Set within a valley at the foot of a wooded hillside, the house is embedded in a landscape often veiled in shadow, protected by both slope and vegetation. The project emerges from this chiaroscuro condition, proposing the restoration of the original structure alongside the addition of a suspended extension – an intervention defined by lightness, openness and a renewed relationship with the surrounding environment.

 

Restoration Strategy

The existing building, a construction of notable character, has been carefully restored through a process of subtraction rather than transformation. Interior partitions and superfluous finishes were removed, allowing the spatial continuity to re-emerge while revealing the integrity of the original timber framework. Plaster coatings were stripped away, exposing the tactile qualities of stone and embedded flint, while existing shutters were cleaned and reinstated.

This approach reestablishes the house’s primary material expression and reinforces its anchoring within the Vexin landscape. The architecture does not impose a new identity but instead clarifies and amplifies what was already present, allowing the structure to reconnect with its historical and material context.

 

 

Design Philosophy

In contrast to the grounded, mineral presence of the original volume, the extension adopts a distinctly lighter architectural language. Positioned perpendicular to the existing structure, it extends beyond the shaded footprint to capture optimal sunlight. Elevated three meters above the natural terrain, the new volume engages directly with the slope and surrounding vegetation, establishing a dynamic spatial dialogue between ground and canopy.

A slender footbridge, constructed in wood and clad in polished stainless steel, connects the two volumes, framing views toward the forest while reflecting the sky. This transitional element reinforces the experiential sequence between old and new, shadow and light, enclosure and openness.

 

 

Material Palette & Structure

The extension is anchored by foundations of exposed aggregate concrete incorporating flint, establishing continuity with local construction methods and materials. Above this base rises a triangulated pine structure, articulated through a fine and rhythmic framework that defines the project’s light and elevated silhouette.

This structural system, both precise and expressive, supports an architecture that balances stability and suspension. The interplay between the restored mass and the lightweight addition generates a cohesive composition that explores contrasts – between heaviness and lightness, opacity and transparency, shadow and illumination.

Between anchoring and elevation, the project articulates a nuanced architectural response to its environment, proposing a dwelling that is both embedded in its context and open to transformation over time.

 

Programmatic coexistence

“Just Don’t Call it a Lab”

The Warren Woods Ecological Field Station, designed for the University of Chicago’s Department of Ecology and Evolution, constitutes the first certified Passive House laboratory facility in North America. With a total surface area of 220m², the building demonstrates how research environments can meet rigorous energy-performance standards while simultaneously supporting scientific inquiry, education, and community engagement. Situated within a 42-acre site in southwest Michigan, it establishes a framework for addressing critical questions related to ecology and human adaptation in the Anthropocene.

 

Programmatic Integration

The facility accommodates a fully equipped laboratory, seminar space, bathrooms, and a compact kitchen. A second-floor loft and an accessible roof deck provide flexible areas for retreats and collective activities, while three adjacent bunkhouses and a wash house support seasonal programs. The interior spaces are carefully daylit, balancing the technical requirements of scientific equipment with occupant comfort. This duality allows advanced research processes to coexist with the stringent demands of Passive House performance.

 

 

Environmental Strategy

Energy efficiency and programmatic complexity inform every aspect of the design. Laboratory spaces are strategically located in the cooler northwest corner of the building to counterbalance the heat generated by plant-growth chambers, ultra-low-temperature freezers, and DNA extraction equipment. A deep roof overhang mitigates solar gain on west-facing glazing, while a comprehensive ventilation system captures and redistributes or exhausts waste heat according to seasonal needs, ensuring optimal indoor environmental conditions.

 

 

Material Palette

The building is articulated through a combination of a long shed roof, expansive south-facing glazing, and operable perforated-metal screens that regulate solar exposure throughout the year. A super-insulated concrete slab contributes to thermal stability, maintaining consistent interior temperatures. The exterior is clad in distressed cedar siding, wrapping a series of abstract geometric volumes that anchor the structure within its wooded context while simultaneously expressing its technological and scientific character.

As both a research infrastructure and a prototype for sustainable design, the Warren Woods Ecological Field Station establishes a new paradigm for high-performance laboratory architecture in remote environments, aligning technical precision with ecological responsibility.

 

Citadel Within the City

Set within the Matosinhos Sul Urbanization Plan by Álvaro Siza, the former Brandão & Companhia canning factory occupies a privileged position near the coastline, retaining a strong connection to the industrial past and maritime identity of the area. The intervention reinterprets this legacy through a mixed-use development that consolidates healthcare, commercial, office, and residential functions within a unified architectural system, restoring the original envelope and chimney while introducing a contemporary layer.

 

Urban Integration

The proposal addresses the fragmentation of the existing structure by re-establishing continuity within the urban fabric. While the original volumetry occupied almost the entire plot, the project introduces permeable and green voids that allow natural light and circulation to penetrate the block. These interstitial spaces generate visual and physical connections between programs, enhancing accessibility to upper levels and fostering interaction within a dense, multifunctional urban environment. The ground floor accommodates commercial and service functions, offices are positioned on the first level, and residential units are organized in elevated volumes.

 

 

Programmatic Organization

At the entrance to the residential areas, a reception space opens onto a patio that operates as the central node of circulation, linking communal zones and distributing movement across the complex. The spatial hierarchy is structured to balance privacy and collectivity, ensuring fluid transitions between different uses. The distribution of the building mass into distinct volumes creates a dynamic composition that responds both to the scale of the plot and to the surrounding urban context.

 

 

Material Palette

The architectural language is articulated through a juxtaposition of materials with varying densities, notably pigmented concrete and aluminum stretched mesh. This contrast reflects the dialogue between past and present, emphasizing both the solidity of the existing structure and the lightness of the newly inserted volumes. Suspended above the courtyard, these elements introduce a sense of elevation and permeability, with a material palette inspired by the proximity to the sea. The intervention ultimately establishes a balanced relationship with adjacent buildings and the public realm, contributing to the revitalization of the block and supporting a broader strategy of sustainable urban development.

 

Core of everyday life

In the heart of the settlement of Pollonia in Milos, a polygonal plot is transformed into a complex spatial organism, where the notion of the courtyard is reinterpreted as the core of everyday life. The proposal reconstructs the atmosphere of the Cycladic village through a contemporary architectural language, creating an environment that balances between privacy and collectivity.

 

Design Philosophy

The plan unfolds along the perimeter of the plot, with independent rooms arranged as volumes tracing its boundary. Within, a network of courtyards and pathways is formed, composing a sequence of open and semi-open spaces. The visitor is invited to navigate this system, discovering hidden corners and inner gardens, and choosing between moments of seclusion or social interaction.

The architectural experience is structured as a succession of spatial transitions, where movement becomes a key tool for understanding the project. The routes are non-linear, gradually revealing the whole and reinforcing the sense of a village at a micro scale.

 

 

Materiality & Architectural Language

The volumes develop across two levels, forming a clear dual material expression. A grounded base of exposed stone anchors the composition, while the white upper level appears to hover lightly above it, separated by a subtle shadow gap. This contrast enhances the plasticity of the composition and articulates the relationship between heaviness and lightness.

The architectural language of projections, corners, and openings generates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, constantly shifting throughout the day. Light operates as an active design element, revealing material textures and intensifying spatial perception.

Finally, a third layer of materiality is introduced through metal elements. Pergolas and vertical corten features define the boundaries of the gardens, filter light, and create intermediate zones of privacy.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The six suites, featuring double-height interiors, are conceived as minimal and luminous spaces of accommodation. The architecture avoids unnecessary decoration, allowing the contrasts between materials and light to shape the atmosphere.

The courtyard, as a fundamental element of Cycladic typology, re-emerges as a place of gathering and social interaction. Sheltered from the wind, it functions as an inner garden where guests form a temporary community. Through this gesture, the architecture establishes the conditions for shared experiences, conversation, and exchange.

The project constitutes a contemporary interpretation of the traditional settlement, where respect for place is combined with the creation of new modes of inhabitation. It is an environment that balances individuality and collectivity, offering a refuge of simplicity and authenticity within the landscape of Milos.

 

Spatial mediator

Set within the tall perimeter walls of a disused factory, the project unfolds as a carefully orchestrated intervention that redefines the relationship between domestic life, industrial memory, and landscape. Rather than demolishing the existing structure, the proposal preserves its masonry enclosure, transforming constraints into spatial opportunities. Hidden behind a modest entrance, the residence reveals itself gradually, structured around a central open-air garden that becomes the core of the architectural composition.

 

Renovation Strategy

Facing a public square in Lendinara, the project presents a restrained and almost opaque exterior. A tall wall, marked by an irregular profile, recalls the layered history of industrial constructions in the area. The only visible opening – a small iron door – conceals the spatial richness beyond. Once inside, the perception shifts dramatically, revealing a lush, enclosed garden defined by high walls and climbing vegetation.

Located in a context where traces of past industrial activity coexist with residential fabric and green spaces, the project engages directly with its surroundings. The proximity to the public park and the historic garden of Ca’ Dolfin-Marchiori informs the architectural strategy, introducing landscape as an essential component of the dwelling experience.

 

 

Landscape Design

At the heart of the project lies the garden, conceived as an open-air room that organizes the entire domestic program. Created through the partial demolition of the factory roof and the repositioning of the new volume, this green courtyard introduces light, air, and visual continuity into an otherwise introverted structure.

The house develops as a compact, two-level volume inserted within the preserved perimeter walls. Its spatial configuration establishes a continuous dialogue with the garden, most notably through a double-height living space that opens fully onto it via a large, glazed façade. Framed by a timber lattice structure, this transparent surface mediates between interior and exterior, reinforcing the vertical rhythm of the composition and extending into the roof geometry.

 

 

Design Philosophy

The project is defined by a deliberate interplay between openness and enclosure, visibility and concealment. From the street, the house remains entirely hidden, while internally it unfolds through carefully framed views toward greenery. This sequence of spatial transitions constructs a controlled yet dynamic experience of movement and perception.

Materially and structurally, the intervention balances timber, steel, and glass within the existing masonry framework. The new construction echoes the industrial profile of the former building, while introducing a refined architectural language that emphasizes lightness and spatial continuity.

Guided by the notion of landscape as an architectural device, the design moves beyond nostalgic references to industrial heritage. Instead, it repositions the garden as a fundamental condition of contemporary dwelling – not as a decorative element, but as a necessary spatial and environmental mediator that defines the identity of the house.

In dialogue with nature

The new exhibition space is located in the heart of Platres, nestled among pine trees and the stone textures of the mountainous Troodos landscape, and stands as a contemporary, understated architectural gesture. From the outset, the intention is clear: not to impose upon the environment, but to shape a structure that rises organically from its natural setting, engaging it in terms of balance and continuity.

 

Material Palette

The composition is grounded in the use of natural materials – local stone and exposed concrete surfaces – that draw their tonal qualities and textures directly from the earth. Rather than confronting the mountainous terrain, the building integrates into it, adopting a calm, grounded presence. Clean lines and a minimalist volumetric expression reinforce a sense of measure, establishing a contemplative dialogue between the natural and the man-made, the solid and the transparent.

