Near Glyfa beach, the residence unfolds like a small settlement of white and stone volumes, connected by sheltered courtyards, internal pathways and outdoor spaces facing the sea.

 

The project is located in the tranquil southeastern part of Paros, near Glyfa beach. Designed by Maria Doxa Architecture Studio, the seaside residence overlooks the coast and the open horizon.

The complex develops linearly across the site, resembling a small island settlement rather than a single autonomous building. A white cubic residence is accompanied by four smaller stone volumes containing supplementary uses. Courtyards, paths and sheltered outdoor rooms connect the separate parts while preserving their individual scale.

 

A protected route through the complex

Access is from the north, through a stone-walled courtyard planted with olive trees, cypresses and aromatic species. A marble-paved path crosses the garden and leads towards the principal entrance.

The high stone boundary protects the arrival area from strong winds. Instead of immediately revealing the sea-facing side of the house, the entrance sequence gradually moves from the enclosed northern courtyard towards the open southern landscape.

The path continues beyond the entrance and extends along the length of the residence. It connects the principal house with the guest accommodation, the artist’s studio and the smaller gardens distributed throughout the site.

 

Two wings around an entrance axis

Inside, the principal residence is divided into two wings. To the right of the entrance, an open-plan living area contains the kitchen, dining room and sitting space.

Large sliding glazed panels connect this shared interior directly with the central outdoor area. When opened, they establish continuity between the living room, shaded terrace, swimming pool and distant sea horizon.

The private wing develops to the left of the entrance. It contains one principal bedroom and two en-suite bedrooms, organized around an enclosed planted courtyard. This internal garden becomes a common point of reference for the sleeping areas and introduces daylight and vegetation without compromising privacy.

The contrast between the two wings is deliberate. The shared spaces open broadly towards the sea, while the bedrooms are organized around a more introspective landscape.

 

Guest accommodation and an artist’s studio

At the western end of the complex, a stone guest house contains two double-height rooms with direct access to the main terrace.

Each room includes a kitchen, bathroom and small sitting area at ground level. The sleeping area is placed on a mezzanine, creating a more private zone within the vertically organized interior.

A small painting studio completes the composition at the eastern end. It is reached through the outdoor path that begins at the entrance courtyard and follows the length of the house.

In the northwestern part of the site, a partially subterranean volume contains two further bedrooms with bathrooms and a shared kitchen. A planted roof and stepped courtyards integrate it into the terrain and limit its visual presence within the wider complex.

Outdoor life between stone and water

A large sheltered outdoor space occupies the area between the principal residence and the guest house. Facing the linear swimming pool and the sea, it forms the main setting for outdoor life.

A pergola and solid stone back wall protect the terrace, which contains an external bar and sitting area. An imposing fixed marble dining table stands close to the indoor kitchen, supporting a direct relationship between food preparation and outdoor dining.

The swimming pool reinforces the longitudinal organization of the residence. Its water surface extends visually towards the horizon and brings together the main house, guest accommodation and central terrace.

The outdoor spaces are not concentrated in a single area. Smaller courtyards, gardens and routes create different degrees of enclosure, shade and contact with the landscape.

 

 

A contrast of white plaster and local stone

The material palette draws on the character of island architecture without directly reproducing traditional forms. White plaster defines the principal residence, while local untreated stone gives the smaller volumes a heavier and more textured presence.

Large, pale marble slabs form a continuous floor across interior and exterior areas. This repeated surface connects the enclosed rooms with the terraces and weakens the boundary between them.

Rough timber beams and reed linings emphasize selected ceilings. Grey pergolas and window frames introduce a restrained contemporary layer, while natural timber and light fabrics with subtle textures define the furnishings.

The contrast among plaster, stone, marble, timber and reed gives each part of the residence a distinct identity. At the same time, the limited palette maintains the coherence of the whole.

Gardens across the site

The landscape design by Outside Landscape Architecture is distributed across small gardens and courtyards rather than concentrated around the main façade.

Mediterranean aromatic plants, grasses, shrubs, fruit trees and wildflowers establish a close relationship with the existing island landscape. Most ground surfaces remain permeable, combining exposed soil, gravel and paths formed from irregular stone slabs.

The result is a seaside residence with several different spatial scales and multiple possibilities for outdoor occupation. Controlled transparency reveals the sea and vegetation gradually through a sequence of measured architectural forms.

 

The project was first published in print in ParosVillas Vol.4, a special edition by ek Architectural Publications.

The renovation preserves the vaulted structure of existing summer residences in Oia, introducing precise functional changes, natural materials and selected colour accents.

 

The refurbished summer residences form part of a larger complex in the traditional settlement of Oia. Facing south, they overlook the volcano and the Caldera. Their existing shells are characteristic of the island’s more recent architectural heritage.

