Raw Luxury on Folegandros Island

Located in Folegandros, Greece, Gundari Resort by Block722 was designed to harmonize with its pristine environment. This small Aegean island represents its archipelago’s natural beauty, characterized by dramatic rocky hills, low Mediterranean vegetation, and the endless blue horizon of the sea, making it a perfect, contemplative escape.

Gundari_sea front suite
Photo credit: Ana Santl

Gundari was conceived to blend seamlessly with this context, not only in its physical manifestation, such as its minimalist volumes and material choices, but also in its perfect synchronization with the island’s slow way of life, offering guests the luxury of time, mindfulness, and relaxation.

Gundari
Photo credit: Ana Santl

Gundari
Photo credit: Ana Santl

The client’s brief outlined an eco-resort, a hospitality complex that is fully in tune with its surroundings, respecting the Cycladic Island’s breathtaking scenery and cultural heritage. Block722, led by founders Sotiris Tsergas and Katja Margaritoglou, envisioned an architecture that combines tranquility and a gentle sense of adventure, ideal for a perfect holiday. The design draws on the island’s visual and cultural language, from the colors inspired by the surrounding sea and rocky outcrops to the materials’ anchoring effect and the overall composition, which nods to historic Aegean village formations.

Photo credit: Ana Santl

Set on a generous cliffside site, Gundari comprises low structures spread across the plot. The suites nestle into the softly undulating terrain, all oriented to offer panoramic views of the water. The complex is organized into two sections: one is almost invisible, nestled into the earth with green roofs, and the second, while above ground, remains low and discreet. The main resort building, housing the reception and communal amenities, stands slightly taller, subtly signaling its presence to guests, reminiscent of the village hall in the main square of a traditional Greek village. An infinity swimming pool, seen through a composition of volumes directing the gaze towards the horizon, merges with the colors of the Aegean, immersing visitors in its blue backdrop.

Designed in Block722’s signature warm minimalism, the resort echoes Cycladic architectural traditions. The use of natural materials and colors, such as marble, wood, and clay, in interiors and exteriors creates rich conceptual layering and physical textures. Much of the natural stone and gravel used was recycled from the site, ensuring a gentle circularity in its construction. The spaces, clad in earthy tones like soft beige and warm grey, offer an inviting, subtly luxurious, and respectful setting. Hand-picked art, ceramics, and music enhance the feeling of serenity throughout the resort, while bespoke furniture pieces designed by Block722, mixed with vintage finds, complete the design.

Gundari’s immersive experience extends to the communal areas, many of which are outdoors, in line with the Cycladic Island’s local vernacular. This design allows guests to take in the vistas and be at one with nature. Delicate wooden structures connect the sculptural, simple forms of the enclosed stone areas, offering shade and visual continuity along the resort’s main circulation routes. Designed over five years with care, the newly opened Gundari Resort thrives in its wild context, making the most of its secluded setting’s drama and character. Thoughtful construction planning ensured that any equipment, skilled workers, and materials brought from neighboring islands or the mainland were handled with immense respect for nature, minimizing landscape impact and bolstering this design-led eco-resort’s considerate nature.

About Block722

Block722 is a boutique architecture studio founded in Athens, Greece, in 2009 by architect Sotiris Tsergas and interior designer Katja Margaritoglou. The studio specializes in high-end residential and hospitality projects, merging Mediterranean and Scandinavian influences to create distinct, high-quality architectural spaces that are effortless, timeless, and pleasing. Block722's approach is holistic, with architecture and interior design working together to respond to the client's needs with sensibility and simplicity. Clean lines and quality architecture space are consistent design principles for projects of any scale. The interior design team closely collaborates with the architectural design team throughout the projects' lifecycle, introducing refined, high-quality materials and objects to define the identity of each project.