 

 

Design Philosophy

The building’s formal articulation is achieved through a series of horizontal concrete slabs, differentiated in height and projection, generating a controlled interplay of light and shadow. This succession of planes introduces rhythm and a subtle sense of movement, as though the architecture were interpreting the geometry of the landscape itself. Materiality and geometry act as carriers of atmosphere, shaping a space defined by continuity, serenity, and spatial clarity.

 

 

Functional Organization

The transition between interior and exterior is treated with complete fluidity. Full-height aluminium glazing dissolves visual boundaries, allowing natural light, forest air, and ambient sounds to permeate the interior. The exhibition space operates as an open platform for art and culture, hosting exhibitions, installations, and community events. More than an autonomous structure, it constitutes an experience of inhabiting nature through architecture – a poetic composition that invites visitors to reconsider their relationship with the landscape through the lens of art, light, and materiality.

 

Pocket Nursery

Set within a garden in the Belgian countryside stands the newly constructed wooden volume of Pocket Nursery, a 120m² “pocket” kindergarten whose architecture seeks to support learning through action and physical engagement.

 

Design Philosophy

In response to the programmatic requirements and the specific pedagogical approach, the creation of a space capable of cultivating design sensitivity in children was not simply desirable, but fundamental. The scope of spatial experimentation was largely determined by the thickness of the walls: their lower sections incorporate small steps for toddlers learning to stand, while their inclined surfaces double as drawing boards. Openings are positioned at the children’s eye level, establishing a direct visual connection with the garden, which functions as both a spatial extension and an integral component of the educational experience. An inclined table is also embedded within the walls, serving alternately as a pottery workstation or as a communal surface for shared meals.

 

 

Custom Construction

The ceiling – so often an overlooked architectural element, typically relegated to housing smoke detectors and mechanical devices – assumes a central role in this project. Considering that infants spend the first nine months of their lives lying on their backs or crawling, the ceiling design integrates not only structural logic but also acoustic performance and lighting strategy. Necessary equipment is discreetly concealed between layers of wooden panels, which articulate circulation toward the garden and the dormitories.

 

 

Material Palette

Construction time efficiency played a decisive role in shaping the project’s design strategy. Avoiding prefabricated wall systems and costly psychomotor furniture, the spatial framework was conceived to integrate both structure and furnishing into a continuous series of timber frames. Executed in laminated plywood sheets, the turned wooden frames were preassembled into units of three to four segments within just a few days, then transported to the site where they were joined together. The result is a cohesive environment that bridges interactive design and pedagogy through construction itself.

 

In-between zone

The residence is located in the region of Argolis, in Ermioni, on an amphitheatrical site offering views to the sea to the north and the mountainous terrain to the east. The design field itself dictated from the outset the manner in which the building would develop, shaping an architectural gesture that mediates between the road and the open landscape.

 

Spatial Organization

The building is organized to clearly define its boundaries toward the road and neighboring properties, ensuring privacy while remaining open and extroverted toward the surrounding vistas. The residence turns decisively toward the sea and the mountain, with the distinctive curve at its southwestern edge symbolically and spatially expressing this movement, while simultaneously marking the sequence of entry.

Interior spaces are arranged to secure direct visual connections with the environment. The ground floor accommodates the living areas, a guest room, and auxiliary functions serving the outdoor spaces, while the upper level hosts the bedrooms, maintaining both privacy and unobstructed views.

 

 

Design Philosophy

In front of the residence, a swimming pool extends along the façade, its geometry following that of the building and reinforcing the coherence of the composition. The water element operates as an intermediate threshold between the built structure and the natural terrain, visually amplifying the relationship with the horizon and intensifying the dialogue with the sea.

The overall configuration of the outdoor areas underscores the continuity between interior and exterior, transforming movement through the house into a sequence of experiences shaped by light, shadow, and framed views.

 

 

Material Palette

The selection of materials – stone, wood, and earthy tones – strengthens the connection to place and anchors the building within the landscape of Argolis. The architectural approach remains restrained and austere, employing clear geometries that allow the user to experience directly the relationship with nature – the sea, the mountain, and the land.

Through human scale and natural materials, the project proposes a contemporary understanding of luxury: simple, essential, and deeply intertwined with the environment and the lived experience of the landscape.

 

Perforated screen

The project concerns the architectural planning and interior design of a boutique hotel unit located on the island of Tinos. The individual unit consists of a 50m² ground floor, incorporating a vestibule, and a 27m² attic level. In parallel, a general masterplan was developed as a proposal for the arrangement of 13 accommodation units across a 15-acre plot.

 

Design Philosophy

The design concept draws direct inspiration from the traditional dovecotes of Tinos, emphasizing their architectural, historical, and cultural significance. The project is grounded in an in-depth study of the dovecotes’ structural logic, morphology, and original function. The proportions, volume, and overall massing of the hotel unit reinterpret those of a typical dovecote, translating vernacular principles into a contemporary hospitality context.

The morphology of the building shell itself evokes the image of a dovecote. The entrance is defined by a “clostra element” – a perforated architectural screen that introduces a strong geometric expression. This feature references the traditional dovecote façade, originally designed as the birds’ point of entry. In contrast, the remaining surfaces are predominantly solid, creating a deliberate tension between openness and enclosure.

 

 

Context Integration

The units are carefully positioned in dialogue with the natural environment, responding to both orientation and topography. The complex is embedded within the landscape, facing the sea approximately 200m away, on the southern part of the island. A key guiding principle was the morphology of the island terrain, particularly its characteristic dry-stone walls, which informed both the spatial layout and the landscape design.

Beyond referencing dovecote architecture, the project aims to reconnect visitors with the land through an agritourism-oriented approach. Cultivation and engagement with the landscape are integral to the experience. Water also plays a central role in the design, reflecting the historical placement of dovecotes near springs or running water. Private pools are integrated into the site, following the logic of the dry-stone walls and unfolding organically across the terrain.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The total interior area of each unit is 77m². Entry is mediated by a vestibule positioned between the “clostra screen” and the glazed façade, ensuring a gradual transition and enhanced privacy. Shading is user-controlled, allowing flexibility in light and openness. The interior is organized as an open-plan space, where curved lines and natural materials foster a nest-like atmosphere that blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. On the ground floor, the living area forms the spatial core, flowing into the dining space and kitchen. A circular staircase leads to the attic level, which accommodates the bedroom, an open shower, and a WC.

The side walls feature rough-textured finishes, recesses, and openings that reinterpret the original functional cavities of dovecotes – spaces once intended to host birds. Integrated planting within the interior further reinforces the connection to the earth and natural cycles.

Finally, the accommodation units are conceived as sanctuaries, acting as spaces of retreat and introspection. They encourage seclusion, serenity, and a sense of isolation from everyday life, offering guests a distinctive spatial experience that promotes relaxation and reconnection with both nature and self.

 

Quiet framework

The architecture is conceived as a quiet framework that intensifies the relationship between interior space and the natural environment. Rather than competing with the landscape, the building acts as a device that frames views, regulates light, and heightens awareness of external conditions, positioning the house as a precise and deliberate insertion between forest, sky, and terrain.

 

Context Integration

The project is located in a low-density residential area near the Pacific Ocean. The clients requested a residence defined by spatial clarity, privacy, and a close relationship to the surrounding landscape. The site occupies the edge of a residential zone and is characterized by dense vegetation and long-distance views toward the sea. A mandarin orchard extends along the southern slope, while a mature bamboo forest defines the western boundary. The gently sloping plot measures approximately 5,200 m², and the primary design challenge was the precise positioning of the house within this expansive and largely undeveloped landscape.

 

 

Functional Organization

The organizing element of the project is a 20-meter-long swimming pool, 5 meters wide and reaching a depth of 2.5 meters. The pool establishes the main axis of the composition and is aligned directly with the mandarin orchard. All primary spaces are arranged in relation to this linear element, allowing visual continuity across the site and positioning the pool as both a spatial and orientational device. The reflective surface of the water mediates between architecture and landscape and remains perceptible from all major interior spaces.

Access to the house is conceived as a compressed sequence. Entry occurs through a partially enclosed approach that leads to a low-lit gallery. From this transitional space, a set of wide, heavy doors opens into the main living area, where the full length of the pool and the orchard beyond are revealed. This sequence of compression and release, articulated through contrasts in ceiling height, scale, and light, draws from principles found in traditional Japanese architecture. These contrasts are subsequently resolved into a consistent structural grid with a uniform height of 3.5 meters, establishing a clear spatial rhythm across the interior.

 

 

Material Palette

The tearoom is located at the most secluded point of the plan. It is intentionally darker and more enclosed than the surrounding spaces and is oriented toward the adjacent bamboo forest. The room reinterprets elements of the traditional tea house – natural plaster finishes, bark-covered timber, and references to the work of Sen no Rikyū – a through a contemporary lens, emphasizing restraint, proportion, and material presence.

The program also includes a wine cellar, two guest bedrooms, and a fitness room, all integrated within the same structural and material logic. A restrained palette of materials and a high degree of detail control reinforce the minimalist character of the project.

 

 

Prefabricated elements

The project exemplifies an approach to residential architecture in which buildings are conceived as integral parts of their landscapes, while simultaneously advancing sustainable construction methods and future-oriented living models.

 

Design Philosophy

The residence was developed in close collaboration with the clients and explored on screen as part of a nationally recognized architecture and design program, marking a milestone in the adoption of prefabricated residential construction within a mainstream context. Particular emphasis was placed on the clarity and predictability of the construction process, with off-site fabrication allowing for strict cost control, precision, and consistency between design intent and delivery. The approach demonstrated a forward-looking model for self-built housing, in which efficiency, quality, and economic certainty are aligned.

 

 

Spatial Layout

Set within a private rural plot, the single-storey dwelling is organized to support long-term adaptability and contemporary family living. The program unfolds across four bedrooms, generous living, dining, and kitchen areas, complemented by a snug, office, and utility spaces. Additional functions are accommodated within a series of outbuildings, including a garage, gym, and workshop, which are arranged around landscaped garden zones. These outdoor spaces are shaped by the subtle rotation of the floor plan, creating varied orientations, framed views, and sheltered external areas.

 

 

Material & Construction

The building envelope is clad in black charred timber sourced in the UK, allowing the dwelling to visually recede into its natural surroundings. This material strategy balances contextual sensitivity with a strong contemporary presence, reinforcing the relationship between architecture and landscape.

The house was delivered as five prefabricated volumetric modules, installed on site within a single day. This off-site construction strategy enabled high levels of build accuracy, reduced on-site disruption, and minimized embodied carbon. Sustainably sourced timber, integrated solar systems, and a lightweight structural assembly further reinforce the project’s environmental performance.

 

Sinuous structure

The winery is part of a family-run wine tourism development in Portugal’s Alto Douro Wine Region, a UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage Site. Together with a hotel still under construction, the winery blends into the landscape, combining tradition with innovation and sustainability.

 

Context Integration

Designed to minimize environmental impact, the project utilizes existing infrastructure while anticipating future adaptations. Its curvilinear architecture echoes the zigzag vineyards without compromising functionality. Locally sourced materials such as schist and granite reduce transport emissions, while wooden structures replace concrete where possible, limiting CO2 release. Over time, the pinkish greys, greens and browns take on new hues and textures, potentiating the building’s integration into the environment.

