Residence in Tinos

Landscape extension

Built in a privileged location with panoramic Aegean views, the house in Vourni is a private refuge of relaxation, only a few miles away from Tinos town. Aiming at its harmonious integration in the environment, the composition balances between local materials and contemporary aesthetics, keeping with simple lines and a functional arrangement.

Design Philosophy

The building is designed in one level only, mostly dug underground into the slope, and the roof appears as a natural extension of the hill. The east part of the structure springs out of the rock, perpendicular to the underground wing, providing the courtyard with its desired privacy and protection from the wind, without compromising the impressive sea view. Concurrently, large, south-facing openings allow uninterrupted vistas from the interior.

Functional Organization

The program includes a dining area, lounge, and kitchen, as well as three spacious bedrooms. The entrance hall is the core of the composition, with two building wings extending from that point. Folding glazing in the front creates a seamless transition between the indoor space and the sheltered courtyard outside. There, the water element of the swimming pool is designed at a linear extension of the entrance access, and end at an infinity edge at the south of the terrace.

The east wing includes two bedrooms, with an atrium opening towards the view at their interval. The master bedroom occupies a prominent position at the southern edge of the house, with immediate access to the swimming pool. The west wing contains the large, integrated lounge and dining area, with the kitchen in the background. The third bedroom, with ensuite bathroom and independent access, may function as a separate guesthouse.

Landscape Design

The terrace is equipped with an outdoor lounge at the extension of the indoor shared areas, with a dining bench at its western part. The composition and the volumetric arrangement are organized in a way which facilitates the building’s integration into the landscape with the least possible disturbance. The same reasoning guides the selection of materials: unfaced stone is combined with wood and selected concrete elements, resulting in an earthy simplicity throughout.