The intervention by Kapsimalis Architects focuses on the interiors. It preserves the original structure and spatial identity while adapting the residences to contemporary hospitality requirements.

Each unit includes a living area, bedroom and bathroom. The interiors extend into private courtyards with small pools and views towards the Aegean landscape.

 

Preserving the vaulted interiors

The principal objective was to retain and emphasize the existing vaulted forms. Domes, cross vaults and shallow concave ceilings give each residence its distinct spatial character.

Rather than concealing these elements, the redesign treats them as the starting point of the interior composition. New furniture and functional additions follow the existing geometry without competing with it.

The interventions remain deliberately limited. Small changes to fixed and movable furniture improve circulation, storage and everyday use while preserving the original proportions of the rooms.

Arched openings reinforce the continuity between adjoining spaces. Their rounded profiles repeat the geometry of the ceilings and allow the residences to be perceived as a sequence of connected vaulted chambers.

A restrained material palette

Smooth white plaster covers the walls and ceilings. Its continuous surface emphasizes the plasticity of the architecture and allows daylight to reveal the changing curvature of the interior.

Large slabs of light-grey marble define the floors. Their subtle tonal variations introduce depth without disturbing the visual unity of the rooms.

Built-in timber elements are finished in pale oak. Different varieties of marble are used for fixed furniture and counters, while ceramic claustra in a natural terracotta tone filter views between selected areas.

Off-white textiles complete the quieter material background. Together, the plaster, marble, oak and fabrics establish continuity between the different residences without erasing their individual spatial qualities.

 

Reflections and selected colour

Mirrored sections are introduced on walls and timber constructions to increase the perceived depth of the smaller rooms. Reflections multiply the vaulted forms, daylight and partial views of adjoining spaces.

Glass elements further reduce the visual weight of partitions. In bathrooms, transparent screens preserve the continuity of the vaulted interiors while allowing the different functions to remain clearly organized.

Against the neutral background, movable furniture in deep red introduces a concentrated colour accent. Metal-and-glass lighting fixtures and darker timber pieces add further contrast without fragmenting the overall composition.

The colour is used selectively rather than as a continuous decorative theme. As a result, the red elements become distinct points of orientation within the predominantly white and grey interiors.

Courtyards overlooking the Caldera

The external façades are retained and subtly repaired. The courtyards are reorganized through new dining areas, built-in seating and planting.

These outdoor spaces operate as extensions of the compact residences. Small pools, shaded seating and framed views towards the Caldera support everyday outdoor use without altering the established architectural character of the complex.

The relationship between the white interiors and the blue horizon remains central to the experience. Windows and doorways frame the sea, while daylight moves across the curved surfaces throughout the day.

Through restrained alterations, the renovation brings contemporary comfort to the existing residences without replacing their spatial identity. The vaulted structures remain dominant, supported by natural materials, reflective surfaces and carefully selected elements.

 

The project was first published in print in ek magazine 288 | June 2024, a monthly issue by ek Architectural Publications.

Located in Agkairia, on the southwestern side of Paros, the building is organized as four distinct volumes along an elongated axis across the plot. Designed by Chris Tessas, the residence breaks its programme into smaller spatial units, using internal courtyards to introduce natural light and privacy.

The two central volumes contain the living room and kitchen. The outer sections accommodate the family bedrooms and guest rooms. Rather than forming a single compact house, the separate parts establish a linear sequence of enclosed spaces, atriums and sheltered outdoor areas.

 

 

Four volumes and three atriums

Each volume has a distinct function. However, the residence remains connected through a clear longitudinal organization.

Three of the four volumes are separated by internal atriums. These open spaces bring daylight into the centre of the plan and allow the rooms to maintain a direct relationship with the exterior. At the same time, their position within the composition protects domestic life from being immediately visible from the surrounding landscape.

Because the atriums remain largely concealed from the perimeter, they also divide the apparent scale of the house. From a distance, the residence is perceived as a sequence of smaller structures rather than a single extended building.

This arrangement establishes a dialogue with the additive character of traditional Cycladic settlements, where compact rooms and small building units develop gradually in response to use and terrain.

Shared life at the centre

The living room and kitchen occupy the two central sections of the residence. Their position turns the middle of the composition into its shared social core.

Large openings connect these spaces with the terrace, pool and shaded dining area. In contrast with the more controlled openings on the outer façades, this side of the house develops a broader relationship with the landscape and outdoor life.

The pool runs parallel to the main terrace, reinforcing the linear direction of the plan. A lightweight pergola protects the outdoor dining area and creates an intermediate zone between the enclosed rooms and the open Cycladic setting.