The configuration of the building is a set of interlocking naves that follow the existing topographic slopes, replicated on its internal mechanics, where the winemaking process takes place by gravity. The gravitational system is a traditional solution on the banks of the River Douro and this wine cellar showcases it with all its up to-date operational capabilities.

 

 

Design Philosophy

The geometry of the cellar’s roof interprets the vernacular gable roof structured in wood. This structure is exposed in the winery, and becomes a sinuous, continuous and organic sculptural element that flows through the tangential curves of the vineyards.

The winery’s main entrance houses a visitor center with a reception area and a wine shop that leads up to a meeting room with an all-glass wall and to the wine tasting area in a spacious balconied gallery, overlooking both the wine ageing area in the central nave of the building and the surrounding landscape. These rooms have access to the vineyard and a stone little old chapel, via a large terrace overlooking the Douro. Events that favor a prestigious wine tourism may be hosted to promote the winery and the region and celebrate both nature and architecture.

 

 

Sustainable Design & Vegetation

The development uses renewable energy sources, namely geothermal energy, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to provide ideal hydrothermal conditions for wine production and human comfort. Energy efficiency is fundamental to the winery’s design. The building’s northerly orientation and its specific insulation ensure optimum indoor temperatures and humidity levels, with limited mechanical climate control. The few windows and skylights frame the landscape and maximize the use of natural light.

Water conservation is also integral to the winery, which lacked public water supply infrastructure. Rainwater is harvested, drinking water sourced from artesian boreholes, and wastewater is treated and recycled for irrigation, cleaning, and fire prevention. Permeable pathways return rainwater to agricultural use, reducing waste and preserving resources.

The landscape design revives native flora, enriching biodiversity and supporting ecosystems that benefit vineyard health and promote economic activities that run parallel to the wine production.

 

Stone-built form

The project is a 120 m² private residence located in Xiro Chorio, a rural settlement on the outskirts of Rethymno, Crete. Set within an olive grove, the house is conceived as a contemporary stone-built structure that draws directly from the principles of traditional Cretan architecture, both in terms of form and materiality.

 

Design Philosophy

The building is shaped as a compact, solid volume defined by load-bearing stone masonry. The use of locally referenced stone lends a strong tectonic presence and anchors the residence to its natural and cultural context. Thick stone walls, deep-set openings, and strategically placed apertures evoke traditional construction techniques, while precise detailing and clean lines introduce a contemporary architectural clarity. The roof geometry follows a simple gabled form clad with traditional ceramic tiles, reinforcing the archetypal silhouette of rural Cretan dwellings.

 

 

Spatial Organization

Subtle variations in height and volume reflect the internal spatial arrangement, particularly through the incorporation of mezzanines in two of the bedrooms. These mezzanines exploit the building’s section, allowing interior spaces to develop vertically while preserving the compact external form. The residence is organized to accommodate three bedrooms, with a clear hierarchy between private and shared areas.

 

 

Materials & Custom Elements

Openings are carefully positioned and dimensioned, establishing a controlled dialogue between interior and exterior. Narrow vertical and horizontal slits frame views of the landscape, regulate natural light, and reinforce the sense of enclosure characteristic of stone architecture. Deeply recessed window frames further emphasize the thickness of the walls and the sculptural quality of the material.

The interiors are designed as calm, tactile environments where natural light interacts with stone surfaces, enhancing the authenticity of the materials. Overall, the project represents a contemporary reinterpretation of Cretan rural architecture – a restrained stone-built dwelling that respects traditional typologies while responding to the needs of modern living. The result is a timeless, grounded home, inseparably connected to its context.

 

Multilayered structure

The residential complex is comprised of eleven units organized around a system of nested spatial layers. At its core lies the “Void Core,” acting as a conduit for light and air. This central element is surrounded by the primary living “Space,” which is further wrapped by the “Buffer” – a zone formed by circulation corridors, staircases, and storage. Enclosing the system is the “Case,” the outer shell that defines and protects the living areas.

 

Context Integration

The site is located adjacent to a railway line within a densely built residential neighborhood. As a result, the design addresses the need for enhanced privacy and noise mitigation, while ensuring ample daylight and natural ventilation. In contrast to conventional rental housing – often characterized by repetitive, standardized layouts that overlook site-specific conditions – this project promotes spatial individuality, aesthetic diversity, and adaptability to context.

 

 

Functional Layout

The primary living areas, including the living, dining, and kitchen spaces as well as the bedrooms, are enveloped by the “Buffer.” This intermediate layer, composed of corridors, staircases, and storage zones, mediates between private interiors and external conditions. In select units, the living spaces extend outward, establishing subtle visual and spatial connections with the surrounding environment. Bathrooms are strategically positioned between adjacent units, forming an additional layer of acoustic and visual separation that enhances privacy.

At the center of the building, the “Void Core” channels light and airflow deep into the complex, improving environmental performance while shaping the overall massing. By dividing the project into two volumes, a lane-like passage is created within the site, allowing even centrally located units – typically prone to enclosure – to maintain a relationship with the outdoors. This volumetric articulation, together with canopies that define the ground and upper levels, mitigates the perceived scale of the complex and ensures a more harmonious integration with the surrounding low-rise context.

Staircase Design

Rather than functioning solely as circulation elements, the staircases are conceived as spatial devices that modulate external influences, contributing to improved acoustic, luminous, and thermal comfort. In the maisonette units occupying the third floor, the staircases extend beyond their conventional linear role. They expand at intermediate points to form annex-like spaces that complement the main living areas. When viewed from the exterior, this strategy generates a distinctive articulation of projecting walls, lending visual lightness and dynamism to the overall volume.

 

Urban energy

Located at one of the city’s most iconic and vibrant intersections, the project redefines the concept of fast food through a bold, design-driven approach that fuses contemporary aesthetics, urban energy, and the unmistakable identity of the brand.

 

Design Philosophy

More than a destination for burger lovers, the space unfolds as a modern, dynamic, and visually striking experience – one that mirrors the city’s pulse and vitality. It proposes a new way of engaging with urban life, where design meets flavor, community meets culture, and every visit becomes a celebration of Argentine identity expressed with confidence, attitude, and style.

 

 

Materials & Color

From the very first moment, the venue captivates with its lively yet welcoming atmosphere. Clean architectural lines, industrial materials softened by warm tones, and carefully curated lighting work together to accentuate textures and spatial depth. A generous glass façade invites passersby inside, revealing an open and spacious interior articulated through metallic finishes and the brand’s signature red accents, which energize the space with bold character.

 

 

Lighting & Signage

Lighting plays a central role in shaping the experience. Soft, diffused panels combined with golden neon highlights create an ambiance that is both urban and refined, echoing the rhythm of the surrounding streets. Every detail – from furniture and signage to graphic elements – contributes to a strong, contemporary, and cohesive identity, designed to deliver a memorable visual and sensory experience.

 

Sustainable hospitality

Tella Thera redefines Mediterranean hospitality through an architectural idiom that is rooted in tradition while remaining firmly oriented toward sustainability. Conceived as a retreat outside Chania, the project explores how cultural memory and contemporary design can converge to create a new model of regenerative hospitality.

 

Context Integration

In full harmony with its natural setting, the design incorporates planted roofs with olive trees and Mediterranean vegetation across all buildings, enhancing thermal insulation, fostering biodiversity, and anchoring the project to its environment. The façades are articulated through a sequence of arches -both full and half forms- serving as abstract interpretations of the traditional geometries found in the Venetian and Ottoman architecture of Chania. This motif continues inside, where seamless microcement surfaces unify floors, ceilings, and walls.

The cave-like atmosphere evokes natural shelters, offering a tactile calmness in which light and shadow shape the spatial experience. A total of 21 luxury suites provide panoramic views and maximum privacy, embodying both cultural depth and environmental stewardship.

 

 

Design Philosophy

The project is guided by eco-emotional design, a philosophy in which ecological intelligence and emotional resonance are intrinsically linked. Passive design principles, natural ventilation, and microclimatic strategies minimize reliance on mechanical systems, while the landscape interventions preserve and reinforce the existing olive groves.

 

 

Lighting, Materials & Sustainability

Through interdisciplinary collaboration, every aspect, from lighting to branding, contributes to a holistic narrative, while sustainability consulting ensured that environmental responsibility and experiential richness evolved in tandem. The complex does not merely rest on the land; it grows out of it. Its architecture is grounded in a “sense of belonging,” allowing guests to experience luxury through authenticity and an intimate connection with Crete’s timeless landscape.

 

Sincere geometry

The residence is conceived as an architectural gesture rooted deeply in its natural setting. Specifically, the building’s form merges from an interactive engagement with the landscape, resulting in a structure that both asserts its presence and remains open to the immediate context.

 

Design Philosophy

Simple lines and rigorous proportions carry a “sincere” visual geometry that is further enhanced through the material honesty of exposed concrete. The design rejects imitation and speaks to an architectural ethos that embraces authenticity. Material, form and space are all approached with profound architectural discipline, eventually producing a residence that feels both monolithic and porous.

 

 

Functional Organization

Organized on a steep hillside, the residence unfolds through a sequence of interlocking volumes and voids. Large rectangular openings break up the rigidness of the square, acting as apertures that connect the residence to the site, shifting between interior and exterior thresholds. The plan is comprised of layered planes and long horizontal spans that create double height spaces as well as sheltered outdoor rooms. In parallel, a series of structural elements, such as a concrete staircase leading to a sunken courtyard, celebrate the residence’s sculpted simplicity. The plan is straightforward yet spatially rich, offering a continuous dialogue between enclosure and openness.

 

 

Context Integration

The residence is positioned within the terrain with precision, rising from the forest canopy as a measured, geometric insertion. Rather than imitating the surrounding nature, the building becomes a dynamic counterpoint, where its rigid concrete form contrasts the organic densities of the surrounding nature.

 

Subdued atmosphere

The project was conceived as a calm, cohesive living environment where the interior reinforces a sense of clarity and visual ease.

 

Design Philosophy

The aim was to create a home that feels open and grounded, allowing the surrounding landscape to guide the mood of the interior spaces. The approach emphasizes clean lines, gentle transitions, and a subdued atmosphere that invites reflection and comfort.

The design strengthens the relationship between the house and its surroundings. The long terrace becomes an intermediary zone that blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior. Framed views, generous glazing, and thoughtful orientation ensure that the natural landscape remains an integral part of the living experience.

 

 

Functional Layout

The house unfolds along a linear circulation axis, with all primary rooms arranged in sequence. This layout supports intuitive movement while preserving visual continuity between the interior and the outdoors. Large openings frame the surrounding landscape, enabling natural light to define the spatial experience throughout the day.

All living functions are organized along a main corridor that connects the entrance area with the communal zones and private rooms. Each space is clearly defined yet visually linked, allowing for smooth transitions and unobstructed flow. The large terrace running the length of the house extends daily life outdoors and reinforces the connection with the garden.

 

 

Materials & Colors

The atmosphere is shaped by natural textures and a restrained palette of muted tones. Surfaces emphasize warmth and tactility, creating a sense of calm. The neutral composition provides a backdrop that allows art, light, and shadow to play an essential role in the perception of each space.

