Refined Materiality

This generational home was designed as a gathering place for an international client’s extended family. A longtime appreciator of modern design, the owner was looking to carefully craft a biophilic living space for his wife and young twins, as well as a home to entertain and host visiting friends and family.

 

Design Philosophy

The private site is situated on a flag lot, surrounded by open space with mature perimeter trees and vegetation. The 455m² structure consists of two forms layered perpendicularly. On the ground level, a kitchen, dining, and family room flow naturally into outdoor living spaces, centered around a passively cooled double-height living room that pulls cold air from lower levels to the warmer second story via strategically placed windows. A covered patio at the rear of the house and trellis at the front foster a sense of openness; the surrounding scenery is framed thoughtfully by architecture, becoming almost transparent.

The L-shaped structure nestles a protected, private courtyard and pool between the house and hillside, which directly connects to the guest suite. The suite is thoughtfully designed as a space for the client’s visiting parents. Supported by the lower level on one end and the hillside on the other, the private second floor is balanced gracefully atop its lower counterpart. The primary suite lightly floats above a grove of mature oaks, overlooking distant views of the San Francisco Bay to the north. On the opposite end, the twins’ rooms mirror each other as to “not to favor one over the other”, equally divided by a shared study nook.

 

 

Functional Organization

A double height stone clad fireplace connects the first and second floors, and wood slats splash patterns of daylight onto a rich material palette. A subterranean level houses the office, guest room, and nanny suite, complimented by lightwells that welcome natural light into each space. The office connects via an outdoor staircase to the covered patio -a primary outdoor gathering space for friends and family, with a fireplace and moveable wood slatted screens allowing flexibility to control exposure to southern sunlight.

 

 

Material Palette

The home’s materiality is subtle and refined, allowing natural textures to create visual contrast. The exterior is clad with bush-hammered travertine and reclaimed Ulin wood siding. A simple, warm interior palette of white oak paneling, black laminate, and white marble with brass accents allows the surrounding landscape to add color and light. Understated, comfortable furnishings accented with the daughter’s hand sketches create a warm, open, materially rich space deeply and intimately connected to the site and its occupants.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Daily living

The overall approach conveys a contemporary residence of high aesthetic quality, where comfort, functionality, and materiality coexist in harmony, offering a living environment characterized by identity, calmness, and timeless value.

 

Design Philosophy

The apartment is located in the heart of Thessaloniki, on Palaion Patron Germanou Street. The new floor plan has been organized into distinct zones, responding to the everyday life of the family. A spacious common area, with direct access to the two openings on the main façade, accommodates a large kitchen with an island and dining area, along with a comfortable living room. A concealed bar and a small home office, flanked symmetrically by storage units for daily use, stand out for the character they add to the space.

Particular emphasis was placed on storage solutions, which were carefully designed both in terms of their external appearance and internal configuration, ensuring maximum spatial efficiency. The master bedroom includes a walk-in wardrobe, an additional workspace, and a private en-suite bathroom. Two children’s bedrooms and a larger shared bathroom complete the layout of the residence.

 

 

Custom Elements

Starting from the apartment’s existing morphology, a series of custom-built elements were designed to “dress” and resolve areas that required intervention. A characteristic example is the large structural beam that interrupted the open-plan space, which was reinterpreted as a coffered slab and seamlessly integrated into the overall composition. The decision to rely exclusively on custom-made furniture allowed for complete design freedom, without constraints in materials, dimensions, or standardized solutions, ensuring spatial coherence, functionality, and a unified aesthetic identity.

 

 

Materiality and Lighting

The combination of distinctive and diverse materials formed the core of the design concept, adding character and visual interest throughout the apartment while maintaining a balanced and harmonious result. Material transitions were used as a narrative tool, marking the passage from one space to another – such as the patterned tile in the entrance and hallway, which acts both as a clear threshold and as an introductory element to the living areas. Natural and artificial lighting were carefully studied to enhance textures and materials, while also shaping the appropriate atmosphere for everyday living.

 

 

Structural consolidation

The project involves the renovation and extension of a farmhouse set within a courtyard on the crest of the hills in the Piedmont area of the Reggio Emilia Apennines. The original stone building, dating back to the early 1900s, had undergone several interventions over time, including structural consolidation works that introduced reinforced concrete terraces on the valley-facing sides, as well as more recent upgrades such as the refurbishment of the roof and the addition of a concrete-and-wood portico on the eastern elevation.

 

Renovation Strategy

The intervention was driven by two main objectives: to expand the ground floor – where the existing living and bedroom spaces were insufficient – and to redesign the extensive outdoor areas of the property. The first-floor sleeping quarters were left untouched, as they were already adequate in terms of size and functionality.

The reconfiguration of the living spaces began with the transformation of the existing sloped portico, which was converted into a new volume accommodating a living and dining area, along with a wellness extension connected to the ground-floor bedroom. The original wooden and tiled roof was removed, while the concrete pillars were retained. A new metal structure was introduced to support a flat roof slab, reusing the original wooden beams of the portico.

