Metamorphosis | Two-storey Residence in Naxos

Cubist composition

Located on a sloping plot with a western orientation and panoramic views of Paros, this project involved the transformation of an existing three-story structure -originally designed as two independent residences at the stage of the load-bearing shell -into a single, unified holiday home for a family.

Spatial Organization

The renovation included the demolition of select perimeter sections and slabs, along with a complete redesign of the interiors and parts of the facades. To harmonize the building with the surrounding topography, the intervention was extended to include a comprehensive landscape design. The 550 m² residence unfolds across three levels and comprises six bedrooms and guest suites. Entry is at the middle level, which houses the main living spaces, kitchen, a staff room, and a guest suite with independent access. The upper level accommodates three bedrooms, while the semi-basement includes a second guest suite with private access, a gym, and storage areas.

Design Philosophy

The architectural language is expressed through a composition of white, cubist volumes and walls that emerge from the rocky, earthen hillside. These are framed by dry-stone retaining walls, which shape outdoor courtyards in relation to the terrain’s slope and the building’s functional zones. Two main types of exterior spaces are defined: enclosed courtyards that offer privacy and shelter from northern winds, and open terraces oriented toward the horizon. Among these is the uppermost rooftop, which functions as an outdoor lounge with uninterrupted, panoramic views.

At the lowest elevation of the landscape design, the outdoor living area is arranged around the existing cedar trees (a protected species), and includes a pool, an outdoor dining space, a lounge, and a bar -positioned at a deliberate distance from the main residence to ensure a sense of retreat.

Materials & Custom Structures

Particular attention was paid to construction detailing, with the aim of developing a typology of refined, site-specific solutions consistent with the project’s broader design intent. Slim, freestanding metal pergolas with reed canopies provide shade while visually detaching from the main volume of the building. The internal staircase was conceived as a sculptural metal element, transforming the space through the play of shadows it casts on the floors under changing light conditions.

Polished cement mortar, in tones of grey or off-white, is used consistently across interior and exterior flooring as well as built-in furniture, establishing a seamless dialogue between plasticity and geometry within the architectural shell. Stone, metal, white render, and cement mortar are carefully composed to create an atmosphere of spacious tranquility -an inviting environment designed to host a sensory celebration in a unique location on the island of Naxos.