In 2024, PEOPLE, a pioneering architectural firm, received a Luxury Lifestyle Awards for Best Luxury Resort Architecture for their exceptional work on Magma Resort Santorini in Greece. In this article, we delve deeper into PEOPLE’s innovation in sustainable architecture, looking specifically at two of their standout projects: ‘Metamorphosis’ and ‘Hills Clubhouse’. 

About PEOPLE

PEOPLE is at the forefront of the intersection between the built environment and technology sectors, with an evident passion for responsible development. The firm’s team includes leading architects, landscape architects, MEP engineers, structural engineers, environmental engineers, designers, and project managers. This diverse group of experts operates out of offices in the UK and Greece, creating a global footprint in the architectural landscape. 

The firm’s integrated approach combines cutting-edge technology with a profound respect for tradition and sustainability. Innovative methods such as the integration of Class A mechanical equipment and energy-saving systems are central to their projects, ensuring energy autonomy and enhanced efficiency while minimizing consumption. 

PEOPLE’s philosophy is rooted in a holistic view of the life cycle of buildings, from concept through construction to use. Their designs respect the environment, leveraging local materials and climatic conditions to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also sustainable, offering long-term benefits for both the planet and the occupants. 

Innovation in Sustainable Architecture: Key Projects

PEOPLE’s commitment to sustainability and innovation is evident in their notable projects, such as the ‘Metamorphosis’ and ‘Hills Clubhouse’ developments. 

Metamorphosis 

Metamorphosis is a groundbreaking project that transformed an existing building from the 1990s into a state-of-the-art clinic. Located in Metamorfosi, a northern suburb of Athens, the redesign transformed the structure into a contemporary space that feels both secure and welcoming, essential for the IVF Serum Clinic it houses. 

The design preserved key structural elements like staircases, lifts, and steel window frames, converting these features into assets. The building’s new façade, clad in aluminum beams and wooden slats, provides shading and aesthetic appeal, integrating with the landscape to create a flowing, harmonious environment. 

Inside, the design accommodates the clinic’s operational needs with a lobby, café, restaurant, surgeries, labs, and offices on the ground floor. The first floor features office spaces and consultation rooms, while support services and facilities are spread throughout the building. This mindful layout enhances functionality while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere. 

Hills Clubhouse 

Hills Clubhouse is a recent addition to Navarino Hills in Costa Navarino, recognized as the “World’s Best New Golf Development” at the World Golf Awards 2020. This project showcases PEOPLE’s ability to harmonize architecture with the natural landscape, achieving a minimal environmental footprint and the highest energy efficiency class (A+, nZEB). 

Located at a strategic point within a 3,880-acre development, the clubhouse offers stunning views of Navarino Bay, Pylos, and the mountainous Peloponnese. The building’s design incorporates stone and wood, materials that reflect the local architectural character, merging with its surroundings. 

The clubhouse spans three floors, with a ground floor lobby, equipment rental spaces, and offices; a basement housing locker rooms, storage, and MEP facilities; and a first floor dedicated to F&B services, complete with covered and open-air terraces. This thoughtful design ensures a smooth flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing the experience for golfers and visitors alike. 

Conclusion

PEOPLE’s award-winning Magma Resort Santorini and their projects like Metamorphosis and Hills Clubhouse exemplify their progressive approach to sustainable luxury architecture. Their ability to integrate cutting-edge technology with traditional design principles sets them apart as leaders in the field. By respecting the environment and leveraging local materials, PEOPLE creates spaces that are both innovative and enduring, contributing to a more sustainable and beautiful world. 

Looking ahead, PEOPLE plans to expand their portfolio with projects that push the boundaries of sustainable architecture even further. Additionally, PEOPLE is committed to fostering local community growth by prioritizing projects that generate employment opportunities and contribute positively to the areas where they operate. These forward-looking initiatives underscore PEOPLE’s dedication to shaping the future of architecture.