Olen Resort / ATENO Architecture Studio

Architects: ATENO Architecture Studio
Year: 2026
Photography: Yiorgis Yerolymbos
Lead Architects: Elias Theodorakis, Yiorgos Fiorentinos
Structural Engineering: Stavros Theodorakis, Evaggelia Tekou, Tesseract Engineers
MEP Engineering: Leonardos Roussos
Supervisor: Ioannis Giannakas (3axes)
City: Syros
Country: Greece

The Olen Resort in Syros is conceived as a discreet architectural intervention embedded within a steep, south-facing coastal terrain overlooking the Aegean Sea. Developed as a multi-level residential retreat, the project negotiates the demands of programmatic complexity while maintaining a restrained visual presence within the landscape. Organized through a clear geometric framework, the resort is articulated into three distinct yet interrelated components that respond directly to topography, orientation, and the experiential qualities of the site.

We love Kourasani. Kourasani is a mortar made from ceramic powder with roots in ancient construction techniques, used in a manner similar to modern plaster. Its most notable characteristic is its rough finish, which provides strong mechanical properties — ideal for rural projects. It is produced in various colours that weather beautifully over time with minimal maintenance, while its warm terracotta-hued version creates serene spaces that harmonize perfectly with the Mediterranean landscapes where our projects are located.
Interview with Elias Theodorakis & Yiorgos Fiorentinos of Ateno Architecture Studio

Rather than imposing a singular architectural gesture, the project operates through a system of spatial stratification that emphasizes both separation and continuity. The design reflects a deliberate effort to minimize visual disruption, employing partially submerged volumes and locally sourced materials to merge built form with natural context. Each unit within the resort maintains autonomy while contributing to a cohesive spatial narrative defined by movement, privacy, and shared experience.

The architectural concept is structured around three primary elements identified as the Plane, the Line, and the Point, each occupying a specific position along the descending slope. At the uppermost level, the Plane functions as a communal terrace framed by an arched retaining wall that establishes both spatial enclosure and circulation. This element integrates ramps and stairs while embedding interior spaces within the terrain, allowing the architecture to recede into the landscape.

Midway along the site, the Line introduces a linear, recessed structure accommodating two independent living units. Its understated façade, set back beneath a longitudinal overhang, reduces visual prominence and reinforces its role as a background element within the composition. The flexibility of adjoining outdoor spaces allows for varying degrees of privacy and connection between occupants.

At the lowest point, closest to the sea, the Point manifests as a fully submerged guesthouse. Conceived as an almost invisible retreat, it is constructed using materials sourced directly from the site, further dissolving its presence within the environment. Only a circular terrace remains perceptible, forming a quiet platform oriented toward the horizon.

Through this tripartite organization, Olen Resort achieves a careful balance between architectural clarity and environmental sensitivity. The project demonstrates a disciplined approach to form-making, where geometry, materiality, and topography converge to produce a spatial experience rooted in stillness, continuity, and immersion in the surrounding landscape.