Pnoe’ Breathing Life, was an overall renovation and addition of new buildings in an existing hotel that was built in 1968. In its time the hotel was one of the first Bungalow hotels with Swimming pool in Heraklion. The Greek Modernism movement's influence was apparent in the architecture of the original buildings. That influence, in combination with the narratives that were given from the client for the creation of an ambient atmosphere that connects with nature and the environment of Crete, were the driving forces for the Design Concept of the hotel.
A large open pergola welcomes the guests into the hotel overlooking the common space with the swimming pool. Modernism elements like the round pillars and the marble wall that are holding the pergola, were incorporated in the design as a tribute to the previous era of the hotel. Large window panels that go up to the roof, create the reception area on the left of the pergola.
The rest of the hotel is laid out like a large hug around a common curved swimming pool. The rooms are located on the West, North and East side of the resort, each one with its own private pool.The materials used in the hotel are mainly local, contributing to the hotel’s sustainability. The colors are earthy without tensions, creating a harmony both with the environment and between the materials themselves. All furniture and metal structures were hand made by local Craftsmen.
