Three independent residences step along two terraces in Lefkes, preserving dry-stone walls and mature olive trees while gradually framing the Parian landscape.

 

The residence in Lefkes by KP Office is formed by a complex of three independent houses known as Pezoules House. It occupies a narrow, steeply sloping site in one of the most traditional settlements of Paros.

The project takes its name from its position across two agricultural terraces, or pezoules. Opposite the site, some of the island’s best-preserved terraced fields extend across the hillside. These longstanding structures have shaped both the cultivation and the architectural character of the Cycladic landscape.

 

Buildings arranged along the slope

The narrow proportions and pronounced gradient of the site determined the articulated arrangement of the building volumes. Rather than creating a single compact mass, the design distributes the programme across a sequence of interconnected structures.

The composition follows the two existing terraces. As a result, the buildings remain close to the ground and adapt to the changing levels instead of imposing a uniform platform on the site.

Openings appear gradually as visitors move through the complex. Some provide broad panoramic views, while others frame isolated parts of the surrounding hills. The landscape is therefore revealed as a sequence rather than as a continuous image.

The main project collaborator was Studio265, whose work with KP Office contributed to the architectural and constructional development of the complex.

 

Three independent residences

Each of the three houses develops across two or three levels. Their ground floors contain the principal living and dining areas, together with semi-outdoor sitting spaces integrated into the main volumes.

The bedrooms have private bathrooms and occupy more protected positions. Their distribution establishes a clear distinction between communal and private life without disconnecting them from the landscape.

The stepped organization also gives each house a degree of autonomy. Individual terraces, pools and outdoor rooms are separated from one another, although all three residences remain part of the same architectural composition.

The published ground-floor plan and longitudinal section clarify this relationship. The plan shows the houses extending along the narrow site, while the section explains their gradual descent through the two terraces.

 

Framed views and semi-outdoor rooms

Covered seating areas are incorporated within the principal volumes rather than added as independent structures. They form deep thresholds between enclosed rooms, swimming pools and the surrounding terrain.

These intermediate spaces protect everyday outdoor activity from direct sunlight. At the same time, they preserve visual continuity with the hills and the distant horizon.

The arrangement of openings reinforces this controlled relationship. Windows and passages do not simply provide a view from every point. Instead, they direct attention towards selected elements of the landscape and make orientation part of the movement through the house.

 

Stone from the site

Rendered masonry defines the enclosed residential volumes. In contrast, exposed stone is used for retaining walls, boundaries and other external architectural elements.

The stone was recovered exclusively during the excavation of the site. Its reuse strengthens the material relationship between the new construction and the surrounding terrain.

Existing dry-stone walls were preserved and structurally reinforced. Where sections had collapsed, they were rebuilt with local stone, maintaining the continuity of the agricultural terraces.

The masonry therefore serves several roles. It retains the sloping ground, organizes circulation and outdoor rooms, and connects the new complex with the longstanding constructional logic of the Parian landscape.

 

Building around existing olive trees

The outdoor spaces were designed with the aim of limiting intervention in the natural terrain. Building volumes and circulation routes were positioned around mature olive trees that already occupied the site.

The landscape design by Outside Landscape Architecture extends this approach. Gardens contain olive and cypress trees, vines, herbs, aromatic shrubs and flowering plants associated with the Mediterranean ecosystem.

Rainwater-storage tanks contribute to the irrigation of the planted areas. The intervention therefore relies on specific landscape and water-management measures rather than treating planting as an applied decorative layer.

 

Local techniques and contemporary elements

The houses combine references to traditional Cycladic construction with contemporary building components. Small openings and walls up to 60cm thick create substantial, protected envelopes.

Many elements were custom-made by experienced local craftspeople. In parallel, exposed-concrete ceilings, thermally insulated frames and stainless-steel fittings introduce a more contemporary constructional language.

