Villa Ypsilon

Sectional ground

Set on a tranquil hillside within an olive grove in southern Peloponnese, this residence is defined by its distinctive Y-shaped green roof. Acting as an extension of the surrounding garden, the roof frames expansive views from the interior and integrates the building seamlessly into the landscape.

 

Spatial Organization

Circulation is designed to flow through, around, and over the house, creating a continuous promenade that links interior and exterior functions. This layout invites full engagement with the perimeter of the residence, while its low profile -never exceeding the height of the olive trees- ensures a harmonious relationship with the terrain and the natural setting.

The branching paths of the green roof define three distinct ground-level courtyards, each shaped as a hemisphere and programmed for specific activities based on the sun’s movement. The roof’s orientation is deliberately designed to cast shade at certain times of the day, enhancing comfort throughout. The western courtyard, where the main entrance is located, remains shaded until midday -ideal for breakfast- while transforming into an open-air cinema in the evening.

 

 

Architectural Features

A large perforated wall on the western façade protects the interior from the intense afternoon sun, while allowing natural cross-ventilation and passive cooling at night. The eastern courtyard, shaded from midday onward, serves as a lunch and relaxation area during the afternoon. The southern courtyard is active throughout the day, accommodating a swimming pool and functioning as an outdoor dining space in the evening.

The 12-meter pool, integrated into the southern courtyard, features a gentle slope that creates a beach-like experience. Along its southern edge, a Mediterranean-style terrace channels the overflow water. Adjacent to this area, a sunbathing deck offers uninterrupted views of the sea and the nearby island of Schiza. The interior is divided into two zones: a private wing with three bedrooms and two bathrooms oriented eastward, and a communal wing to the south, which includes an open-plan living room, dining area, and kitchen. All shared spaces have direct access to the three courtyards.

The curved wooden ceiling in the living area incorporates custom lighting and functions as a sound-absorbing element. A custom-designed bookshelf serves as a visual and spatial divider between private and communal areas. Its perforations evoke curiosity while offering a sense of intimacy for those using the bedrooms. Fixed windows, custom-fabricated from thermoformed Corian strips, feature perforations that support both natural ventilation and soft ambient lighting during the evening.

 

 

Construction Philosophy

Due to the complexity of the double-curved concrete formwork -and the lack of local contractors willing to take on the challenge- a CNC machine was purchased specifically for the project. This investment enabled the fabrication of numerous bespoke elements, including the ceiling light fixtures, fixed windows, partition bookshelf, and a range of custom furniture in wood and marble.

Every component was designed for easy on-site assembly by unskilled laborers, using construction drawings that doubled as step-by-step instructions. This streamlined approach, combined with thorough pre-construction planning and minimal reliance on traditional documentation, reduced the construction timeline by approximately seven months -without exceeding the budget or compromising the project’s quality.