 

Dialogue of place & structure

The building design reflects Nikos Ktenàs’ belief that architecture emerges from a profound dialogue between place, structure, and human presence. Situated within one of Athens’ urban suburbs, the project explores the relationship between private living and the expansive cityscape.

 

Design Philosophy

The making of the building is regarded as an investigative process, where the design draws from the immediate site, eventually “returning” to the landscape a new scale and form. The composition is minimal and clear, celebrating the honesty of materials avoiding shallow, imitative gestures. Specifically, concrete – a rather popular, albeit misunderstood, material in Athens – becomes a medium of authenticity used for both structural stability and material texture.

 

Functional Layout

The project unfolds vertically, creating a sequence of shifting interior and exterior spaces. A transparent core, placed at the edge of the concrete façade, contains the central staircase that becomes the primary circulation route throughout the residence, allowing in parallel ample natural light to enter the space. Each level establishes a different visual connection with the city, reinforcing the relationship with urban space. The concrete blocks retreat at times, forming terraces, intermediate balconies and deep windows, crafting a residence that is both private and public, introspective and outward-looking.

 

 

Material Palette

Concrete is the material protagonist of the design, where its tactile presence is intentionally left visible. In contrast, the glass-clad staircase introduces lightness and a transparent quality that break up the building’s solidity. In the interior, metallic elements, shutters and railings add a layer of precision throughout the space, reinforcing the building’s modernist character.

 

Quiet retreat

The project was conceived as a serene extension of a family home, offering a place for movement, relaxation, and quiet retreat.

 

Design Philosophy

Set among mature trees, it balances openness with a sense of refuge, creating an environment shaped by light, calm, and connection to nature. Positioned above the sloping terrain, the pavilion touches the ground lightly, supported by slender columns. Existing trees are preserved and incorporated into the outdoor spaces, reinforcing the sense of immersion in the landscape.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The structure forms a counterpart to the existing residence, defining an outdoor courtyard used as a central gathering space. Inside, the rooms are arranged around a warm, timber volume, with expansive openings that allow the surrounding landscape to frame each interior area.

The 1970s stucco-clad suburban home is connected via a bridge leading to the pavilion, which includes areas for exercise, rest, and small-scale gatherings. A fitness room, sauna, bathroom, and flexible multi-purpose space are linked to the house by a bridge. The elevated deck extends the interior outward and creates additional zones for leisure.

Material Palette

The interior emphasizes natural tones and soft textures, allowing daylight to guide the atmosphere throughout the day. Exposed structural elements filter sunlight from above, creating subtle patterns that echo the surrounding canopy. Finally, existing redwood and oak trees puncture the new deck, structuring space as much as the walls of the pavilion itself.

 

 

Sculpted Skin

The building, through its structural logic, addresses the reinvention of the apartment-building typology, positioning the uncovered courtyard (akalyptos) as the central entrance space and as a transitional zone between the city and the private living areas.

 

Design Philosophy

The akalyptos becomes a spatial pause, a moment of shift from horizontal to vertical movement, from public domain to private realm. This reinterpretation restores to the akalyptos the spatial significance of a contemporary atrium: a central void through which visitors access the surrounding living areas, and which, in turn, projects outward to complete the urban façade.

 

 

 

Structural System & Façade

The load-bearing structure, composed of exposed reinforced concrete, frames only the central atrium, supporting the floor slabs as cantilevers. This arrangement provides maximum freedom in configuring both the apartment layouts and the exterior façades.

These façades are conceived as a self-supporting “sculpted skin,” incorporating essential functions of the residences through voids, projections, bay windows, and fully operable glazing. The result is a volume that appears monolithic yet permeable – transparent in selected fragments that frame views of the immediate urban context.

 

 

Urban Integration

The top floor is designed as a “hanging garden.” Toward the interior of the block, it is enclosed by a solid continuous wall of exposed concrete; toward the city, it is defined by the upper edge of the self-supporting façade. At this elevated level, the interplay between these two structural elements enables visitors to reorient themselves and reconsider the building’s relationship to the broader urban fabric.

 

 

Nikos Ktenas became widely known through his project “Inside-Out” -one of the most iconic apartment buildings in Athens. The building not only transformed the urban landscape of Neo Psychiko, standing out as a radically contemporary proposal, but was also honored with the 2013-2017 Architecture Award of the Hellenic Institute of Architecture. As an architectural gesture, “Inside-Out” established itself as a landmark, offering a creative and timely reinterpretation of the apartment-building typology, with a distinct impact on both the building’s internal organization and its external form.

 

Discrete presence

“A balcony to the sea, an observatory over the passage.”

Set within a six-acre olive grove on a steep slope overlooking the narrow strait of northern Corfu, the residence is designed with deep respect for the island’s landscape and natural environment. Each morning, it frames the horizon as a living backdrop, with ships gliding slowly past as the sun rises. The primary challenge was to integrate the house discreetly into its surroundings – to honour the olive grove, to listen to the land and the sea, and to coexist with them rather than compete.

 

Design Philosophy

The architectural composition follows the contours of the terrain, with dry-stone walls shaping circulation and levels. The landscape set the logic: the walls traced the terraces, the olive grove defined the boundaries, and the sea established the rhythm. Two white linear volumes emerge from the rock like orientation markers, quietly aligning with the passing vessels. Water surfaces, timber elements, and planted roofs form a gentle imprint on the site, allowing nature to remain the leading presence.

The residence appears both present and discreet, with its main volume embedded within the slope, minimizing visual impact, especially from the road above. The built masses unfold gradually from the rear of the site toward the sea, the pool, and the exterior areas, following the natural gradient and incorporating strategic openings and cantilevers. The result is a dwelling that seems to rise from the rock, giving the impression of hovering above the hillside without disturbing the continuity of the olive grove. Approaching from the upper road, one encounters the entire planted roof merging seamlessly with the landscape and the sea beyond.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The residence is arranged across three levels, achieving both functional coherence and spatial privacy. The upper level contains the parking area, main entrance, master bedroom, a private pool, and a terrace. The terrace extends the bedroom outward, enabling a seamless flow between interior and exterior through expansive sliding openings that fully retract into the double walls, ensuring uninterrupted views of the olive grove and the sea.

The middle level accommodates the main living spaces: the sitting area, kitchen, two bedrooms, a guest room, and a large, cantilevered pool that visually merges with the horizon. The open-plan configuration, paired with full-height sliding glass panels, dissolves the boundary between inside and outside, maximizing interaction with the surrounding landscape.

The lower level is dedicated to recreation, including a gym with changing facilities, a screening room, and a billiard area. Despite being partially below grade, it receives abundant natural light. Illumination enters through the glazed side of the pool above, as well as through openings that reveal the exposed rock at the back of the house, further brightened by a skylight. An internal atrium between the staircase and the illuminated rock surface enhances daylight penetration and visually connects all three levels.

One of the residence’s most striking features is the main pool, suspended in a cantilever that creates the sensation of floating above the slope. Extending beyond the building envelope, it appears as a hovering sheet of water. The white cantilevered forms that define the pool become a signature element of the architectural identity.

 

 

Materials & Sustainability

The material palette maintains continuity with the natural landscape while ensuring durability and minimal maintenance. Local stone, exposed concrete, and muted grey tones anchor the house to the rocky terrain, while extensive timber decking brings warmth to the exterior. Stone retaining walls and pathways blend seamlessly with the land, enhancing the sense of continuity between built and natural ground. Planted roofs further contribute to the residence’s environmental integration within the olive grove.

A significant portion of the dwelling is built below ground level, and combined with proper orientation and planted roofs, this provides natural insulation that supports its bioclimatic performance. Solar-thermal systems and a bioclimatic shading canopy on the upper level offer full energy autonomy, reflected in the building’s A+ energy rating. The photovoltaic canopy, arranged along a north–south axis, achieves exceptionally low energy consumption, placing the residence within the category of a Zero Energy Building. Infrastructure for electric-vehicle charging and future energy-storage systems is already in place.

 

Dividing volumes

The five-star resort is located between Chania and Rethymno, on the northern coast of Crete, within a 20,000 m² plot, of which 4,000 m² are developed. A central aspect and challenge of the design was the configuration of the rooms and their strategic orientation within this limited footprint.

 

Design Philosophy

The architectural composition unfolds along the outer edge of the site’s developable zone. The southern boundary functions as a visual and acoustic buffer against the national road, while the northwestern section opens like a “fan,” maximizing the unobstructed views toward the sea. The careful arrangement of the volumes creates a central, open-air atrium that provides natural ventilation and daylight across the complex.

 

Functional Design

The layout is organized around a primary central axis leading to the reception and shared facilities, such as the restaurant, the swimming pool, and beach access. All rooms face the sea, ensuring privacy and uninterrupted views, while the central pool forms the core of the composition, around which the restaurant, circulation routes, and guest rooms are arranged.

The fragmented building masses and the circulation paths connecting private and communal areas maintain a continuous spatial flow, meeting the resort’s operational requirements and offering varied routes of movement throughout the complex. The hotel entrance serves as a visual landmark, defined by a distinctive metal structure with diffused lighting that highlights its refined details.

 

 

Material Palette

Earthy tones and natural materials such as stone, wood, and cement coating define both the interior and exterior spaces, creating an atmosphere of warmth and tranquility. The architectural language, combined with the chosen materials, establishes a strong identity, presenting the resort as a contemporary and welcoming destination where comfort and design coexist harmoniously.

 

 

Gentle Adaptation

The hotel in Santorini, characterized by its clean geometric forms, embodies a distinctive built environment harmoniously integrated into the natural landscape, maintaining a dynamic dialogue with the island’s traditional architecture.

 

Design Philosophy

Occupying a site of approximately 17,000 m² in the Tholos area of Oia, the project adapts gently to the island’s terrain, defined by soft slopes and a northern orientation overlooking the Aegean Sea and the islands of Ios, Sikinos, and Folegandros. Located about 300 meters from the coast, the design is guided by a principle of respectful integration with the landscape. All buildings are single-story, following the contours of the ground, and finished in tinted plaster derived from local volcanic soil in a red-ochre hue that echoes the color of Santorini’s rock formations. Each unit was designed to enjoy unobstructed sea views while the building volumes provide natural protection from the strong northern winds typical of the summer months. These parameters shaped the siting, scale, and orientation of the entire complex.

 

 

Spatial Configuration

The composition forms a play of interlocking geometries, with shifting axes and angular edges that recall the density and rhythm of a traditional settlement – narrow passages and tightly linked buildings reinterpreted in a contemporary way. The resort includes 52 rooms, four of which are suites and two designed for accessible accommodation. Interiors feature expansive surfaces of ceramic flooring and cement coatings in earthy tones, complemented by oak wood details that add a sense of warmth. Embossed wall motifs behind the beds reinterpret local decorative traditions, maintaining the overall design’s dialogue between heritage and modernity. The shared areas include a reception, restaurant, shops, and a spa.

