PROJECT DETAILS
Design: DEKI studio design
Project: River Stone, AIRBNB
Project date: April 2023
Project location: Naxos, Cyclades Greece
A space carved by light, stone, and silence.
River Stone does not attempt to imitate Cycladic architecture. Instead, it approaches it as an experience , a feeling of calm, permanence, and natural flow. It is a space that seems to have been shaped by light and time, rather than deliberately designed.
The architecture is structured around built-in elements that act as stable reference points within the interior. Built beds and sofas finished in white cement plaster define the main living areas, creating a sense of permanence that feels almost sculptural. Curved lines, arches, and softened edges replace strict angles, allowing the space to flow seamlessly from one area to another.
The exposed stone of the existing shell is preserved and carefully highlighted. It does not function as a decorative element, but as a bearer of memory and identity — a quiet dialogue between old and new, natural and constructed.
The kitchen is organically integrated into the living area, functioning as a natural extension of it. Built-in, minimal, and calm, it follows the same material language and color palette. Shades of sand and beige, wooden countertops, and open shelves made of natural wood reinforce the handcrafted character of the space, while subtle black details introduce a balanced contemporary contrast. Lighting remains soft and atmospheric, diffusing gently rather than imposing itself.
The bedrooms continue the same quiet narrative. Built beds, natural textures, linen fabrics, straw elements, and handmade ceramics compose spaces of complete relaxation. The color palettes remain neutral, allowing light and materiality to define the atmosphere. The master bedroom features an en-suite bathroom, designed with the same commitment to simplicity and naturalness. In both bathrooms, the experience evokes that of a spa: polished cement surfaces, exposed stone, and low-intensity lighting create an environment of calm and introspection.
Overall, River Stone was conceived not simply as an accommodation, but as a hospitality experience deeply connected to its place. A space fully attuned to the light, landscape, and rhythm of life in Naxos, quiet, timeless, and essential.
