Alemagou

Alemagou is a bar and restaurant on Ftelia Beach, in Mykonos. Taking inspiration from Cycladic architectural elements such as whitewashed houses; dry-stone walls that blend into the scrubby landscape; hardwearing screed floors; and natural reed-thatched roof insulation, the familiar textures are applied to contemporary, organic forms to create a unique character.

Added to the palate are the dominating natural conditions of the site: the strong wind and sun and the dry landscape. Rather than attempting to block these natural forces the design welcomes them, turning them to its advantage. Natural reed thatch is used to create an inverted field for a canopy that allows air to circulate and the space to stay cool. Throughout the day sunlight filters through, lighting and shading the space simultaneously. At night down lighting continues to animate the canopy from within, creating a warm atmosphere for evening dining. Beneath the canopy a topography of screed terraces flows down from the restaurant to the sand, via the bar and lounging areas. Circulation is organized to create designated areas for dining, drinking or relaxing yet their low-level boundaries let light and air flow naturally through the open space and allow continuous views across the beach to the sea and sunset.

The combination of these purposely designed and naturally occurring elements creates a multi-sensory architecture that sits in harmony with the environment, provides a natural, comfortable refuge from the elements and creates an exciting, sociable atmosphere.