Block722 completes JW Marriott Rete Resort & Spa
Sitting on the rocky slopes of Greece Akra Pelegri with a comprehensive view of Souda Bay, the JW Marriott Rete Resort & Spa opens its doors and marks the first presence of the brand on the island. The 160 rooms Resort is brought to life from the architecture studio Block722 And is operated by Swot guest friendship.
The 13,600 square meter development should follow the natural terrain and extends over almost 60,000 square meters of rough Cretan country. Local materials, including Stone And aggregates that come directly from the spot form the walls and structural elements and create the feeling that the buildings are part of the earth itself. The architecture is clean and sculptural and rooted in texture, shadow and natural light. The resort includes what the design team names as a “slow life” and invites the guests to settle into the rhythms of the island.
All pictures by George Pappas, unless otherwise stated
Greek architectural references shape the project
From the moment you arrive, the JW Marriott Crete's Resort & Spa sets the tone with a layered approach. The entrance opens to a planted square. Athens is based Block722 accept a traditional village 'Plateia', which she immediately breeds on the spot. From there, the resort is slowly unveiled when they move through a number of framed views and architectural threshold values.
Inside, the natural light spills from a central skylight and filters through a lobby lush with green. The interplay of nature and structure continues through the bar, the restaurant and the JW market, all of which are shaded by large pergolas, elements that tend to the old Greek architecture and at the same time offer comfort from the Mediterranean sun.
In the common rooms in the resort there is a balance between clean, geometric lines and a grounded, earthy texture. Wood, stone and woven elements bring softness and warmth, while the constantly changing light gives movement and depth. Shading structures made of natural fibers keep things cool as they indicate traditional craftsmanship. In the center of everything, a quiet reflective pool is wrapped around sunken seating areas that are reached by steps.
The JW Marriott Rete Resort & Spa opens its doors
Houses belonging to the hill
While the guests make the slope up, the energy of the common rooms gradually gives way to a feeling of calm and privacy. The rooms, a mixture of one and two-story structures, open to unhindered sea views, shady terraces and planted roofs that dissolve the buildings into the site. Private diving baths are integrated into the slope, which cools the microclimate and the rhythms of the location are repeated.
The interior design continues the conversation with nature through a range of raw linen, terracotta, ceramics, rattan and wood. Every piece of furniture and finish is produced in close cooperation with Creative craftsmen and moved into from nearby workshops, which gives the deep respect of the resort tangible form for the location.
The thorough regenerative approach of Block722 is applied to environmental systems, including green roofs, photovoltaic panels and a well for water procurement. Passive strategies such as natural cross presentation, deep pergolas and optimal orientation help to maintain thermal comfort and at the same time reduce the energy requirement. The planting scheme developed with doxiadis+only uses locals, drought -tolerant species that promote biological diversity and eliminate unnecessary irrigation.
Private pools are integrated into the slope
The JW Marriott Rete Resort & Spa specifies the tone with a layered approach | Image by Ana Santl