better
projects in the future at A' Design Award. This recognition motivates me to push the boundaries of creativity and
excellence in design.
I learned how to turn ruins into a modern, artistic hotel, for balance functionality with
aesthetics and find innovative solutions to preserve history while adding modern amenities.
aesthetics and find innovative solutions to preserve history while adding modern amenities.
I'd like to express my gratitude to the A' Design Award for providing the platform to showcase this
project to a global audience. It's been an invaluable opportunity to share our work and receive
recognition for our efforts. Thank you for allowing us to contribute to the design community and
inspire others with our innovative approach.
project to a global audience. It's been an invaluable opportunity to share our work and receive
recognition for our efforts. Thank you for allowing us to contribute to the design community and
inspire others with our innovative approach.
Grand Interview about Family Hotel Art
Engaging in this type of reconstruction allows for a fascinating exploration of innovative architectural practices, as it blends elements of antiquity with contemporary design. This fusion not only presents an interesting challenge but also contributes to an evolving narrative in architectural history, highlighting the importance of creating spaces that honor the past while embracing modernity. Such epochal architecture serves as a testament to our evolving aesthetic and cultural values.
The hotel's expansive stained glass windows overlooking the forest beautifully blend the interior with the surrounding natural landscape, enhancing the emotional ambiance for guests and embodying the serene and healing qualities of a balneological resort. This thoughtful design element not only fosters a calming atmosphere but also encourages a deep connection with nature, enriching the overall guest experience.
The building's vertical development reflects a thoughtful response to the surrounding landscape, prioritizing the preservation of natural elements while incorporating a diverse architectural language that blends antiquity with modern design, enriched by authentic Georgian features. This stylistic fusion not only respects the site's historical context by integrating existing ruins but also showcases a harmonious coexistence of past and present, ultimately creating a unique and environmentally conscious structure.
Abastumani is renowned for its therapeutic climate and sulfuric waters, making it a popular climatic and balneological resort. The active recreation season kicks off in May with the pollination season, where the region's coniferous forests, particularly dense with pines, contribute to the unique air quality; the pine pollen acts as a natural remedy for respiratory ailments. The area's hyperthermal, weakly mineralized springs further enhance its reputation, as the mineral waters are beneficial for treating various diseases, offering both treatment and rehabilitation opportunities for visitors.The hotel's distinctive features, such as its forest-adjacent location and architecturally designed balconies for each room, enhance the guest experience by promoting a strong connection with nature. Additionally, the inclusion of bathrooms equipped for healing treatments within each room, combined with access to therapeutic waters, emphasizes the holistic wellness focus of the establishment, making it a unique retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation.
The resort, built on the historical site of Odzrkhe, showcases its rich heritage dating back to before the 10th century BC, leveraging its famed therapeutic waters. The integration of ancient civilization remnants into the hotel facilities enhances the experience, allowing visitors to appreciate both the historical significance and modern amenities.
Abastumani, with its tranquil setting amid verdant pine forests and clean air, serves as an ideal getaway for nature lovers and stargazers alike, where guests can immerse themselves in the beauty of the night sky while reconnecting with the natural world.
The shift from traditional solid wood balconies in ancient Georgia to modern ornamental railings showcases a blend of heritage and innovation, utilizing advanced technologies like laser cutting to create intricate designs in metal that enhance aesthetic appeal while reflecting contemporary artistry.
The resort Abastumani, situated in a mountainous region at an altitude of 1250-1450 m, experiences cold winters with stable snow cover from mid-December to mid-March, presenting challenges for glass roofing due to increased snow loads. To mitigate this risk, a technological innovation was developed that incorporates sensor technology into the glass package; this system activates a thermal flow in the aluminum component when snow accumulates, automatically melting it
Having projects located far from the capital can provide unique opportunities, such as tapping into local resources, engaging with regional communities, and fostering economic development in underserved areas. This geographical diversity can also enhance resilience and innovation, as teams adapt to different regional challenges and dynamics.The severe winter weather—characterized by heavy snowfall and frost—poses significant challenges to construction timelines and processes, necessitating strategic planning and possibly innovative construction techniques to mitigate delays caused by the seasonal climate.
Reconstruction in architecture seeks to blend historical preservation with modern innovation, ensuring that both elements distinctly tell their own stories while coexisting. This approach recognizes the narrative power of different architectural styles, where the authenticity of the old is maintained, and the new introduces contemporary contrasts that contribute to an evolving architectural dialogue. Such contrasts not only celebrate the unique characteristics of each era but also forge a new architectural history that encapsulates the spirit of time, embodying both continuity and change.