The Artisans @Theodore Zoumboulakis & @Daphne Zoumboulakis
The Project @Nikolaou Residences
The Nikolaou Residence on Aegina Island serves as an exemplary case study of blending art in the design to create a unique and sustainable space to gather. Formerly the home and studio of revered painter Nikos Nikolaou, this Greek island property has been transformed by his descendants into a cultural and hospitality haven that leverages its artistic heritage to attract guests.
Nikolaou Residences #darestobedifferent by:
Concept & Design: The transformation was spearheaded by renown @Theodore Zoumboulakis, architect, and his sister Daphne, a gallery owner and an art advisor. Their approach was to preserve the integrity of the original art studio while introducing the comforts necessary for a boutique guesthouse experience. The design maintains the historical essence and personal touches of Nikolaou, aiming to replicate the atmosphere in which the artist lived, surrounded by his artworks and personal objects.
Experience: art available to a wider audience. The guesthouses are named and styled in ways that reflect the local flora and the family’s artistic legacy, turning each stay into a cultural experience.
The Story & the connection: a hub for cultural engagement. The guesthouses provide a tranquil retreat surrounded by gardens, with each unit offering privacy and a connection to the island’s artistic heritage. Visitors can engage deeply with the site’s cultural background.
The guesthouses, named with nods to both the local flora and the familial artistic legacy, feature artworks belonging to the Nikolaou and Zoumboulakis families, enhancing the cultural immersion. The property also includes Nikolaou’s preserved atelier, now accessible for public visits, which adds a tangible connection to Aegina’s artistic past, once a hub for renowned Greek artists and poets.
This harmonious integration of art, history, in the beautiful mansion creates a unique cultural experience for guests, offering both relaxation and inspiration amidst the island’s natural and historical landscapes.
Inspiration: Nikolaou Residence illustrates how integrating cultural elements into spaces can create a compelling market niche.
Nikolaou Residence underscores the importance of authenticity and heritage preservation in distinguishing a Hotel in a crowded marketplace. By focusing on the unique aspects of their familial and cultural history, the Zoumboulakis siblings have not only preserved their heritage but have also created a vibrant boutique lodge that offers significant lessons in innovation and branding within the hospitality industry.
This approach serves as a blueprint for other entities looking to blend art, culture, and hospitality into a cohesive living museum, demonstrating that with the right vision and execution, cultural heritage can be transformed into a compelling value proposition for guests.
The Artisans:
Mr. Theodore Zoumboulakis, states ‘’ The idea is to help people feel inspired, to think, write and produce”
About:
Theodore Zoumboulakis leads the Design process of all his practice’s projects. He oversees each project from initial design to completion of construction.
Zoumboulakis Architects is a full-service architecture and Design practice, with a project portfolio ranging from residences, private holiday houses, high-end retail shops and offices. Having worked with international clients around Europe, our team has developed a strong expertise in handling challenging briefs in a variety of locations. Each and every project undertaken is designed and constructed with care and attention safeguarding each project’s unique identity.
Home – Zoumboulakis Architects
Mrs. Daphne Zoumboulakis shares ‘’ We feel lucky to have had the opportunity to revive such a beautiful part of our past, and to be able to share that with the world.”
About:
Daphne Zoumboulakis is a prominent figure in the Greek art scene, currently managing the Zoumboulakis Galleries located in Athens. The gallery has a rich history, having showcased works by renowned artists such as Chryssa, Fassianos, Moralis, Pavlos, Takis, Tsarouchis, Giorgio de Chirico, Pablo Picasso, Robert Rauschenberg and Andy Warhol but to name a few.
Under Daphne’s leadership, the gallery has continued to promote contemporary art, featuring both established and emerging artists. In 2007, the gallery expanded its scope by opening a new space in downtown Athens too, blending contemporary art with design and antiques to propose a unique aesthetic for interiors.
Through her efforts, Daphne Zoumboulakis continues to contribute significantly to the cultural landscape of Athens, fostering an appreciation for both historical and contemporary art.
