Residence in Mani

Monoliths

The project is inspired by a special feature of Mani’s residential forms – the “Ksemonia”, meaning “the ones left alone”; those were stand-alone towers or small residential complexes in the rugged landscape of Mani, operating as shelters or observation points. From afar, these stone-built towers appear as just one more element in the land, like monolithic outbursts from the soil.

Design Philosophy

The residential compound, consisting of two stone houses, is organized around two towers placed in the plot in a dynamic arrangement which correlates the outdoor spaces and the house entrances, further defining additional outdoor areas. The modern tower-houses are designed to be in close connection with the natural landscape, just as is the case with traditional Mani architecture, which became an integral part of the place it sprung out of. Although the main composition is expressed in the form of the towers, their extensions, which make up the rest of the complex, do not exist independently within the plot, but are rather brought together into a whole, echoing the established architectural forms of the region; in so doing, they also provide a modern interpretation of those same traditional typologies.

Functional Organization

The houses are designed so that one can live at once “inside” and “outside”, with dynamic indoor and outdoor spaces. It thereby becomes possible to transfer one’s life outside the home: in this case, in a courtyard divided into a set of spaces endowed with different qualities and visual frames. Pergolas, secluded corners for quiet and meditation, living spaces, infinity pools blurring the boundaries of the horizon and the sky, all combine to create the external backdrop for the houses themselves. Throughout, completely natural building materials which bear the signs of time have been chosen, showing the marks of their origin and their processing. The materials serve as a blank canvas upon which the interplay of light and shadow gently unfolds during the day.

Material Palette

Stone characterizes the place: Mani, as it is expressed both in the ground itself and in its traditional constructions; Mani, as it evokes an architectural vocabulary of monolithic austerity, of strict lines, and geometric volumes. Concrete complements the natural materials, creating smaller, artificial stonework in earth tones with coarse textures. Wood creates soft, warm, and clean surfaces, and lattice shutters to complete the volumes. These materials are alternating inside and out, intensifying the visual experience of the houses, constituting a natural but strictly conceived statement within the Messenian landscape.

Furniture & Color Palette

The interior design is consistent with the architecture of both buildings, inspired by the simple tradition, the imposing landscape of Mani, and the materials found on this land. The purpose was to create spaces that give a warm character inside the stone volumes, always reminding that one is “there”, in this place; to feel part of a different, Doric life. Most of the furniture was designed exclusively for the project, emphasizing the sense of uniqueness and a timeless line that aims to bring the landscape into dialogue with the design. The forms were kept simple, and all the custom-designed furniture bears references to a simplified classicism. The materials include oak wood in two shades, combined with stones in matching colors. The fabrics and carpets follow natural, earthy tones, soothing the wild textures of Mani’s stone and wood, balancing the interiors with the unique surrounding landscape.