The project does not reproduce a historic building type. Instead, it draws on the environmental and material logic of local architecture and adapts it to current residential needs.

The result is a sequence of houses embedded in the terraces, where stone walls, framed views and intermediate outdoor rooms establish a measured relationship with the landscape.

 

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

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.

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.

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.

 

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.

 

Vanishing points

This architectural project involves the design of a single-story vacation home with a total area of 205 m², situated on a 5,000 m² plot in the Glyfa region of Paros.

 

Design Philosophy

The plot features minimal slopes and offers a southeast orientation with unobstructed views of the sea. The surrounding area remains lightly developed -by the island’s standards- allowing all visual perspectives from the house to be fully immersed in the island’s natural landscape. The residence consists of three separate built volumes, arranged to frame and protect corresponding outdoor spaces. This configuration allows the house to naturally extend outward during the summer months, enhancing the living experience.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The main volume, positioned at the forefront, houses the core functions of the residence: kitchen, dining area, living room, the master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, and a guest WC. Designed for year-round use, this volume serves as the heart of the home. The two additional volumes function as guest suites, each with bedrooms and private bathrooms, intended to host family members and guests primarily during the summer season.

A central conceptual axis runs longitudinally through the residence -from the western entrance façade to the existing cedar trees (fida) located on the eastern edge of the plot. Along this axis, a rhythmic alternation of solid (built) and void (open) elements shapes the user’s spatial experience. The deliberate placement of the volumes creates a sheltered central courtyard with sea views, into which all indoor areas open.

 

 

Landscape Design

Outdoor built-in seating areas, pergolas, and carefully selected planting define the main social gathering space of the residence. Two additional outdoor courtyards -sheltered from wind and strong sunlight- offer more private alternatives for relaxation and socialization. One is located adjacent to the master bedroom with its own pergola, while the other forms a garden and entry courtyard on the western side of the home. Freestanding exterior walls are strategically used to articulate the transitions between built and unbuilt spaces, intentionally blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. This approach enhances the integration of the architectural volumes into the natural landscape.

 

Simple lines

The property is situated in the Faragas area on the southern side of Paros. Its southern orientation provides a captivating view of the sea, while the entrance is conveniently located on the northern side. What sets this property apart is its remarkable position on a promontory, offering breathtaking panoramic views in every direction.

 

Design Philosophy

Taking advantage of its distinctive features and topography, a meticulously designed building was crafted to optimize unobstructed vistas of the sea and the peninsula. Inspired by the principles of late modernism, the architecture has been skillfully adapted to this coastal site, resulting in a generously covered area supported by walls that serve as panels, effectively defining scenic views and living spaces.

Water features, well-planned courtyards, and thoughtfully arranged landscaping seamlessly integrate the sea, the beach, and the surrounding terrain with the recreational areas, creating a smooth connection between the residence and the waterfront. The pergolas, aligned with the expansive slabs, are thoughtfully adorned with reed, extending the living spaces while ensuring visual coherence. The strategic use of walls, pergolas, water elements, gravel roofs, distinctive stonework courtyards, and expansive semi-open areas contributes to an architectural concept that emphasizes the succession and continuity of materials.

The arrangement of parallel walls intensifies the focus on both nearby and distant landscapes, skillfully directing attention towards specific elements of the natural surroundings. The movement, expertly guided by the architectural elements, transforms into a captivating exploration of spatial dynamics, unveiling new perspectives and illuminating previously unnoticed material details.

 

 

Material Palette

The interior spaces have been thoughtfully shaped, drawing inspiration from local architectural styles, the region’s spirit, history, and natural environment, as well as the unique preferences and requirements of the residents. With a deliberate emphasis on using exclusively natural materials and colors, the residence exudes a distinctively layered palette. The application of local stone, skillfully hammered and arranged in intricate and characteristic patterns, adorns all interior and exterior floors, elegantly softening the dazzling white of the walls. The light-colored wooden furniture effortlessly brings the essence of nature inside the residence, while carefully chosen fabrics and specially designed rugs play a significant role, offering diverse textures and colors. Most of the furniture is custom-made, complemented by a few select pieces of minimalist Scandinavian design. Vibrant Mediterranean hues of terracotta tiles grace the bathrooms, and the lighting scheme, designed with utmost subtlety, accentuates the enchantment of moonlit nights and starry skies.

