Site area : 2,776 m2

Building area : 1,362 m2

Location : Paphos Beach, Cyprus

[Description]

The beach represents a divine and enigmatic boundary where the ocean greets the land. Throughout history, humanity has settled along these shores, relying on them for survival. Over time, the beach has transitioned into a place of leisure for contemporary society. Consequently, the need for beach shelters has grown, aiming to enhance convenience for beachgoers. The objective here is to reimagine the beach space at the junction of nature into a celebration of the natural world, crafting parasols that go beyond mere sun protection to embody the spirit of a festival.

To achieve this, the parasol’s design is inspired by flowers—a natural symbol of celebration on land. It also draws from the ever-changing characteristics of the sea’s surface. Each parasol is akin to a living flower, displaying a range of natural postures through its transformative stages. The canopy takes on a variety of hues, mirroring the sea’s palette altered by sunlight reflections, enriching the beachscape.

The parasol’s design culminates with the dynamic presence of users, whose activities lend vitality to the space. This fusion of design, color, and human interaction creates an environment that pulsates with the vibrancy of a living nature and the essence of a festival. Functionally, the parasol’s sunshade capability is adjustable to seven positions, catering to diverse preferences—be it basking in the sun, seeking shade for relaxation, or appreciating the parasol’s aesthetic metamorphosis.

From a technical standpoint, the parasol incorporates standard components but is innovatively inverted compared to traditional designs. It is designed for easy disassembly, and its base tube is equipped with a sand anchor for simple, tool-free installation on the beach. The canopy’s shape is altered by moving a handle along the base tube. Moreover, when fully extended during rain, the parasol efficiently channels water away.

The canopy fabric is available in seven color variations, each inspired by the sea’s chromatic response to sunlight. Made from high-density polyethylene with a diamond grid pattern, the fabric not only mimics a texture derived from nature but also enhances the interplay of light and color as the parasol’s shape changes. This thoughtful design ensures that the parasols are not just functional but also integral to the lively and transformative atmosphere of the beach, a celebration of both nature and human ingenuity.

Paphos Beach Shelter International Design Competition

Result : First Prize (The winning project will be constructed in the Paphos beach of Cyprus.)

Design by KIM MIN JAE