Contextual Reuse: Transforming a Coastal Shell into Seaside Suites by minas architecture

Located directly on the shoreline and in close proximity to the town of Aigio, the existing structure – a long-abandoned beach bar – was repurposed into a series of autonomous hotel suites. The design approach prioritized adaptive reuse, maintaining the original shell of the building while completely reconfiguring the interior to accommodate the new hospitality program. A central objective of the project was to integrate the architecture into its coastal context, both visually and materially.

To achieve this, natural materials were used extensively, reinforcing the connection between the built environment and the surrounding landscape and creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. For the interior finishes, the material palette was curated to evoke simplicity, raw texture, and visual coherence. All wall surfaces were finished with Kourasanit, a natural mortar composed of volcanic ash, lime, and stone aggregates, selected for its durability, tactile quality, and subtle, earth-toned appearance that echoes the local geology. Brushed natural oak was used for all wooden elements, including flooring, built-in furniture, and interior cladding. Its warm tone and visible grain add softness and warmth, balancing the roughness of the mineral finishes. In the bathrooms, monolithic stone basins were custom-fabricated to further emphasize material authenticity and craftsmanship.