 

 

Context Integration

Nestled within this idyllic landscape, the architecture creates a haven for relaxation and indulgence. The design concept pays homage to the essence of Greek summer, where spaces are not rigidly defined but seamlessly flow towards the surrounding environment and the sea. The residence represents an interpretation, borrowing elements from the principles of modernism, intricately intertwined with the Cycladic architectural tradition, with the ultimate goal of harmoniously merging and blurring the boundaries between the natural and inhabited spaces.

 

Gentle levitation

The holiday home on the Greek island of Paros blends a subtle modernism with both contemporary and traditional detailing and materials. Assembled as a linked series of standalone rooms around a poolside courtyard, the villa touches the landscape lightly, providing a beautiful and simple luxury living environment in its natural Aegean setting.

 

Design Philosophy

Rising above an olive grove on the west side of Paros, this residence is centred on the setting of the August sun. The solar axis is described by a linear path that terminates at a negative-edge pool cantilevering into the Aegean blue. This linearity is mirrored by the adjacent pergola -a gently undulating wave of bamboo, punctured by a single oculus that brings light onto a chiselled marble poolside lounge. The volumes gently touch upon the earth on overlapping terrazzo slabs, “floating” above the soil.

 

 

Pool Design

The airy sensation culminates around the pool. Clad in rustic mirrors, the inset base reflects the Mediterranean landscape and transforms the pool into yet another floating slab. Just as the built elements are placed gently on the site, the material richness of the building is derived subtly by means of texture.

 

 

Material Pallete

Beyond the traditional white and stone walls, the materiality is augmented by Greek marble and terrazzo. The simplicity of these raw materials is the key to the intricacy of the project. The size of the stone aggregate displays calculated variation between different terrazzo surfaces, creating a subtle but vital gradation.

The windows are framed by a densely hammered Aliveri marble, inspired by the decorative stone surround that marks the entrance of Parian churches, while counters and benches feature sandblasted and chiselled stone. These careful adjustments provide complexity without overloading the site, allowing the magic of the landscape to imbue the house with the unique energy for which one builds by the seaside.

 

Landscape tapestry

The property, in the east part of the island, is facing Naxos. The terrain is steep, containing an olive grove and dry-stone earth retaining walls looking like threads on the ground.

 

Landscape integration

The concept for the new building is to weave into the existing landscape. The house extends meandering in-between the olive trees and daily life is organized around three of them, that are assigned special importance. The many thresholds of the house correspond to individual courtyards, on different levels; those are retained by new dry-stone walls, emulating the existing ones.

The curved, threadlike system of the old walls becomes striated at the area of intervention. Rectangular courtyards, becoming stages for everyday life, compose a patchwork fabric woven into the landscape. This way, the house becomes a canvas highlighting nature.

 

Spatial organization

The compound is comprised of three distinct volumes: The main house, with the kitchen, the living room and three master bedrooms, escalates towards the south; a second volume with a guest room and a third one with a mezzanine for the family’s children and their friends, turn towards the east. At their junction, an open-air cooking area under a pergola becomes the core of the house.

 

Material Palette

The material and color palette of the outdoor spaces integrates the house into the natural landscape of the island. Hard floor surfaces are faced with grey pressed cement, in the same tonality as the frames and shutters of the openings breaking the whiteness of the walls. The impression is complemented with wooden pergolas in their natural tone and dry-stone walls.

