Architectural dualities
The residence is nestled into the hillside, following the topographical contours and adapting seamlessly to the natural morphology of the land. It is situated in the area of Louria, in the southern part of Paros. The plot is oriented to the southwest along its longer side, offering unobstructed views of the sea, the bay of Aliki, and Antiparos.
Design Philosophy
The entrance is located on the northern edge of the site, where the highest point serves as a gateway into the home. A solid white wall with minimal openings greets the visitor, concealing both the internal arrangement and the front courtyards. The architectural composition is defined by a series of spatial and experiential dualities: concealed versus exposed spaces, sheltered courtyards versus open terraces, interior circulation paths versus threshold journeys, a closed entrance versus an unfolding route, grounded volumes embedded in the landscape versus elevated masses reaching toward the view. Large transverse walls extend from the core of the residence into the hillside, anchoring the building to the terrain. These walls carve out private courtyards at the rear and guide the interior spaces outward into the natural surroundings.
Spatial Organization
Between these structural walls, distinct thematic zones emerge -sometimes functioning as entrances, gardens, water features, or protected outdoor lounges. These spaces flow organically from the interior, shaped and defined by the commanding presence of the walls. Visible only from the rear of the plot, these elements reveal the spatial narrative only upon entry, inviting gradual discovery. A transverse path intersects the composition, connecting these thematic zones while running parallel to the interior circulation route. This path frames curated views toward the landscape and the communal living areas. The volumes of the residence unfold toward both the hillside and the open view, projecting over a low stone wall that forms a sculptural western façade. On one side, the structures are rooted in the ground; on the other, they appear to hover above the terrain, reaching toward the sea and the horizon.
This interplay is echoed in the intermediate and front-facing courtyards and balconies, which are oriented toward the water. The walls alternate between acting as architectural structures and forming outdoor spaces, always responding to the site’s topography and natural context. A singular architectural volume is fragmented into smaller, grounded forms that integrate harmoniously with the land.
Landscape Integration
From above, the “fifth façade” -the roofscape- becomes a dominant element, blending with the hillside. The architecture balances gracefully on the sloping terrain, allowing the landscape and natural relief to shape the design language. Through this dialogue with the land, spatial experiences are crafted to define the essence of holiday living. The intense Cycladic light choreographs the architecture throughout the day, revealing new layers of the composition as it shifts. The built environment embraces human presence, cultivating a deep sense of intimacy between the inhabitant, the space, and the surrounding landscape.
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