The post Spherical Retreat was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.

Theokleous residence is built in a growing residential area, on Larnaca’s western boundary.

It is a medium-sized building with a typical middle-class family program (living room, dining room, kitchen, office, three bedrooms, guest room, restrooms for residents and guests, storage rooms, two parking lots). The size and dimensions of the site are common for this type of project, and the only special feature is its adjacency to a public walkway on the west.

Our office, through the study of a series of similar size residences during the last 10 years, has elaborated a special typological approach, which is adjusted to the lifestyle of the users and to the individual features of each plot.

This approach lies in the clear separation of individual spaces, both by form and by function, and achieves aesthetic integrity by minimizing the morphological vocabulary and use of materials. The centerpiece is the staircase; all the main rooms are organized around this two-story space, and open to the courtyard.

In this way, we attempt to highlight the evolution of traditional architecture into Mediterranean modernism, resulting in a contemporary architectural production.

amsa

The post D-house 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.

The three-story house, located on an urban area, is shaped by its surroundings, since the site slopes downward from the street towards the rear side.

This inclination is used as starting point of the tension created by the ascending roof with a perimeter slit opening and characteristic whiteness that, shared by the outdoor wall, presents a unified composition towards the side of the street. A white bridge floating above the landscaped garden at a lower level connects the street to the residence. The contrasting lines of the ascending roof and descending plot are reflected on the white iron revolving lattice of the facade, refracting the light in a frozen dance full of play, indoors. Lines which trace the same diagonals also characterize the volume of the white iron staircase with upward tapered steps, which is surrounded by extensive glazing, diffusing light like a prism to the interior as well as connecting the three levels of the house.

The ground floor level comprises the communal spaces in open plan configuration interpolated with semi-outdoor sitting areas, while separating the two levels of large en-suite bedrooms on the basement and first floor respectively. The vertical gardens of the perimeter walls, the strategically placed orthogonal water features, the English yard, as well as a lowered level sitting area by the linear swimming pool, create a pleasant and cooling environment to which both private and communal spaces can open out, via large sliding glass panels.

These glass panels, apart from filling the voids of the building’s white metal structure, allow the reflections of water and light to create constant movement to the interior; a movement initially dictated by the sun and wind, and completed by the continuously changing viewing angle of each user. Besides a few complimentary and neutral grey shades on the furniture, white predominates chromatically on walls and ceilings, becoming an ideal canvas for intricate shadows, while dispersed metal elements on the lights, staircase and selected artworks add their own reflections to the choreography.

Thus, the morphic impression of the interior and the elevations of the house shell is constantly transformed with every look and movement. Every use of space requires sensory awareness and wakefulness. Every moment is a new one-time occurrence, where sunlight falls on the building components providing a never before seen unique performance, enforcing the user’s presence in the space.

PITSOU KEDEM ARCHITECTS

The post J HOUSE was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.

The design concerns the repair and completion of an existing incomplete villa and the design of its outdoor areas.

The building shell is located on an inclined seaside plot, with unobstructed pelagic views and in dialogue with the natural element, which declares its presence in every place inside and outside of the building. Entry to the site occurs both on the northern and southern side. The residence unfolds in two levels; the first comprises the living areas and two en-suite bedrooms, each with an independent entrance.

The second level houses a bedroom, a bathroom and a terrace. The aim of the design was to create a residence with outdoor areas that respects the landscape and local architecture, while serving its operational needs at the same time. The basic principle of the proposal is the integration of internal and external spaces. Additional architectural elements are synthesized with the old, based on the various soil levels, dressed in earthy tones.

Interior spaces draw references from the Cycladic architecture, which is conveyed in contemporary lines. Built-in, unchanging elements are added for the various functions, walls are coated with coarse white plaster, while on the ground floor level, rocky sections are left uncovered through large openings on the eastern wall of the rooms, allowing the natural element to coexist with the structured.

All floors are laid with cement screed in a light grey color, while wood, natural or in a white or grey finish, is mainly used on door and window casings, ceilings and cupboard panels. The existing stone masonry of the elevations is left untouched. It was decided to cover the volume of the mill in grey plaster, to achieve visual harmony with the landscape.

The surrounding area in stepped levels transfers key functions closer to the sea. Two staircases integrate it with the roof of the building, rendering it accessible. A swimming pool and spaces under wooden pergolas comprising outdoor sitting, dining and BBQ complete the surrounding area, whose configuration is a continuation of the building lines, directing the gaze to the sea.

GNB Architects

The post Synthesized Integration was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.