The exact same palette is repeated in the interior, where the fair-faced concrete ceiling and the grey cement flooring frame the white vertical surfaces in-between. Case and mobile furniture feature wooden surfaces in a natural tone, highlighted by light or dark blue details on fabric upholstery or ornamental tiles.

 

Lighting Design & Sustainability

Lighting is either built into the ceiling or indirect, from the low part of the walls. The house is bioclimatic. Rainwater from the terraces is collected, filtered and reused, while all spaces benefit from natural cross-ventilation, creating a pleasant cooling effect during the summer months.

Contrasting composition

The new hotel includes 38 rooms in various typologies and is situated in a prime location in Naousa, Paros, right by the sea. The architectural design aims to craft an authentic hospitality space of high standards, becoming seamlessly integrated with the traditional settlement and the distinctive landscape of the Cyclades.

 

Functional Configuration

The hotel’s architecture features a contrasting composition: cubic prisms face the settlement, while circular volumes overlook Piperi Beach and its lush vegetation. The circular structures accommodate common areas, including the reception, a pastry shop, a Japanese cuisine bar-restaurant, and a spa. Meanwhile, the rectangular buildings house the guest rooms and the main restaurant. Guests can take a leisurely stroll starting from the reception, through the open-air area of the pastry shop, and across the planted terraces of the main restaurant, culminating in a panoramic view of the blue Aegean Sea and its refreshing northern breeze.

Between the two geometric units lies a 55-meter-long swimming pool, which appears as an extension of the sea, through the design of an elongated ramp with a glass safety rail. Two restaurants with outdoor seating are situated on either side of the pool, making it the central hub of the hotel’s outdoor activities. A second, circular hot pool is part of the spa, while at the opposite end, an additional circular space serves as an outdoor theatre and yoga deck.

 

Material Palette

All rooms have been meticulously designed, featuring white marble as the primary material, a nod to classic Greek aesthetics. The use of light colors as well as large openings that allow light and air into the space, creates an atmosphere of relaxation and well-being, while reflecting the natural palette of Naousa’s landscape. The color scheme draws inspiration from the blue hues of the water, the white of the Cyclades, and the sand -all of which can be found in the flooring, pergolas, and common areas of the restaurant and spa.

 

Architectural Language

The central concept of the design is to modernize and connect with the local island heritage. The architectural language features formations with arches and wall recesses, semi-circular sections, cubic structures, and geometric patterns combined with irregular shapes. This distinct style is echoed on a smaller scale in the interior design, seen in the custom-built curvilinear furniture and the reliefs on both horizontal and vertical surfaces.

A distinctive feature of the design is the flooring, which consists of irregular white marble slabs with off-white joints. This modern take on the traditional paving found in the island’s settlements is used throughout the rooms as well as the public areas of the hotel.

The nest

The property is in Ayios Yannis, at Kostos village in Paros. It benefits from a southeastern orientation on its long side, with a view of the sea and the gulf of Naxos.

 

Landscape Integration

The building, touching upon the hillside, adapts to the terrain contours following the ground morphology, and becomes almost encaved on its west side. Angular walls allude to the dry-stone retaining walls which are ubiquitous in the Cyclades, forming a shell that maintains a beneficial microclimate under any weather conditions.

The house features the double character of an architecture that is at once integrated into the landscape geometries and a wall that generates living spaces; it is expressed in a façade delineating the levels and organizes living and viewing areas. The design does not follow the typical white volume clustering, but instead defines a series of patios, walkways, enclosed courtyards, descents and connecting stairs behind a white wall.

 

 

Spatial Organization

Special attention was given to the “fifth” façade, which involves the roofs, while the design is dominated by repetition and standardization of the openings. The west side, at the highest point of the property, accommodates a descending entrance that leads to the heart of the compound. An elongated hallway connects the rooms of the main building, opening framed views to cape Kefalos in Paros and the neighboring island of Naxos, through selected openings on the southeastern façade.