 

 

Planting & Pool Design

At the heart of the complex lies a central pool with an extensive wooden deck that functions as a communal plaza and focal point for the resort. Outdoor pathways ensure smooth and inclusive circulation, particularly for guests with mobility challenges. Vehicle access and parking are conveniently integrated into the design. The landscape features low native vegetation characteristic of Santorini, preserving the panoramic views, along with aromatic plants such as lavender that enhance the sensory experience and reinforce the serene atmosphere of the place.

 

Two eras, one dialogue

The iconic Grace La Margna hotel, located on the main street of St. Moritz, has reopened its doors following an extensive renovation and expansion. The project breathes new life into a landmark dating back to 1906, originally designed by Swiss architect Nicolaus Hartmann, and elegantly bridges its historic legacy with a contemporary aesthetic. Hartmann’s original design balanced Art Nouveau influences with the traditional Heimastil style, highlighting authenticity and local craftsmanship at a time when St. Moritz’s architectural scene was marked by eclecticism.

 

Design Philosophy

Perched on the slopes of the Engadin valley, the hotel enjoys a strategic location next to the town’s historic railway station, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and offers panoramic views of the surrounding glaciers and alpine landscape. The architectural approach honors and enhances the building’s historic character while introducing a distinctly renewed identity. The composition consists of two wings: the meticulously restored original structure and a newly built extension, connected at their base by a generous terrace. The coexistence of old and new establishes a dynamic dialogue, with the extension, clad in beige Moleanos limestone, echoing the rhythm and proportions of the original façade.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The shared spaces, situated on the terrace level, serve as a seamless link between the hotel’s two entrances, ensuring a smooth transition from the historical to the modern setting. At the entrance of the original building, guests are welcomed by a sculptural granite and bronze reception desk, set against a backdrop of carefully restored wooden detailing. The main lounge retains numerous authentic elements, lake-view windows, marble fireplaces, Art Nouveau-inspired rugs, and crystal chandeliers, evoking the charm of early-20th-century hospitality. At the heart of the hotel’s social life lies Bar No. 5, defined by its striking Carrara marble counter and bespoke velvet seating, creating an atmosphere of understated luxury.

 

Custom Structures & Materials

Attention to detail and artisanal excellence define every aspect of the project. Custom furniture and handcrafted finishes, such as the traditional local sgraffito wall technique, reinforce the connection between place and craftsmanship. The dining venues draw inspiration from the region’s landscape. The View restaurant, a circular space with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, symbolizes the St. Moritz sun through a sculpted wooden ceiling radiating outward like beams of light. On the lower level, The Stack combines a bright seafood brasserie with a darker, moodier steakhouse, creating two distinct atmospheres unified by a focus on material richness and vintage accents.

The wellness area draws from the geological character of the Engadin valley, featuring a sculptural ceiling that mirrors the surrounding mountain ridges. Finally, the hotel’s 74 rooms, distributed across both wings, maintain a continuous dialogue with the alpine setting. In the historic wing, traditional materials and subtle Art Nouveau detailing coexist harmoniously with the refined modernity of the new extension, offering guests spaces that are both elegant and deeply connected to the natural beauty of St. Moritz.

 

Historical continuity

The traditional guesthouse occupies one of the most iconic buildings in the Old Town of Chania, dating back to the late 16th or early 17th century. The structure has been meticulously restored to preserve and showcase its historical character. Distinguished by the original stone columns on its façade, Aisha exudes a unique charm, specifically a refined blend of architectural influences that narrates the rich history of the area.

 

Functional Layout

The hotel features seven suites, five on the ground floor and two on the upper level, each named after the original function of the space in the historic building. The new layout embraces natural materials such as stone, wood, marble, and metal, while an earthy, neutral palette ensures a sense of warmth and luminosity. The design philosophy is rooted in the harmonious coexistence of old and new, aiming to evoke a subtle sense of nostalgia while offering contemporary comfort and elegance.

 

Adaptive Reuse Strategy

In keeping with this vision, several materials discovered on-site were carefully restored and repurposed, including the traditional cement tiles of the courtyard and a marble sink transformed into a washbasin. Original features, such as the wooden tsatmas (partition wall) along the first-floor corridor, the old fireplace in the “Fournos” suite, and the stone washing basin, also adapted into a washbasin, were reconstructed and preserved in their authentic form. The restoration process was carried out in close collaboration with local craftsmen, whose artistry and technical knowledge played a vital role in reviving the building’s historic essence.

 

 

Design Philosophy

The overall design strikes a delicate balance between contrasts, creating an atmosphere that feels simultaneously warm, authentic, and inviting. Every detail, from furniture and materials to decorative accents, has been thoughtfully selected to ensure a cohesive spatial narrative that encourages relaxation and a connection to the past. The intention behind Aisha Hotel is to offer guests a truly distinctive stay, immersed in the timeless beauty and tradition of Chania’s Old Town.

 

Small-scale dialogue

The project concerns a complex of two residences located in Kifisia, a northern suburb of Athens. The plot is surrounded by contemporary apartment buildings that coexist with lower-scale single-family houses and public green spaces.

 

Design Philosophy

The primary goal of the study was to ensure the autonomy and privacy of each residence through the formation of a structure that maintains a dialogue with the neighborhood’s small-scale character. The main compositional gesture focuses on shaping a unified and coherent volume, harmonized with the scale of the surrounding urban context. At the same time, selective subtractions from the initial building mass create open-air spaces that enhance the spatial quality of the dwellings. The use of part of the ground floor as a courtyard, combined with the sloped roof – typological elements characteristic of the area – helped define the final architectural composition.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The first residence unfolds entirely on the ground floor, establishing a close relationship with the garden and the immediate surroundings, while the second is arranged across the two upper levels, slightly recessed from the base volume to enrich the composition with depth and spatial layering. This vertical separation enhances both privacy and variety in everyday living. Each dwelling integrates semi-outdoor and covered areas that act as transitional thresholds between interior and exterior, creating a rhythm of openness and enclosure. These spaces are characterized by distinct atmospheres — shaded patios, balconies with framed views, and open terraces that capture the shifting daylight throughout the day. The dynamic interplay of light and shadow animates the architectural volumes, revealing their sculptural quality. In parallel, the landscaping follows the same design philosophy: carefully selected vegetation, permeable surfaces, and subtle level differences collaborate to regulate temperature and airflow, contributing to a pleasant microclimate and reinforcing the dialogue between architecture and nature.

Context Integration

The design thoughtfully responds to the plot’s orientation and the surrounding urban context, balancing openness with privacy. Each residence is carefully arranged to define distinct public and private realms while maintaining a sense of spatial fluidity. Openings are strategically placed to enable cross ventilation, bathe interiors in natural light, and frame curated views toward the garden and neighboring greenery. These visual corridors extend the living spaces beyond their physical limits, fostering a constant dialogue between architecture and landscape. Through this sensitive integration, the project achieves both environmental efficiency and a poetic connection to its setting — a quiet choreography of light, air, and material continuity.

 

Water composition

Located just outside the area of Planos in Zakynthos, the hotel is set within a natural environment that harmoniously combines elegance with functionality, offering guests an authentic and immersive hospitality experience.

 

Context Integration

Occupying a 24,237m² site characterized by pronounced slopes, the complex takes full advantage of the terrain’s natural contours. The design establishes a series of terraces that integrate the architectural volumes into the landscape. The main building, villas, and bungalows are positioned to strengthen the guests’ connection with nature, offering expansive views and natural shade.

A defining feature of the composition is the use of water as a central design element. Large reflective surfaces – whether swimming pools or ornamental features – are placed strategically across the site. Following the natural gradient of the ground, these water features not only introduce visual calmness but also connect different zones, enhancing the overall sense of serenity and understated luxury. Water thus becomes the binding element between architecture and nature, generating a cohesive and tranquil atmosphere.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The main building unfolds across three levels, with functionality serving as a guiding principle in the design of the shared spaces. Entry is through an impressive arcade that frames unobstructed views and provides direct access to all hotel areas. Circulation is intuitive and fluid, reinforcing spatial and visual continuity.

On the ground floor, the reception and central bar create a welcoming focal point, followed by the restaurant and library, which combine comfort and refinement while maintaining a warm and inviting character. Each room has been carefully oriented to ensure uninterrupted panoramic views of the sea from every perspective.

 

 

Material Palette

Natural materials such as local stone and earthy tones on the façades reinforce the connection with the surrounding landscape. The result is a holistic design that embraces nature, achieving an elegant balance between built form and environment.

 

Creative revival

The new hotel and swim club on the Glyfada waterfront was created through the complete transformation of a 1970s building complex. The renovation preserves the distinctive character of the era while meeting the highest contemporary hospitality standards.

 

Design Philosophy

By showcasing the vibrancy and diversity of the modern Athenian creative scene and incorporating iconic works of international art and design, the hotel becomes not only a destination for visitors but also a cultural landmark for locals. The building comprises two interconnected wings of different heights, both of which underwent extensive structural, functional, and energy upgrades to enhance safety, improve energy performance, and ensure accessibility for people with reduced mobility.

The interior design adopts the same guiding principles, shaping every space to balance comfort, functionality, and visual cohesion. The public areas include a generous lobby and restaurant on the ground floor, an outdoor pool with a pool bar, a café, an exhibition space, as well as a rooftop bar, a second restaurant, and a rooftop pool. The lobby is considered the building’s central gathering point, and functions simultaneously as a meeting place and an art gallery, blending the structure’s original brutalist expression with a refined modernist sensibility.

 

 

Materials, Lighting & Furniture

Local materials such as Dionysos marble, wood, and ceramic tiles anchor the hotel to the architectural identity of Athens. Clean lines and geometric forms carry through the spirit of the original building, while new elements, such as untreated copper details and custom terrazzo flooring, introduce a contemporary touch. Lighting serves both practical and atmospheric purposes, adding dynamism to an otherwise restrained and minimal palette.

The 120 rooms are designed with minimalist lines and draw inspiration from the core principles of modernism. Echoing the interiors of Le Corbusier, their layout prioritizes functionality while preserving a sense of comfort. Custom-made furniture combines contemporary aesthetics with subtle references to mid-century Greek design, while built-in elements, terrazzo floors, and a measured color palette highlight the materials and architectural details.

 

 

Pool & Outdoor Design

The suites offer additional amenities, such as wet bars, and feature custom-designed murals that enrich the guest experience without deviating from the project’s overall design narrative. Outdoor areas, including the terraces and the pool zone, maintain the central idea of preserving the building’s original atmosphere while incorporating modern design trends. A new water feature and a shading pergola improve natural ventilation and cooling, enhancing comfort for guests.

The pool area evokes the Mediterranean leisure culture of the 1970s, with soft tones, olive-green loungers, and vibrant yellow umbrellas. This simple yet refined design creates a relaxed environment, allowing the architecture to blend seamlessly into the landscape of the Athenian Riviera.

 

Low profile

Located near the North Berwick coastline in Scotland, the residence engages directly with the surrounding environment. The low profile of the building ensures minimal visual impact, while its orientation captures optimal daylight and panoramic sea views. Outdoor spaces, including sheltered patios and the central courtyard, extend the living experience into the landscape. The project represents a contemporary interpretation of coastal domestic architecture – rooted in context, responsive to climate, and enduring in its simplicity.

