“kéras [Greek: κέρας]: the horn, hard permanent outgrowth found in pairs on the heads of certain mammals”.

Modern Architecture Referencing History

One of the main inspirations for this project is the «Horns of Consecration», a symbol of Minoan civilization. This geometry is translated in several design elements of the house.

Building Location

The plot is located 2,6km west of Agia Galini village, in the southern coast of Rethymno, Crete. The plot offers unobstructed views to the southern Cretan Sea, as well as to the small, uninhabited Paximadia islands. The building is positioned following the topography lines of the plot, where it drops to the sea. This allows for maximum views throughout the house.

Layout Design and Volumetric Arrangement

The house is formed by two main volumes, one housing the living areas (kitchen, dining, lounge, spa, exterior seating, and dining) and the other housing three en-suite bedrooms as well as the master suite.

The two volumes forming the house are curved, emulating the geometry of the symbol that inspired the design, the Minoan “horns of consecration”. Two curved exposed concrete slabs are placed above, sheltering both indoor and outdoor living spaces, seamlessly connected to one another.

The entrance to the house is located at the north side of the plot. A covered space will be created above the entrance door, using a floating slab resting on a pillar, inspired by the Minoan horns. The entrance to the house will reveal unobstructed views to the sea and the Paximadia islands through a large glass panel.