Inside, the restrained palette allows natural light to define the atmosphere. Rooflights illuminate the kitchen from above, while narrow openings frame selected views and preserve the sense of enclosure established by the external volumes.

 

 

Proportions derived from local architecture

The proportions of the individual volumes and the discreet external openings draw on the historic stone structures found across Paros and the wider Aegean.

This reference is expressed through scale and spatial organization rather than through the literal reproduction of traditional details. The building remains contemporary, but its fragmentation allows it to relate to the surrounding landscape and the established architectural character of the island.

The repeated wall surfaces and controlled openings give the outer elevations a compact presence. By contrast, the concealed courtyards introduce light and openness within the composition.

An external stair towards the roof

The northern volume contains the family bedrooms and is separated from the adjoining parts of the residence by an external staircase. Its broad, solid form recalls the external stairs of traditional island houses.

The stair leads to the roof and becomes part of the architectural promenade. Beyond its practical role, it invites occupants to rise above the low volumes and observe the wider Cycladic landscape.

Through its combination of linear organization, fragmented volumes and hidden atriums, Cycladic Layout proposes a contemporary residence that belongs to Paros without relying on the direct imitation of vernacular forms.

 

The project was first published in print in ParosVillas Vol.4, a special edition by ek Architectural Publications.

Rhoēs is an unbuilt private residence by Sinas Architects on the island of Serifos. The 390m² project occupies a 4,500m² site within an exposed Cycladic landscape, where strong winds, intense sunlight, steep terrain and distant views become active elements of the design.

Rather than reproducing the recognizable forms of traditional island architecture, the project investigates the environmental forces that originally shaped them. Its aim is to develop a contemporary house rooted in the conditions of Serifos without relying on the direct imitation of vernacular forms.

 

 

Architecture shaped by climate

The residence is conceived as a sequence of spaces that gradually negotiate exposure and protection. Walls define sheltered zones, while courtyards and semi-open areas create places where outdoor life can continue despite the island’s demanding climatic conditions.

The landscape is therefore not treated as a background for an autonomous architectural object. Instead, wind, solar exposure, terrain and views influence the position and character of each space.

Protected outdoor rooms form intermediate thresholds between the enclosed interior and the open site. These transitional areas allow the architecture to remain connected with its surroundings while providing shade and shelter from the wind.

A gradual spatial sequence

Movement through the project is organized as a transition between different degrees of enclosure. More protected spaces are followed by courtyards, framed openings and wider views towards the landscape.

This sequence avoids the immediate exposure of the entire residence. Instead, the house is gradually revealed through changes in scale, light and orientation. The courtyards become points of reference within this progression, extending domestic life beyond the enclosed rooms.

The resulting organization reflects the contrast found across the Cycladic landscape itself. Open and exposed areas coexist with recesses, walls and protected pockets shaped by the terrain.

 

 

Beyond the image of Cycladic architecture

Contemporary residential programmes often require larger interior spaces and amenities that differ significantly from those of older island houses. Rhoēs addresses these requirements without treating the site as a neutral setting onto which a predetermined lifestyle can simply be transferred.

The project seeks continuity with local architecture through its underlying logic rather than its external image. Climate determines the relationship between solid and open surfaces. The topography informs the sequence of movement, while sheltered courtyards mediate between contemporary domestic needs and the conditions of the island.

In this way, the reference to Cycladic architecture remains structural rather than stylistic. The house does not attempt to reproduce an idealized past. Instead, it applies a similar process of adaptation to the realities of present-day living.

Material continuity with the site

The proposed palette combines natural stone, exposed concrete, oak, glass and aluminium. Stone gives the composition a direct material relationship with the terrain, while concrete forms more continuous structural surfaces.

Oak introduces warmth within the interior and sheltered outdoor areas. Glass maintains visual connections with the landscape, while aluminium provides a restrained framework for the openings.

The combination is intended to reinforce the distinction between protection and exposure. Heavier materials define the boundaries of the residence, while transparent surfaces open selected spaces towards the surrounding landscape.

Rhoēs is currently under development, with completion estimated for 2028. The project proposes a contemporary interpretation of island dwelling in which architectural form emerges from climate, terrain and everyday use rather than from the reproduction of a predetermined regional style.

On the southwestern coast of Mykonos, En Kyanó by Dimitris Sakellariou and Mihalis Seitanidis is shaped by the deep blue of the Aegean and a continuous relationship between architecture and landscape. Its name refers to the saturated colour of the sea and sky, which forms an ever-changing backdrop to the residence.

The architectural composition seeks continuity between interior and exterior through a sequence of interconnected spaces. Rather than revealing itself at once, the house is experienced gradually, through transitions between different levels, shaded and open areas, planted surfaces and mineral ground.