 

Design Philosophy

The project explores the relationship between architecture, landscape, and the changing coastal environment. It was conceived as a low, courtyard-style residence that responds to the specific conditions of the site – its orientation, prevailing winds, and natural light. The design aims to provide shelter and openness simultaneously, offering framed views toward the sea while ensuring privacy and protection from the coastal climate.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The house is arranged around a central courtyard that forms the heart of the composition. This space acts as both a social and climatic core, mediating between the interior and exterior. Circulation occurs around the courtyard, linking the different wings of the residence and creating a rhythm of compression and expansion as one moves through the spaces. The organization of volumes promotes a dialogue between solid and void, light and shadow.

The plan divides the building into three main zones: living areas, private bedrooms, and service spaces. Each zone is connected visually and physically through glazed corridors that maintain transparency without sacrificing comfort. Open-plan living and dining areas extend toward terraces, allowing flexible use of space throughout the seasons. Finally, functional clarity is achieved through simple geometry and a coherent structural grid.

 

 

Material Palette & Sustainability

A refined palette of natural materials was selected to harmonize the building with its context. Natural timber, stone, and expansive glazing surfaces were combined to balance solidity and transparency. The tactile warmth of wood contrasts with the precision of metal details, while the stone base anchors the structure to the landscape. Sustainability was integral to the design, incorporating high-performance insulation, passive solar control, and locally sourced materials.

 

Calm minimalism

Located within a residential complex in Chalandri -comprising two identical buildings with a shared multi-purpose ground floor area designed by architect Ioannis Vikelas in 1972- the apartment retained the essence of its original layout, even as its interior was reimagined.

 

Renovation Strategy

To accommodate the modern lifestyle of the owners, most of the interior partitions were removed and replaced with new configurations. However, the design aimed to preserve the logic of the original plan. The apartment’s core remains the central hall that connects the entrance with the living and dining areas, while the rest of the spaces are organized symmetrically on either side. The bedrooms and bathroom occupy the north-facing side, while the kitchen, WC, and utility room are positioned to the south.

The existing hallway was slightly narrowed and transformed into a corridor, with the reclaimed space used to introduce new storage areas, built-in wardrobes, and entrance furniture with integrated seating, as well as a WC. On the southern side, the former service room was removed to expand the kitchen, creating space for a coffee area and dining nook. The bedroom wing was redesigned to provide each room with its own bathroom, built-in storage, and either a desk or a dressing table.

 

 

Spatial Layout & Lighting

One of the apartment’s greatest assets is its sense of openness and light. The living and dining areas are bright and airy, with dual orientation -north and south- and balconies on both sides enhancing cross-ventilation. The kitchen, illuminated by southern light, creates a welcoming first impression as it opens directly onto the hallway. Conversely, a small intermediate hall separates the private quarters from the common areas, ensuring privacy and a sense of retreat.

 

 

Materials & Custom Design

The aesthetic direction focused on calm minimalism, achieved through a consistent palette and discreet detailing. Built-in wardrobes, concealed doors, and custom carpentry were all finished in an off-white tone matching the walls, creating a seamless visual flow. Oak wood was selectively used in elements meant to stand out -the kitchen island and coffee bar, entrance furniture, and main door- adding warmth and texture.

Light oak laminate flooring unifies the apartment, excluding the bathrooms, which feature tiles suited to each room’s character. In the kitchen, beige quartz complements the earthy palette, while the master suite continues this calm atmosphere with travertine-look tiles. The second bedroom introduces contrast through deep blue accents in both the woodwork and bathroom finishes. Glass bricks were incorporated into the bathrooms and WC to bring natural light into these windowless spaces. Finally, gently curved walls replace sharp corners, softening the overall geometry and enhancing the apartment’s serene, cohesive atmosphere.

 

Ground movements

The residence is situated on a sloping site in the Kefalokremmos area of Limassol, in a location where the natural terrain and sea views define the character of the place. The project seeks to harmonize architecture with the landscape, shaping a living space that emerges organically from the ground.

 

Design Philosophy

The composition is based on integrating architecture into its natural surroundings, aiming to create a dwelling that follows the topography and embraces the landscape. The design approaches the notion of the house as a refuge, where the relationship between interior and exterior becomes seamless, allowing the inhabitant to experience nature in every moment of daily life. The form and layout derive from the movements of the terrain, translating the natural flow of the site into an architectural gesture.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The layout is organized in levels that respond to the slope of the land, allowing for a smooth flow between interior and exterior spaces. The residence takes advantage of sea views while being protected from wind and sun through carefully positioned arcades and semi-outdoor areas. These transitional zones act as filters that offer shading and privacy gradations, mediating between openness and shelter.

 

 

Material Palette

The selection of materials – concrete, stone, and wood – reflects the building’s relationship with its natural environment, combining durability and simplicity. The residence expresses contemporary Cypriot architecture through the composition of clean volumes and a pervasive sense of calmness arising from clarity and restraint.

 

Unearthed structure

Embedded within the Cypriot landscape, the residence responds to its climate and cultural context. The thick masonry provides insulation, while shaded courtyards and openings support natural ventilation. By drawing from vernacular building practices and reinterpreting them, the house integrates seamlessly with its environment, becoming a statement of continuity between past and present.

 

Design Philosophy

The project begins with the earth, conceived as a house deeply rooted in its site. The vision was to reinterpret the Mediterranean courtyard typology through a contemporary lens, embracing the landscape while framing spaces of privacy and gathering. It is a residence where traditional forms meet minimalism, and where the solidity of monolithic walls conveys both protection and serenity.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The house is organized around a central courtyard, reinforcing both introversion and openness. Living spaces face inward to create intimacy, while openings strategically frame views of the surrounding landscape. The plan establishes a rhythm between enclosed and open areas, guiding movement through sequences of light and shadow.

The functional program combines social and private spaces with clarity. Shared living areas are located around the courtyard, encouraging interaction, while bedrooms and private quarters remain secluded. Circulation is carefully choreographed, allowing for smooth transitions between communal life and individual retreat.

 

 

Material Palette

The material strategy relies on natural and tactile finishes: plastered masonry walls, exposed concrete, and warm timber details. These choices reflect both durability and a connection to tradition. The monolithic character of the structure emphasizes permanence, while refined details introduce comfort and contemporary sensibility.

 

Collective Housing

The Illa Glòries project was conceived as a model of collective housing that prioritizes community, sustainability, and adaptability. The design aims to reinterpret the block typology of Barcelona, transforming it into a living framework where public and private domains coexist. The vision emphasizes inclusivity, ecological responsibility, and the creation of a contemporary urban identity while remaining rooted in the city’s heritage.

 

Spatial Organization

The housing complex is structured around a permeable block, where circulation routes and open spaces act as connectors rather than boundaries. The distribution of volumes frames internal courtyards and collective terraces, ensuring visual continuity and shared experiences between residents. Open galleries and common areas reinforce the sense of community while providing flexibility to adapt to evolving lifestyles.

The layout balances efficiency and diversity. Apartments are designed with modularity in mind, enabling various configurations and catering to different household structures. Shared amenities such as community rooms, rooftop gardens, and co-working spaces foster collaboration and social exchange. Circulation spaces are conceived not only as corridors but as extensions of the domestic environment.

 

Material Palette & Sustainability

The choice of materials reflects a balance between durability, economy, and environmental performance. Locally sourced brick and prefabricated concrete elements ensure robustness, while wooden details add warmth and tactility. The use of passive design strategies -such as natural ventilation, shading devices, and thermal mass- reduces energy demand, integrating sustainability at the core of the project.

 

 

Context Integration

Located in Barcelona’s Glòries district, the project strengthens the urban fabric by reactivating a site with new housing opportunities. The design maintains continuity with the city’s grid while introducing contemporary approaches that respond to current social and ecological challenges. The building not only provides homes but also fosters collective identity, anchoring itself as a catalyst for urban renewal and sustainable community living.

 

Inhabiting a living stratum

Set within San Miguel de Allende, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the residence acknowledges the cultural and environmental richness of its context. The architecture establishes a dialogue with both geological and urban landscapes, creating a house that is simultaneously rooted in place and forward-looking. By merging geology, memory, and architecture, the project becomes a contemporary expression of belonging.

 

Design Philosophy

The residence arises from the intersection of architecture and geology, conceived as a living stratum embedded in the landscape. The project is inspired by the stratification of the earth, where time, memory, and material sedimentation shape its presence. Rather than imposing itself on the terrain, the house emerges as part of it, blurring the limits between natural and built environments.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The spatial configuration is determined by a sequence of horizontal layers that define both program and perception. These strata articulate circulation and frame views, guiding residents and visitors through an experiential journey of openness and shelter. Each level responds to topography and orientation, ensuring optimal integration with the site. In parallel, the program is organized into distinct yet interconnected zones. Public spaces flow effortlessly into the landscape, while private areas retreat into protected layers of the house. The design balances intimacy with collectivity, allowing for flexible occupation throughout the day.

 

 

Material Palette

The materiality of the house emphasizes continuity with the earth. Walls of compacted earth evoke geological processes, while exposed concrete and steel provide structural clarity and contrast. The tactile qualities of materials -textures, densities, and colors- reinforce the idea of inhabiting a living stratum.

 

Amplified expansion

The residential complex located to the east of Limassol’s historic center introduces an alternative model of horizontal development, with references to traditional Cypriot low-rise architecture. Built around a central shared garden, the project embraces the outdoor Mediterranean lifestyle and harmoniously combines residential features with the demands of hospitality.

 

Design Philosophy

The complex consists of four distinct buildings, two of which are currently under construction. On a plot next to the Amathos River, about half a kilometer from the waterfront, Building A includes 68 units with 11 penthouse apartments, distributed across 7 levels. Buildings B and C, with five floors each, including the roof garden, house 44 and 29 units each. All three buildings are organized around a central garden and are set within a landscaped area offering privacy to the residences while providing views of the mountains to the north and the Mediterranean to the south.

 

 

Context Integration

Drawing inspiration from the maritime environment and the undulating hills along the horizon, the construction of the central Building A descends from the highest point with gentle, flat terraces on a lush landscape. Broad horizontal bands form continuous terraces surrounding the units and extend over 300m. Large covered terraces emphasize the horizontal nature of the development, minimizing the impact of the warm Mediterranean climate.

 

 

Functional Layout

Radiating pathways guide residents through the central gardens to a terrace on the middle level, featuring richly planted spaces, seating areas, and lawns, accented with olive and citrus trees. The variety of spaces offers opportunities for entertainment, informal gatherings, and contemplation, allowing the building to function more as a catalyst for creating micro-communities than a standardized residential complex.

 

Fluid integration

The residence has a built area of 300 m² on a 200 m² plot. The plan was designed for a social lifestyle, with fluid internal spaces and strong integration with nature.

 

Design Philosophy

Located on a street full of greenery in Jardim Paulistano, the residence represents well-planned contemporary architecture. The striking contrast between the floors defines the architectural aesthetic of the residence: while the ground floor is characterized by its transparency and spatial fluidity, the upper volume presents itself as a distinct monolithic block. This upper floor is surrounded by vertical Arkos slats that act as movable brises, concealing structural surfaces and modulating sunlight. This strategy goes beyond aesthetics, ensuring thermal balance, intimacy, and a unique identity.

