Project Description
WINNER “DOMES AWARDS 2015” CATEGORY “Best first building by a young architect of the years 2010-2014”
At a very steep site with clear view towards the sea a holiday retreat protects its inhabitants from the sun heat and the strong winds while soothing the senses under the moonlight. We have placed the building at the only available naturally formed plateau of the site in order to avoid unnecessary groundworks that could spoil the relief. The structure is defined by 3 volumes that are placed along the contour lines. The end product is a result of the division of a rectangular volume into 3 parts while staggering the middle part towards the east.This break is enhanced by the use of various materials and alteration of the design. The main features of the central volume (where the day activities are hosted) are the cladding with local Arcadian stone – dry stone construction both internally and externally on concrete frame and brick infill -, pitched gabled roof with roofslates and the fireplace on the narrow end framing the view. The design has references to the local architecture (where the Tsakonian “Makrinaria” are met) incorporating changes to the form and size of the openings in order to achieve better results on the bioclimatic output and view. Floor to ceiling openings enhance the dual aspect feature without affecting the monolithic quality while the views cross on all sides. The staggering of the western wall from the outline of this volume creates a long and narrow circulation area under a flat parapet roof that connects all three volumes. Two white blocks are set back on either side of the main volume (where the bedrooms and wc’s are hosted) acting as reference to the minimalism and sincerity of our attempted architectural language away from heavy decorative features and overstatements. At the intersection of the three volumes two fair faced concrete beams act as “connectors” subtly underlining the junction of the 3 blocks. A configuration revealing the endless view to the horizon and was born out of consideration for the steep relief and the local traditional materials.
*LED strips placed on the upper side of the second ceiling joist as part of the roof lights offering adequate floodlight at the living room area without betraying the position of the light source.
* Hidden lights underneath the handrail underlining the linear movement towards the Villa offering adequate lighting for the external staircase.
* Using the same technique we illuminate the space underneath the pergola (LEAD strips hidden within the wooden joists).