Oreno Mountain Retreat Hospitality Project

For us, tradition is not a fixed image of the past but a living architectural language. In Zagorochoria, historic buildings are characterized by strong volumes and clear proportions. While the hotel's program required multiple functions, we avoided fragmenting the project into separate buildings. Instead, we designed a unified structure articulated into two distinct volumes that organize the ground-floor functions: reception and spa on one side, restaurant and kitchen on the other. These volumes are connected by a large stone arch, a defining element inspired by local architectural heritage.The balance between tradition and contemporary hospitality is also expressed through the openings. While the suites follow the traditional proportions of Zagori architecture, the shared spaces required larger openings to maximize daylight and frame the mountain landscape. To preserve the building's local identity, these openings are divided with traditional wooden mullions, maintaining the rhythm and character of the region's architecture while meeting contemporary expectations of comfort and experience.

Zagorochoria is a unique region recently recognized by UNESCO for both its extraordinary natural landscape and its remarkable stone-built settlements. These villages are defined by a strong architectural identity, where stone architecture and the surrounding environment exist in complete harmony. Visitors who travel to Zagorochoria do not simply seek accommodation; they seek an authentic experience deeply connected to the spirit of the place.We believe this reflects a broader shift within the hospitality industry. Travelers increasingly value destinations that offer genuine local character rather than generic luxury. They are looking for places where architecture, culture, history, and landscape form a coherent experience.At Oreno Mountain Retreat, our goal was to create a building that feels naturally rooted in its setting, embracing the architectural language and materials of the region. This contextual depth transforms the guest experience, creating a stronger emotional connection with the destination. The result is not only a memorable stay, but a deeper understanding and appreciation of the place itself.

The environmental constraints of the site were not obstacles but valuable design parameters that helped shape a stronger architectural solution. From the beginning, our objective was to minimize excavation and integrate the building naturally into the existing terrain. The organization of the ground floor was carefully planned so that all primary shared spaces face the landscape, allowing them to benefit from natural light and views. Areas with limited access to daylight were allocated to service and support functions, reducing the need for unnecessary openings and interventions.Local regulations and the architectural character of Zagorochoria encouraged a unified building volume rather than a fragmented composition. Initially, this presented a challenge, as the hospitality program required distinct functions. The solution emerged through the introduction of the central stone arch, which visually divides the building into two interconnected volumes while maintaining a single architectural entity. This approach significantly reduced the impact on the landscape compared to multiple separate structures and ultimately led to a more coherent and contextually sensitive design.