 

 

Functional Layout

On the ground floor a large integrated social area unites kitchen and living room, opening to the garden through generous openings. Moving up on the first floor, two spacious suites ensure privacy and comfort. The penthouse is comprised of a versatile room and a sunny deck, offering views of treetops and becoming immersed in nature within the urban setting. Accessibility features include wide passageways and a lift, allowing long-term usability.

 

 

Material Palette & Vegetation

Durability and low maintenance guided the material choices. Specifically, porcelain tiles were used for the ground floor, while the exterior walls and floors were cladded with natural stone. Moreover, wood dominated the interior, used for the louvres, the panels and the joinery.

Lastly, the landscaping plays a central role. Tropical vegetation surrounds the house, creating privacy and a cozy atmosphere. A preserved pitangueira tree in the garage provides shade and respects natural heritage, while other species enhance integration with the urban landscape.

 

Interactive shell

The mixed-use building extends across sixteen levels in the heart of Nicosia, located on one of the city’s most important arterial roads, Themistokli Dervi Avenue, on a plot with distinctive geometric characteristics.

 

Functional Organization

The program includes retail spaces on the ground floor and mezzanine, six levels of office spaces, one level dedicated to communal leisure areas with a café and gym, six residential levels, and a semi-covered roof garden level with a rooftop pool. Parking requirements are met by four underground levels, with entrance from Nikokreontos Street and exit onto Themistokli Dervi Avenue.

The mixed-use concept responds to contemporary urban needs, particularly in city centers, where buildings are no longer strictly defined by a single use but instead become multifunctional cells within the urban fabric. As a result, the project maintains a constant interaction with its urban environment. Unlike the typical case of commercial buildings that remain closed at night and residential buildings that remain inactive during the day, Nice Dream sustains an uninterrupted relationship and activity with the city.

Façade Design

This relationship is reinforced by the detailed design of the envelope: an external mediating layer between the building and its surroundings, which constantly changes depending on the occupants’ activities, turning each façade into an active, interactive communication membrane. The envelope employs gradations of transparency and contrasts of materials to create a subtle and ever-shifting sense of space, movement, and light. The aim is to generate a distinctive atmosphere for both workspaces and living spaces.

 

 

Material Palette

The envelope is constructed of vertical aluminum panels, integrated within the structural grid and building levels -some solid, others perforated and operable- opening and closing according to the users’ needs. During the day, it can be fully closed, shielding against strong sunlight without losing visual connection thanks to its perforated surfaces. Externally, depending on the position of the louvers, the façade transforms, producing a play of transparency and permeability. At night, as light diffuses outward, the volume appears as if it almost loses its materiality.

 

Emphasis on biodiversity

Surrounded by the lush vegetation of the Atlantic Forest on the coast of Rio de Janeiro, this landscape design accompanies the creation of a new seaside retreat overlooking the Angra dos Reis archipelago. Set within a 7,000m2site, the project preserves an almost untouched environment of towering trees, native tropical flora, and striking rock formations.

 

Design Philosophy

As an integral part of the architectural ensemble, the landscape design embraces a naturalistic approach. Its aim is to emulate the spontaneity of native vegetation, foster biodiversity, and evoke the ecosystems characteristic of the Atlantic Forest -as if the plantings had always existed in place. Guided by a Japanese philosophy of immersion, the design follows five principles (the “5 I’s”): it should be inexplicable, needing no rational justification; imperfect, finding beauty in asymmetry and irregularity; intuitive, shaped by sensitivity rather than logic; intriguing, inviting curiosity; and unpredictable, reflecting the organic, ever-changing nature of life.

 

 

Landscape Design

These ideas take form in two distinct areas. The first, at the base of the mountain, is introspective and immersed in dense forest. The second is open and sunlit, situated in a clearing that encourages social interaction and contemplation of the ocean and islands on the horizon.

Arrival is possible either by sea, at a private pier that extends over calm waters, or by land, via a winding mountain road that leads to the upper entrance. At this highest point, a lush garden greets visitors and sets the tone for what follows. Notable species include Calathea lutea (Maranta charuto), Philodendron undulatum (Filodendro-ondulado), Chamaedorea erumpens (Palmeira-bambu), and Maranta burle-marxii.

The architecture, slightly elevated above the ground, is softened by groupings of Philodendron bipinnatifidum (Guaimbê), which conceal the stone walls and create the impression that the house emerges directly from the landscape. Vegetation also serves as a natural filter between the veranda and the lawn, while large rocks maintain the site’s original character.

 

 

Spatial Organization

A careful interplay of heights, volumes, and textures ensures a fluid transition from the shrub layer to the forest canopy. The sinuous pool, designed to follow the natural contours of the land, acts as a visual mediator between the built environment and its surroundings. From the clearing, stone pathways guide residents through a sequence of experiences -alternating between open, sunlit clearings and shaded passages beneath dense foliage.

Near the pool, a large native tree provides shade to a comfortable outdoor lounge, while on the upper level, the hallway connecting the bedrooms opens toward the rear of the property, revealing the varied topography and biodiversity. From the balconies, which face the ocean, the garden unfolds below as a living extension of the forested landscape.

 

Wild beauty

Set against the azure panorama of the Aegean Sea, harmoniously coexisting with Santorini’s natural landscape, the residence narrates the wild beauty of its surroundings and its relationship with traditional architecture.

 

Context Integration

The subterranean construction, nestled within the geological layer of Minoan ash, is characterized by the effortless beauty of Santorini’s traditional dwellings, offering all the comforts required for modern living while minimizing its environmental footprint.

 

 

Materials & Functional Layout

Access is through a spacious terrace with a linear infinity pool, sunken lounges, and a jacuzzi. With respect for the rugged charm of the barren rocky landscape and the cerulean sea, the façade emerges as the sole visible volume, clad in local black volcanic rock. Alongside stretches an imposing pergola of natural iroko and osier, shielding from the intense western sun, creating a sanctuary for relaxation with a view of the Aegean.

Anthracite and purple volcanic stones dress the surfaces while plantings include Mediterranean flora of scrub and evergreen olives. The residence unfolds on two levels. On the ground floor, communal spaces -living room, kitchen, and dining area- are flanked by two en-suite bedrooms and a guest bathroom. Large western openings ensure continuous connection with the exterior, providing natural ventilation and lighting. On the lower level, a second lounge leads to three additional en-suite bedrooms, a massage room, and a gym. All rooms open onto the lush internal courtyard, filled with climbing plants covering the plastered walls, creating a microclimate. Abundant natural light accentuates the gentle curves of the shell, playing with shadows, imparting a pervasive sense of tranquility to all spaces.

 

 

Design Philosophy

The design philosophy, based on a sequence of curvilinear elements, balances local references with contemporary design lines. Airy white vaulted spaces and the impressive cross vault of the dining area provide comfort and serenity in a modern subterranean setting, while expansive openings bring the Aegean panorama indoors. All selected materials are natural, with black stone on the floors, oak wood in dark tones, and marble surfaces. At night, the space becomes atmospheric, with soft lighting accentuating the unique architectural elements.

 

Line upon the landscape

The two rental holiday residences, each featuring a shared living area, three en-suite bedrooms, and spacious outdoor settings with private pools, are situated on an elongated, sloping plot outside the urban plan in Kissamos, Chania. With a western orientation, the residences enjoy panoramic views of the renowned and rapidly developing Falasarna beach.

 

Integration with the Terrain

The site’s steep incline and dramatic natural surroundings inspired the core design concept: to embed the residences into the terrain, aligned parallel to the coastline, ensuring unobstructed sea views. The volumes of the two homes are topped with planted roofs and separated by a strip of untouched land with dense vegetation. This design approach enhances the privacy of outdoor areas while minimizing the overall impact on the landscape. From the coastline, the complex appears as a discreet, horizontal line of concrete and glass on the western façade, blending subtly with the environment.

 

 

Functional Layout

The floor plans are organized linearly, with a gradual transition from open-air spaces to semi-covered zones and fully enclosed, partially subterranean interiors. The eastern elevations and roofs are integrated into the slope, while the western façades open wide to the sea. Architectural features such as skylights and small sunken courtyards on the eastern side bring in natural light and promote cross-ventilation throughout the interior spaces.

By harnessing the insulating properties of the earth, the buildings are naturally shielded from harsh climatic conditions, including strong winds and intense solar radiation. This thermal buffering reduces the need for mechanical heating and cooling, resulting in lower energy consumption. The generous western openings, combined with atrium vents to the east, facilitate effective natural ventilation, while skylights further promote airflow through vertical stack ventilation.

 

Material Palette

The incorporation of modern technologies in the openings, construction methods, and materials contributes to energy efficiency and a reduced environmental footprint. Concrete and glass were selected to create a restrained architectural expression that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape. Their raw and minimalist finish lends the residences an informal, grounded character -one that fosters a deep connection with both place and nature.

 

 

Subterranean living

The subterranean house, benefitting from the gentle slope of the ground, is hidden inside a landscape of low vegetation in Volimes, Zante island, facing the sea.

 

Design Philosophy

The main design principle was to integrate the building into the singular ground morphology without causing any disruption; maximizing sea views from all spaces of the house became a driving requirement. The rooms are arranged in a succession oriented towards the sea view; wide openings facilitate visual contact with the sea, the swimming pool, and the surrounding landscape.

 

 

Undercut Construction

The ground section on the back side of the building reinforces its bioclimatic performance and allows natural lighting and cross-ventilation. The swimming pool, whose water extends to the living room as a shallow surface, contains a small sitting area inside, in visual continuity with the sea.

 

 

Material Palette

The choice of stone as the predominant material contributes to the building’s integration into the landscape; this further reinforces architectural articulation of the volumes, highlighting the horizontal white plane of the ceiling, juxtaposed to the vertical stone walls. The floor extends from the interior to the open-air spaces uninterrupted, on one single level, maintaining the same materiality. In combination with the large openings of the building, this results in the visual and functional unity of the entire built surface. The same idea of seamless unity is repeated in the construction of the roof, where the frames, curtains, ventilation equipment and lights are built-in, to maintain a single, uninterrupted surface.

 

Sectional ground

Set on a tranquil hillside within an olive grove in southern Peloponnese, this residence is defined by its distinctive Y-shaped green roof. Acting as an extension of the surrounding garden, the roof frames expansive views from the interior and integrates the building seamlessly into the landscape.

 

Spatial Organization

Circulation is designed to flow through, around, and over the house, creating a continuous promenade that links interior and exterior functions. This layout invites full engagement with the perimeter of the residence, while its low profile -never exceeding the height of the olive trees- ensures a harmonious relationship with the terrain and the natural setting.

The branching paths of the green roof define three distinct ground-level courtyards, each shaped as a hemisphere and programmed for specific activities based on the sun’s movement. The roof’s orientation is deliberately designed to cast shade at certain times of the day, enhancing comfort throughout. The western courtyard, where the main entrance is located, remains shaded until midday -ideal for breakfast- while transforming into an open-air cinema in the evening.

