Casa Stavento I Residence in Plakias, Rethymno

Multiple Traces

A residence and three undercut guesthouses were created on a hill with a strong slope and frequent strong winds, in Plakias in southern Rethymno, The main residence intended for the owners, was designed on the highest point of the plot. The three guesthouses were placed at the lower levels of the study area, with access from the road below.

Design philosophy and integration into the landscape

The main request was the orientation of the buildings in such a way that all areas have a direct view to Ammoudi Βay to the south-east and the sea to the south-southwest. The complete integration into the rocky mountain landscape and the creation of a sustainable building exterior, sheltered from the winds of the Cretan mountains, were also some of the main goals. The whole complex follows the same design philosophy and serves the same purposes. Fencing was avoided and additional plantings were kept to a minimum, allowing the local plants to “embrace” our intervention. The materials chosen are the local stone of the area and the mortar – wood in the same shades.

Excavations and composition of indoor-outdoor spaces

Μultiple axes were created following the contour lines of the site. Repeated at different levels, they created buildings, diazoms, pools, pergolas and retaining walls, simultaneously creating exterior and interior spaces, with different views and levels of privacy. The use of indoor and semi-enclosed atriums and gardens intensified the separation of zones with different levels of privacy.

Functional organization of the main house

The main house consists of two levels. Access is via stairs from the parking area to the east of the building. On this level, the living spaces are separated from the main bedroom and the auxiliary areas by two patios. From there, a staircase leads to the lower level of the house, where two bedrooms, a bathroom and a small living room are located. The outer spaces of the upper level are divided by a garden, into the courtyard areas of the master bedroom and the common areas. In them is located the swimming pool, the outdoor kitchen with dining and living areas. The spaces of the lower level, due to the external access to the courtyard spaces of the upper level, become autonomous. The design of the walls, combined with the slopes of the plot, make access to visitors and animals impossible, while the users are fully protected from the wind.

The three undercut guesthouses consist of living/day areas, and bedrooms with bathroom. There were designed autonomous pools and outdoor spaces as well. Also, they are placed at different heights ensuring unobstructed views and privacy.

Underground houses

The three underground guesthouses consist of living areas, two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Externally, self-contained swimming pools and relaxation areas were designed. Also, they were placed at different altitudes, ensuring unobstructed views and privacy.