Location: Kissamos, Crete
Year: 2025
Area: 3,200 sq.m.

Tella Thera is conceived as a contemporary retreat rooted in the architectural heritage of Crete, blending tradition with refined modernity. Set within the natural landscape, the project prioritises sustainability and eco-conscious tourism, integrating green roofs planted with olive and Mediterranean trees across all buildings. This approach enhances thermal performance while supporting local biodiversity.

The design draws from the Venetian arches of Chania and the island’s historic cave dwellings, translating these references into a rhythmic façade of full and half arches. These forms guide the spatial experience, leading into interiors shaped by continuous microcement surfaces that create a cohesive and sculptural environment.

Rather than imposing itself on the site, the architecture emerges from it, establishing a strong connection between built form and landscape. Tella Thera offers a quiet and immersive experience, where luxury is defined through authenticity, material simplicity, and a close relationship with Crete’s enduring natural character.