Two Summer Residences

T w o S u m m e r R e s i d e n c e s
The facade of the building’s lower level, as well as elements of the landscaping, feature curves parallel to the plot’s contour lines and axes perpendicular to them, creating a fluidity in the outdoor relaxation areas.
A wide range of materials and techniques were used: exposed or whitewashed masonry without joints, sandblasted marble plasters without guides with "broken" corners on the building shell, cement mortar in the color of cement and other shades (used both for interior floors and exterior areas), wooden ceilings and floors, paving with hand-worked slabs of Tinos marble.
Stone walls, exposed or whitewashed, and cobblestone paths define planting beds and movement areas. Wooden pergolas, frames, and industrial flooring in the outdoor area, tensile membrane canopy over the BBQ area.
The sculptural articulation of the building, combined with the arrangement of the openings, allows unobstructed views of the sea and surrounding islands from all spaces. The landscaping aims to integrate the interior spaces with the exterior ones, especially during the warmer months of the year.
The land was enriched with abundant planting of native plants such as thyme, sage, oregano, rosemary, lemon balm, as well as resilient trees like almond, pomegranate, and olive trees that thrive in the Mediterranean climate.
The building's adaptation to the terrain, the local climatic conditions, and the optimal direction for the view, along with the owners' needs, were key parameters in the design process.
A reference to tradition, but from the perspective, needs, and desires of our time. Old values and new realities merge in a composition without dogmatism.
LOCATION
Volakas, Syros
YEAR
2011
TYPE
Residency
STATUS
Completed
CONCEPT

These two holiday residences, constructed in 2011, serve the needs of a four-member family and their guests, primarily during the summer months. They are freely located on a steep 12-acre plot with panoramic views of the northwestern coastline of Syros and the islands of Gyaros, Andros, and Kythnos.

 

The building’s adaptation to the terrain, the local climatic conditions, and the optimal direction for the view, along with the owners’ needs, were key parameters in the design process. The solution was a tiered residence with a central element – the swimming pool – around which all functions are developed. The open-air “interior” pool at the heart of the building protects the privacy of its users and is shielded from the strong northern winds due to its location. Additionally, it serves as a source of light and interest for the lower level of the building, through its three large underwater windows.

 

The facade of the building’s lower level, as well as elements of the landscaping, feature curves parallel to the plot’s contour lines and axes perpendicular to them, creating a fluidity in the outdoor relaxation areas. The sculptural articulation of the building, combined with the arrangement of the openings, allows unobstructed views of the sea and surrounding islands from all spaces. The landscaping aims to integrate the interior spaces with the exterior ones, especially during the warmer months of the year.

 

A wide range of materials and techniques were used: exposed or whitewashed masonry without joints, sandblasted marble plasters without guides with “broken” corners on the building shell, cement mortar in the color of cement and other shades (used both for interior floors and exterior areas), wooden ceilings and floors, paving with hand-worked slabs of Tinos marble. Stone walls, exposed or whitewashed, and cobblestone paths define planting beds and movement areas. Wooden pergolas, frames, and industrial flooring in the outdoor area, tensile membrane canopy over the BBQ area, and stainless steel underwater windows in the pool.

 

The land was enriched with abundant planting of native plants such as thyme, sage, oregano, rosemary, lemon balm, as well as resilient trees like almond, pomegranate, and olive trees that thrive in the Mediterranean climate. This planting creates a favorable microclimate that contributes to temperature reduction, improves air quality, and conserves water. Furthermore, it provides shelter for local fauna and enhances biodiversity, contributing to a sustainable and functional landscape. To meet the planting needs, provisions have been made for water collection and management through underground water tanks.

 

A reference to tradition, but from the perspective, needs, and desires of our time. Old values and new realities merge in a composition without dogmatism.

MASTER PLANNING
Chorographers
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
Chorographers
STRUCTURAL DESIGN
Chorographers
INTERIOR DESIGN
Chorographers
SUPERVISION
Chorographers
Prize
KTIRIO 2nd award summer house
PHOTOGRAPHY
Alexandros Petrakis