A two-level composition

The residence is organized across two levels with distinct degrees of openness and privacy. The upper level contains the principal living, dining and cooking areas, both indoors and outdoors, together with two primary bedrooms.

The lower level accommodates four cave-like suites, a gym and the necessary service areas, connected by a separate circulation corridor. This arrangement integrates the more private functions into the terrain while allowing communal life to occupy the more open upper level.

The resulting sequence establishes continuous transitions between above and below, inside and outside, covered and open-air spaces. Planting and hard surfaces further articulate the movement through the property, allowing the composition to be discovered in stages.

 

 

The pergola as common ground

An expansive but visually lightweight pergola extends in front of the principal living spaces, connecting the two building volumes along the length of the infinity pool.

This intervention transforms the courtyard into the central space of daily life. Protected from the intense Mykonian sun, it accommodates eating, relaxation and social gatherings while maintaining an uninterrupted relationship with the horizon.

The pool reinforces the longitudinal organization of the residence and extends the architecture towards the Aegean. At the same time, smaller private courtyards attached to the bedrooms provide more secluded outdoor spaces.

The project therefore balances two parallel conditions: a central area designed for communal life and a series of protected places for retreat.

Contemporary living and Cycladic references

The design brings a contemporary spatial language into dialogue with the architectural character of the island. Instead of reproducing vernacular forms directly, it draws on their principles through simple volumes, protected outdoor areas and a restrained material palette.

The interior design collaboration between Lambs and Lions, StudioMacBride and Annabell Kutucu develops the same approach through spaces intended to support both gathering and privacy.

Local craftspeople contributed to a series of bespoke elements, allowing traditional knowledge and contemporary construction to coexist within the project. The result is a form of restrained modernity grounded in the tactile character of the place.

 

 

Natural materials and the beauty of imperfection

Natural materials reinforce the relationship between the residence and its setting. Lime plaster is placed alongside the local stone of the building volumes, while timber and sandblasted travertine introduce further variations in texture.

The palette avoids polished uniformity. Its surfaces are intended to register light, use and time, supporting an approach based on modesty, material simplicity and an appreciation of imperfection.

Through the relationship between its two levels, the large shaded pergola and the sequence of shared and private outdoor spaces, En Kyanó places everyday life in continuous contact with the landscape. The architecture becomes a framework for experiencing the changing light of Mykonos and the expanse of the Aegean.

 

Originally published in MykonosVillas Vol.5, a special edition by ek Architectural Publications.

Perched on the summit of a hill, Pride Rock Villa combines the simplicity of Mediterranean living with refined finishes and high construction precision. The residence commands a 270-degree panorama towards Kalo Livadi, Divounia and Kalafati, while the islet of Ktapodi and the island of Naxos gradually emerge on the distant horizon.

Modern architectural lines are combined with elements drawn from the local building tradition, establishing a close relationship with the natural landscape and the continuous presence of water. The design brings artisanal craftsmanship together with contemporary technologies, creating an environment defined by clarity, comfort and calm.

 

 

A 270-degree horizon

Four principles guided the design: the orientation of the building volumes towards the principal views, the careful consideration of the sun’s trajectory to maximize natural light, protection from the strong northern winds and a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The rocky topography was central to the architectural composition. Rather than being treated simply as a backdrop, the characteristics of the terrain determined the main axes of the building and its visual connections with the landscape. Outdoor seating areas were positioned in sheltered locations, allowing the panoramic views to remain accessible even when the prevailing winds are strong.

Two wings shaped by the landscape

The residence is divided into two wings, each associated with a triangular swimming pool. One is oriented towards Kalafati and the other towards Kalo Livadi, reinforcing the building’s response to the two principal directions of the site.

The first wing is white and cubical. Its ground floor contains an open-plan living area with direct access to the outdoor spaces, while the primary bedroom occupies the upper level and opens towards uninterrupted views of the sea.

The second wing is built in stone and partly embedded in the terrain beneath a planted roof. It contains three ensuite bedrooms, where cross ventilation and natural light are provided through a sunken rear courtyard. The contrast between the two wings allows the residence to alternate between a more exposed, elevated presence and a quieter integration into the hillside.

 

 

The rock as a spatial anchor

At the centre of the plot, an existing rock formation was preserved and incorporated into the architectural layout. An internal courtyard wraps around it, bringing a fragment of the original landscape directly into the everyday experience of the residence. From the top of the rock, the broader panorama of the Aegean is revealed.

This approach extends throughout the project: the natural features of the site are not concealed but used to define movement, views and spatial relationships. Architecture, water and terrain are brought together in a composition that combines the functional requirements of a summer residence with the distinctive character of its location.

Originally published in MykonosVillas Vol.5, a special edition by ek magazine.