When Greek architects have inspiration, unique houses to cities, islands and villages, even in the middle of nowhere turn into a haven of serenity and luxury. This is what happens when aesthetics align with imagination and the unique Greek landscape… Small architectural wonders. Which is your favorite? Antiparos The design of the house is a dual response to the particular topography of the site and the rural domestication techniques that in the past shaped the raw “Cycladic island” landscape. In the past, dry-rubble stone walls domesticated the land for agricultural purposes and were the most prominent man-made interventions in the landscape. The walls retained earth and transformed a steep topography into a series of arable plateaus. Today, the Cycladic islands are being reshaped by a very different force: The demand for holiday homes. The design uses the precedent of earth-retaining stone walls to create an artificial landscape that is both rural and domestic in use. Syros Situated in the island of Syros, this summer house hosts a couple and their guests. The design process was defined by the clients’ desire to maximize the view of the Plagia bay. The main intention was to unify the various spaces of the house under one roof facing the Aegean, without creating massive volume, thus resulting in a deconstructed rectangle with massive openings from all sides. The entrance is situated in the back, following a gentle descent through continuous miniature courtyards, planted with local aromatic herbs. The main volume houses the common areas, whereas the slightly higher volume, covered in local masonry houses the couple’s private area. The volumes are set next to each other, under a united roof slab, facing the magnificent view of the bay. The design of the guesthouses varied significantly, as the clients’ desire was the creation of spaces that could be both private and with constant access to the pool and outdoor space. The four guesthouses are situated in opposing parts of the site, gaining distinct characteristics: the ones closer to the house are intended for close friends and visitors whereas the ones under the master bedroom enjoy a private entrance and can easily be rented. Corfu The “Skolix” houses are situated in a lush landscape of forest, flower and vegetable gardens and olive groves. Their designs grow out of the earth, and as they gently twist turn, carefully framed and breathtaking vistas open up towards the vast horizon. Sifnos The two-story residence and the guest house, the linear pool that disappears in the horizon, the big yard; the meeting point of owners and visitors: The residence in Sifnos, with its snow-white volumes and rigid geometry combines grandiosity with the minimalism characteristic of Aegean islands and dominates the landscape without imposing. Furniture from Bali and creations of famous modern artists have the first say in the interior and contrast harmoniously against the white bamboo and wood surfaces. Mykonos Big spaces with delicate details and unhindered view to the sea from an environment that harmoniously combines luxury with a bohemian feeling. The first floor of the residence hosts the bedrooms and on the ground floor small sitting corners with a special character from the big living room. Shaded verandas also offer ideal conditions for relaxation, while different versions of it are suggested by the sitting areas and the gazebo next to the pool. Relaxation reaches its peak in the spa of the basement, where the secret communication with the poll surprises. Earthy shades, natural materials and ethnic objects add to the personality of the space while keeping aesthetic purity intact.
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