 

 

Circulation Routes

The descent through the interior to the wide outdoor terrace of the living quarters is a gradual transition to the framed landmarks of the Aegean, from within the building to the panorama from the terrace: Naoussa, Naxos town, cape Antikefalon, the western side of Naxos, Kastraki, Iraklia and Ios unfold before the eyes of the onlooker. The courtyards, paved in mosaics, are created next to the living spaces, and follow the natural inclination of the terrain.

The enclosed yard on the west side is immediately connected to the living room, which, together with the kitchen and the two bedrooms, enjoys a sea view; a lower level accommodates a subterranean guest house. The architectural expression results from the use of natural elements, fills in voids redefining necessities, images and living spaces; it acts as a complement, embracing the surface of the landscape tightly, taking root, becoming an integral part of the surroundings.

 

Serene haven

Nestled within an idyllic setting, the captivating residence in Punta, Paros, embodies a harmonious fusion of two distinct housing units. Connecting them is a central hall, adorned with a pergola, gracefully bridging the building volumes, and providing seamless transitions through shared outdoor spaces.

 

Positioning & Orientation

The residence fully embraces its western orientation, aligning its architecture with the geometry of the site to offer breathtaking views of the sea and mesmerizing sunsets. Access to the property is granted from the eastern side, where visitors embark on an enchanting stroll through an ancient olive grove, gradually revealing the architectural composition and unveiling panoramic vistas.

 

Functional Organization

Internally, the kitchen and dining area operate independently yet maintain a direct connection to one another. Both spaces integrate with their respective outdoor areas, which are in close proximity, affording shade and unobstructed views of the coastline. The bedrooms are situated on the eastern side, at the rear of the building, facing the garden. This deliberate placement ensures increased privacy and tranquility, sheltered from the shared spaces.

The outdoor environment, shaped as an embrace between the pergola and a covered seating area, protected within stone walls, accommodates a swimming pool, a pool lounge, and a shaded dining area adjacent to the outdoor kitchen. The landscape design incorporates vegetable gardens that serve both residences. The intermediate semi outdoor spaces blend indoor and outdoor elements, unifying them functionally and aesthetically.

 

Material Palette

The building showcases a palette of earthy hues, with dark-colored stone, natural wood, textured concrete, and colored plaster. The latter pays homage to the urban tradition of Paros, with warm earthy tones frequently used in building facades, setting them apart from the conventional white. The same color palette is echoed within the interior spaces, employing earthy tones, stone, wood, as well as a blend of contemporary and preserved antique furniture, imbuing the entire residence with a distinctive character.

The interplay between architectural volumes and the Cycladic light, pronounced contrasts, shadows, and human scale converge to create an architecture that stands out, interpreting the spirit of the place and accentuating its timeless characteristics. Every significant detail within the spaces bears the mark of human craftsmanship and the patina of materials on walls, window frames, and water outlets, introducing a sense of temporal dimension to the living experience.

White Ribbon

The “Riza” residence in Psilafi, situated atop the highest point of Angairia, in Paros, is a testament to the harmonious integration of contemporary design with the arid topography of the Cyclades. Its pristine white walls gracefully unfold like a geometric ribbon, delineating and enclosing the various volumes of the structure.

 

Landscape integration

The elongated side of the house benefits from a favorable southwestern orientation, granting breathtaking views of the sea and Antiparos Island. Drawing inspiration from the local vernacular architecture of the “katikies”, which exhibit a unique character influenced by the rugged terrain, this design assembles a series of architectural arrangements into a cohesive whole, irrespective of their distinct purposes such as dwellings, storage spaces, or stables.

Reinterpreting the essence of these vernacular clusters into a modern, liberated form, the house’s design manifests as a white ribbon that emerges organically from the ground, gracefully embracing the surrounding landscape.

This approach results in a multi-faceted structure that seamlessly adapts to the undulating terrain, with interconnected courtyards at different levels, all oriented towards the mesmerizing vistas. By emphasizing the integration of outdoor spaces, the design seeks to create a distinctive residential compound that pays homage to Cycladic architecture.