 

 

Architectural Features

A large perforated wall on the western façade protects the interior from the intense afternoon sun, while allowing natural cross-ventilation and passive cooling at night. The eastern courtyard, shaded from midday onward, serves as a lunch and relaxation area during the afternoon. The southern courtyard is active throughout the day, accommodating a swimming pool and functioning as an outdoor dining space in the evening.

The 12-meter pool, integrated into the southern courtyard, features a gentle slope that creates a beach-like experience. Along its southern edge, a Mediterranean-style terrace channels the overflow water. Adjacent to this area, a sunbathing deck offers uninterrupted views of the sea and the nearby island of Schiza. The interior is divided into two zones: a private wing with three bedrooms and two bathrooms oriented eastward, and a communal wing to the south, which includes an open-plan living room, dining area, and kitchen. All shared spaces have direct access to the three courtyards.

The curved wooden ceiling in the living area incorporates custom lighting and functions as a sound-absorbing element. A custom-designed bookshelf serves as a visual and spatial divider between private and communal areas. Its perforations evoke curiosity while offering a sense of intimacy for those using the bedrooms. Fixed windows, custom-fabricated from thermoformed Corian strips, feature perforations that support both natural ventilation and soft ambient lighting during the evening.

 

 

Construction Philosophy

Due to the complexity of the double-curved concrete formwork -and the lack of local contractors willing to take on the challenge- a CNC machine was purchased specifically for the project. This investment enabled the fabrication of numerous bespoke elements, including the ceiling light fixtures, fixed windows, partition bookshelf, and a range of custom furniture in wood and marble.

Every component was designed for easy on-site assembly by unskilled laborers, using construction drawings that doubled as step-by-step instructions. This streamlined approach, combined with thorough pre-construction planning and minimal reliance on traditional documentation, reduced the construction timeline by approximately seven months -without exceeding the budget or compromising the project’s quality.

 

Gradual reveal

The residence, located on the road from Parikia to the airport, blends into the natural hillside landscape with views of the islets and rocky outcrops between Paros and Antiparos.

 

Design Philosophy

The design austerity imposed by its underground construction, the orientation, and the panoramic views to the West and the Aegean Sea defined the main axes of the architectural solution. Thus, an internal and external environment was organized to gradually reveal its secrets, bringing the residents into constant dialogue with the built space and nature. An underground residence, by definition, has only one facade. Consequently, the desire for five en suite bedrooms -a master bedroom, a master guest room, and three standard ones- as well as for an open-plan living area with a sitting room, dining area, and kitchen, dictated a linear layout so that all primary spaces could take advantage of the imposing view offered by the location.

 

 

Functional Layout

To isolate access and protect the privacy of the outdoor spaces, a stonebuilt, oval-shaped internal courtyard with an olive tree at its center was created at the left edge of the residence, within the steep natural slope. Access, through an open gate, leads to a sunken recess on the right, where the glass main entrance is hidden from view, becoming a pivotal element of the composition. The entrance hall has a vertical planted opening on its left side for natural lighting and ventilation of the interior, along with a cloakroom and a guest WC, while the entrance to the master bedroom is on the right. Next is the open-plan living area, with a sitting room, dining area, and open kitchen, characterized by two large openings running its entire length.

 

 

Pool Design

One facing the external view and the pool, and the other facing a planted cour anglaise, enhancing the impression of an interior integrated into the external environment. Beyond the kitchen, a long corridor leads to the bedrooms, with the cour anglaise running along the entire left side, giving the sense of moving through a garden. The continuous pergola along the facade and the large openings transform the indoor and outdoor spaces into a unified functional whole. Built-in and wooden partitions under the pergola, between the different indoor spaces, offer the required privacy. The imposing infinity pool, extending almost the entire length of the residence, functions as a cantilevered water surface that visually connects the residence to the blue sea horizon.

 

Aegean background

The residence stands on the western slope of Antiparos, offering views of the sea and Sifnos. Despite an 8-acre plot, the terrain’s slope and the desire for panoramic views and landscape harmony led to choosing an underground construction.

 

Design Philosophy

Access is via a staircase at the rear, guiding visitors from the parking area to the main entrance. Upon entry, the extensive opening frames a vista of the sea, with Sifnos in the background. The living room and kitchen are centrally located in the same open space, with bedrooms on either side. The layout is linear, ensuring all rooms have sea views through large, sliding minimal windows, with direct access to the pool running alongside the building.

 

 

Functional Layout

One side houses the master bedroom with its fireplace, en suite bathroom, and terrace, while the other side accommodates four guest rooms with en suite bathrooms, a children’s room, and a staff room. Material selection was crucial, combining owners’ preferences with contemporary construction trends in the Cycladic landscape. White dominates the exteriors, complemented by natural materials like stone, creating texture contrasts and integrating the building into the landscape.

 

 

Material Palette & Vegetation

Internally, materials such as cement for walls and floors, marble for bathroom countertops, and wooden custom furnishings were chosen. The building’s placement on the plot preserves and incorporates existing cedar trees, characteristic of Antiparos and the Cyclades. Shrubbery, evergreen grasses, and drought-resistant shrubs were selected for the roof and pool surroundings, capable of withstanding the Mediterranean summer drought and minimal care.

 

Secret Landscape

The house is located near Aliki, on the south coast of Paros. Several built volumes are set into the relief of the land and disappear when viewed from above. The architecture, dominated by the roughness of local stone, allows three families to collectively gather on a site whose wild beauty must be preserved.

 

Design Philosophy

Below the access road, the gently sloping land presents three plateaus set with dry stone walls, vestiges of a distant agricultural past. The vegetation is dense and low, typical of the island of Paros. It is precisely this geography that guided the composition. The construction was excavated to integrate the roofs into the slope of the land. Craftfully designed incisions were made for entrances, terraces and shaded patios protected from the wind.

 

 

Functional Layout

The two houses on the upper side are joined by a common patio and an open kitchen, an ode to the conviviality and freedom of holidays. The main house below is stretched between two patios on the east and west sides, offering peace and shade at any time of the day. One is introverted and secretive, the other spreads out widely, facing the setting sun. The seaside facades are punctuated by the narrow vertical windows, typical of Paros.

At the back, large windows link the interior spaces to the terraces and patios. The exterior stone retaining walls are extended inside the buildings, affirming their anchorage to the land, and contributing to the fluidity of the circulations. The subterranean character and the shaded patios are particularly well suited to the island’s warm and windy climate. At night, the windows slide into the walls, and everyone sleeps under the stars.

 

 

Material Palette

At the far end of the slope, the swimming pool points towards a small bay that stands out below. Next to it, a beautiful, shaded terrace. The sea remains the undisputed star. The lower façades are treated in the same way as the retaining walls that define the strata of the cultivated areas. Only local stone is used, so that the resulting color and vibration of the material would blend into the surrounding nature. Architecture does not steal the limelight from the landscape.

The remaining material palette is sober and elegant. The muted resonance of the ancestral stones is reinterpreted, remaining intact, while wood, smooth concrete, and white marble offer a counterpoint to their roughness. Ultimately, the house and its architecture are about freeing oneself from all forms of decoration, including the facing of facades and walls. Open joints result in a grooved effect and create flat, horizontal parts where vegetation debris and marine sediments can be deposited, further integrating the building into the wild, island landscape.

 

Desert and city

Located on a three-quarter-acre parcel with views of the Las Vegas Strip to the east and Red Rock Canyon to the west, this site endures strong winds, cold, dry winters, and harsh, hot summers with monsoon rainstorms. Protection from the sun and wind, as well as durability and privacy were the simple constraints that shaped the formal direction and materiality of the house.

 

Design Philosophy

The residence repeats the spare behavior of the desert in material and form. A subtractive process left a wind-protected court to the east and provided an opportunity for an elevated basin of water that mirrors the dimensions of the living space. The distant view of the city calls out its ephemeral nature and delicate relationship with water. Entry to the house is gained via a narrow opening in the concrete mass. The threshold, at eye level with the water, leads to a closed and shaded passage that ramps up slightly to an entry court, open to the sky and inhabited by a vertical landscape of native plantings. The architecture represents a contextual conversation between the desert landscape and the city.

 

 

Materials & Ventilation

Locally sourced sand, gravel, and fly ash mix concrete floors and walls in the harsh desert light take on a buff hue that associates with the distant mountains, rising from below grade to build a habitable landscape. Over half of the built area is below grade, ventilated, and lit with openings in the structure to introduce sunlight, including several submerged under the basin’s water level.

 

 

Sustainability Approach

The mass-heavy house sports a reflective roof, 45 KW photovoltaic array and high-efficiency glazing, mechanical, and lighting systems. Upper level sleeping rooms inhabit a screened framework sheathed in perforated weathering steel and elongated along the east/west axis to shield the pool from wind and sun. A south-side shaded deck screened with perforated mesh extends over the form to shade the structure and cars below. Open to the Red Rock Canyon to the west and the city lights of the east, the cantilevered form balances the sculptural weight of the basin and water. The earth-like ground form, fitted with its layer of weathered steel, is a nod to the geology of the Las Vegas Valley and Red Rock Canyon beyond.

 

Solid façade

Escobar House is located in Haras Santa María de Escobar, a gated community in the North corridor, approximately 54 km from the center of Buenos Aires. The neighborhood’s expansive lots are arranged around a golf course. The site for Escobar House is defined by its flat topography and a privileged rear view towards the golf course and a vast green area oriented to the North.

 

Functional Layout

Designed for a young couple, the residence was conceived as a weekend house that would eventually become their permanent home. The social area, envisioned as the heart of the house, was designed with a higher ceiling and elevated above the natural terrain to capture sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. The brief included an en suite master bedroom, two additional bedrooms for future children, and a playroom located as far as possible from the social area. The living and dining spaces open onto a semi-covered terrace adjacent to the swimming pool, allowing the house to connect seamlessly with its natural surroundings.

 

 

Design Philosophy

Constructed from exposed concrete and glass for low maintenance, the design emphasizes an integrated composition with a clear organizational and morphological unity. The main platform serves as the starting point, with the entrance and social area set slightly above the terrain, and the other rooms arranged at varying half levels. This design allows for an organic connection between spaces while maintaining their independence. A circulation and service corridor along the front of the house ensures privacy from the street for the more noble spaces, which face towards the lot’s rear. This nearly solid façade opens selectively through elongated slits, while the back of the house maintains a fluid, transparent connection with the exterior.

The supporting structure consists of two parallel inverted beams that run the length of the house. These beams are set back from the enclosing shell, both in the front and the back, highlighting the horizontality of the volume. They help organize the service corridor at the front, the social spaces, and the semi-covered deck at the rear. Views are framed as horizontal rectangles, directing the gaze towards the surrounding greenery and the golf course. To further enhance privacy and integrate the house with its environment, lines of trees were planted along the site’s boundaries.

 

 

Swimming Pool Design

The swimming pool was positioned per the client’s request, seamlessly incorporated into the house’s terrace. Its design as a rectangular plate with three cantilevered sides conceals its depth, creating the illusion of a floating mirror that reflects the sky when viewed from both inside and outside the house.

Through this design, the architects created a compact, sober volume where varying ceiling heights, lighting effects, and spatial arrangements result in diverse and inviting environments. The goal was to design a cozy home using simple lines and unembellished spaces, fostering a close and harmonious dialogue with its natural surroundings.