Sitting on the ridge of the hill of Aleomandra in Mykonos yet almost entirely hidden from view, the property looks straight out to sea and the sunset over the neighboring island of Delos.

A 6-bedroom holiday house built for a young, dynamic couple to enjoy with their family and friends, it celebrates its spectacular view from a grounded viewpoint blended into a sensitively landscaped, stone-walled garden that screens it from the road behind.

The house is built upon the idea of slow, laid-back summer living, and encourages mindful connection with family, friends and the freedom to exist peacefully in nature. Form follows emotion rather than function, as every space becomes another opportunity for rest, reflection and exploration.

To create a house that would allow guests to enjoy being outside throughout the day, the architects needed to filter the overwhelming intensity of the climate by providing shade and protection from the elements. Although the house needed to accommodate a large number of guests, it does not dominate the landscape with oversized volumes. Inspired by the humble complexity of the traditional island vernacular, the architecture was reduced to two small traditionally whitewashed volumes and a third one made of stone dug from the site, built around a large courtyard living area which is covered by an expansive but lightweight chestnut pergola. This courtyard becomes the focal point of the house, seamlessly connected to the living room and kitchen volumes and looking over the pool and gardens beyond. Beneath the pool garden are the private bedrooms, separated for privacy and quietly enjoying the uninterrupted view over the lower garden to the sea. Their separation further reduces the overall impact of the house and cleanly divides social and private space.

Key to the character of the house is the palette of traditional materials such as lime-wash, stone and wood that have been applied and engineered with contemporary techniques to create an un-nostalgic architecture that bridges heritage and locality with contemporary life. Hand-built stone walls are sharply confident; traditionally rendered, round-edged volumes are perfectly flat and smooth. The customary chestnut pergola has been engineered to increase its structural integrity, to form a glue-lam beam lattice that sits lightly on the white volumes, shading and protecting the extensive courtyard beneath.

The simple white volumes, straight stone walls and light pergola planes sit comfortably in the Cycladic landscape and the efficiency of their layout, centred around the courtyard living space, streamlines daily life. Villa Mandra is informed by humble Cycladic tradition, enriched by natural materiality and inspired by contemporary summer living.

K-Studio

The post Villa Mandra was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.

When London based International Interior design firm Elastic Interiors were approached to design Nammos Dubai, belonging to a world-famous Mediterranean beach club brand notorious for its vibrant scene, they were elated at the opportunity to develop a new and upcoming destination. The firm, led by Partner & Creative Director Enrique Mangalindan and Founders Ria Vogiatzi & Alexander Xenos, along with their multi-faceted design team, are behind luxurious Resorts such as One & Only, AMAN, Marriott, among others.

The main design philosophy was to create an elegant interior that resonates of vernacular architecture, featuring authentic Mykonian materials. In this special location, the overall design aesthetic aimed to capture the soul of Nammos Mykonos, where luxury, leisure, beach life, fashion and the most memorable parties coexist in perfect harmony.

Upon arrival, large tiered reflection pools anchored by a single mature palm tree, surround the building façade, reflecting the Dubai sky and giving the illusion of a floating glass structure.

The pool is delineated by large stone platform steps, forming a bridge between the cobbled stone road and the elevated entry doors. This procession is heightened by the sound of cascading water running on both sides of the entry path, creating a full sensory experience.

The journey begins with the iconic Mykonian painted fieldstone as the main backdrop to the interior reception lobby. Ambient candlelit niches create a warm threshold between the reception and the excitement that lies beyond. The interior of the lobby is adorned with customized suspended light pendants that resemble illuminated beach pebbles, hung in varying heights to create a light filled, playful ceiling plane.

Curated sculptural furniture placed upon hand-crafted area rugs, is nestled on both sides of the lobby, providing a relaxed lounge setting where guests are surrounded by views to the lush garden and reflecting pool. The furniture upholstery is a selection of light colored natural linen fabrics that create a play on texture, while tone-on-tone patterned textiles celebrate intricate weaving techniques, often found in the traditional craftmanship of both Dubai and Greece.

These same weaving techniques are integrated into the interior architectural elements through textural rope embellishments, wrapping the chestnut screen ceiling, dotted with wicker wood beams. Both wicker and chestnut are local to Greece and are commonly used in Mykonian architecture.

The entry corridor separating the arrival lobby and main dining area is lined with tall, rich carved wood. In this carved path, the selection of fine wines, the best grade meats and fresh seafood is showcased like fine jewelry behind glass screens.

Elastic Architects

The post Nammos Dubai was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.

Minimal design and unpretentious elegance characterize the residence nestling on the sloped site, almost completely protected from the northern winds, with a northwestern orientation and panoramic views to the bay of Ftelia.

The residence, with a total surface area of 560m², unfolds in four levels and its widely used natural building materials give it a vernacular character. The spaces serving the communal functions exude comfort and warmth and are placed on the main entrance level.

The large external openings allow light to invade every part of the interior. The harmony of cladding materials in a palette of earthy hues characterizes the total of six spacious suites, all fringed by terraces and scattered at all levels. The multi-level and multifunctional outdoor areas are dominated by the water element.

Three swimming pools feature on separate levels, creating unique focal points of relaxation and entertainment; the large pool on the main deck that “colors” the space in front of the outdoors dining area with reflections of the horizon, the built-in bathtub and the heated pool by the spa area. A fully equipped gym with a glass facade in direct contact to the enchanting surroundings complements the particular character of the house. Surrounding Mediterranean vegetation smooths the coarse Cycladic landscape, allowing the gaze to wander in the infinite blue.

AREA Design office

The post Whimsical comfort was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.