 

Circulation route

The house’s layout encompasses communal areas such as the kitchen, dining, and lounge spaces, along with three ensuite bedrooms. Additionally, a guest house, intentionally detached from the main volume to ensure privacy, is also incorporated. Both the guest house and the primary building feature strategically positioned openings.

Those seamlessly connect the interior with the exterior, facilitating the expansion of living spaces into sheltered courtyards during the summer months, shielded from the northerly winds. The concept of the ribbon is further evident in the seamless flow of movement between the living quarters and the roof area. Upon descending the main flight of steps, guests are guided through an entrance courtyard flanked by a combination of white and stone retaining walls, reminiscent of the vernacular drystone construction. From here, one can choose to enter the main building, proceed towards the guest house guided by a captivating water feature, or venture onto the roof to savor panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.

 

Material aesthetic

An intriguing aspect of the composition lies in the diverse sizes and heights of the openings, casting playful shadows on the otherwise monolithic white volume. While drawing inspiration from vernacular architecture, the building reimagines its character through a contemporary lens, embodying a modern aesthetic. In conclusion, this residence in Psilafi represents a harmonious fusion of contemporary design principles with the Cycladic landscape, showcasing a refined architectural expression that pays homage to the region’s vernacular heritage while embracing a contemporary spirit.

Architectural dualities

The residence is nestled into the hillside, following the topographical contours and adapting seamlessly to the natural morphology of the land. It is situated in the area of Louria, in the southern part of Paros. The plot is oriented to the southwest along its longer side, offering unobstructed views of the sea, the bay of Aliki, and Antiparos.

 

Design Philosophy

The entrance is located on the northern edge of the site, where the highest point serves as a gateway into the home. A solid white wall with minimal openings greets the visitor, concealing both the internal arrangement and the front courtyards. The architectural composition is defined by a series of spatial and experiential dualities: concealed versus exposed spaces, sheltered courtyards versus open terraces, interior circulation paths versus threshold journeys, a closed entrance versus an unfolding route, grounded volumes embedded in the landscape versus elevated masses reaching toward the view. Large transverse walls extend from the core of the residence into the hillside, anchoring the building to the terrain. These walls carve out private courtyards at the rear and guide the interior spaces outward into the natural surroundings.

 

 

Spatial Organization

Between these structural walls, distinct thematic zones emerge -sometimes functioning as entrances, gardens, water features, or protected outdoor lounges. These spaces flow organically from the interior, shaped and defined by the commanding presence of the walls. Visible only from the rear of the plot, these elements reveal the spatial narrative only upon entry, inviting gradual discovery. A transverse path intersects the composition, connecting these thematic zones while running parallel to the interior circulation route. This path frames curated views toward the landscape and the communal living areas. The volumes of the residence unfold toward both the hillside and the open view, projecting over a low stone wall that forms a sculptural western façade. On one side, the structures are rooted in the ground; on the other, they appear to hover above the terrain, reaching toward the sea and the horizon.

This interplay is echoed in the intermediate and front-facing courtyards and balconies, which are oriented toward the water. The walls alternate between acting as architectural structures and forming outdoor spaces, always responding to the site’s topography and natural context. A singular architectural volume is fragmented into smaller, grounded forms that integrate harmoniously with the land.

 

 

Landscape Integration

From above, the “fifth façade” -the roofscape- becomes a dominant element, blending with the hillside. The architecture balances gracefully on the sloping terrain, allowing the landscape and natural relief to shape the design language. Through this dialogue with the land, spatial experiences are crafted to define the essence of holiday living. The intense Cycladic light choreographs the architecture throughout the day, revealing new layers of the composition as it shifts. The built environment embraces human presence, cultivating a deep sense of intimacy between the inhabitant, the space, and the surrounding landscape.