 

 

Layout & Materials

This new volume was enclosed with continuous glazing, articulated by staggered aluminum pilasters with a Corten finish, while the original stone wall was deliberately left exposed within the interior. The former living area was repurposed as a kitchen and connected to the new living space through a large sheet-metal-clad portal, created by reworking the existing wall openings. A similar intervention was carried out in the bedroom, where a new opening in the stone wall leads directly to the wellness area, which includes a sauna.

 

 

Landscape & Façade Design

Externally, the existing terraces were redefined through the introduction of an infinity pool projecting toward the ridge, with a basement level beneath it housing technical systems and storage spaces. The terracing system was further expanded through the use of reinforced and gabion-retained earthworks, creating new landscaped areas designed for outdoor use.

The areas in front of the building were cleared of walls and fences to enable the creation of a new main entrance to the house. Access is no longer aligned with the center of the portico but instead positioned along the short side of the extension, allowing for a reorganization of vehicular access from the main road, now separated from the rest of the courtyard.

The new main façade is marked by an entrance structure consisting of a metal pergola, partially covering the main doorway and designed to support climbing vegetation, reinforcing the dialogue between architecture and landscape.

 

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.

 

Contrasting shapes

On the main street of the Havana district -an area of particular interest for food and beverage venues- a new contemporary Italian trattoria takes shape, emphasizing a balanced dialogue between materiality and form.

 

Exterior Design & Layout

Along the sidewalk, the restaurant unfolds with its first outdoor dining area. During the summer months, the metal pergola opens, allowing the large plane trees lining the street to provide natural shade throughout the day, while leaving the sky visible at night. Perimeter planting functions as a natural filter from passersby and street traffic, complemented by marine plywood panels which, through their carefully considered design and placement, allow natural light to penetrate the space, casting dramatic shadows and creating a layered atmosphere.

The main dining hall coexists with the open kitchen, where a low counter in front of the chefs’ workspace enhances a sense of immediacy and informality -core principles of the design concept. Comfortable rosewood sofas are arranged along the perimeter, oriented toward the heart of the restaurant, the kitchen, evoking the feeling of a large communal living room. Tables for both small and larger groups are interspersed throughout the space. The existing central column, a dominant feature of the hall, is embraced by a custom-made marble table and serves as the structural base for a suspended metal planter.

Material Palette

The interior is clad with symmetrical perforated panels crafted from oak and rosewood, integrated with concealed lighting that bathes the space in warm wooden reflections. Upholstery fabrics draw inspiration from Italian elegance, both in their combinations and in the detailing of their stitching. Walls finished with hand-applied plaster gain luminosity from embedded, scattered mirrors, while material contrast is further reinforced by the use of construction planks on the floor and the brass cladding applied to all industrial stainless-steel kitchen equipment. Overall, the dialogue between raw materials -such as construction planks and plaster- and more refined ones -such as marble and brass- achieves a balance that reflects the spirit of the restaurant.

 

 

Morphology & Color Scheme

Circular elements and curves dominate the composition, both in plan and in the finer design details, from the shapes of tables and lighting fixtures to the perforations in the wooden wall panels. The circle is employed repetitively to establish a strong visual motif, while the square tile used in the preparation areas, combined with exposed green grout, was selected to introduce geometric contrast.

The color palette is led by green -featured on the entrance door, tables, selected walls, seating, and tile joints- and yellow, present in the sofas and the tones of the wood. These are complemented by brass accents, visible in elements such as the bar cladding and selected lighting fixtures.

 

Sculptural retreat

The project reimagines an unused 70 m² space on the ground floor of a private villa, transforming it into a sculptural wine cellar and gym. The result is a raw yet refined interior, where craftsmanship and material expression elevate a once-neglected service area into a striking, atmospheric retreat.

 

Renovation Strategy

Previously sealed off, the space was challenged by irregular geometry, high humidity, and insufficient ventilation. The intervention began with comprehensive hydro-isolation works and the installation of a new ventilation system, establishing the conditions for a stable and controlled microclimate. Significant variations in floor levels, ranging from 1m to 2.5m, along with narrow corridors, were synthesized into a cohesive spatial strategy.

 

 

Design Philosophy

The design draws inspiration from ancient Greek theatres, where tiered seating generates depth and visual drama. This reference informed the project’s sculptural language, shaping the relationship between light, materiality, and elevation. The dynamic front composition accommodates the wine fridges and is clad in brushed, fire-treated solid wood, offering a rich, tactile surface. Along the perimeter, wine bottle storage is formed from exposed structural reinforcement bars – an approach echoed in the oxidized metal shelving designed for glassware.

 

 

Material Palette

Handcrafted elements play a central role in defining the atmosphere. The wine cellar unfolds in a palette of grey and amber tones, contrasted by Corten-effect metal sliding doors that discreetly conceal all technical equipment. At its core, a monolithic bar table carved from black lava stone anchors the space as a powerful focal point.

 

Central core

The complex is located in the seaside village of Matala, in southern Crete, surrounded by the area’s distinctive rocky formations that create a natural embrace around the site.

 

Design Philosophy

The primary starting point of the design was the creation of a cluster of small buildings oriented around a shared central courtyard, reminiscent of the protected square of a small village. As a direct reference to the values and heritage of “togetherness” and communal life in Matala, the project reinterprets the traditional Greek island neighborhood, shaping a contemporary lodging for today.

The building volumes are arranged to offer residents privacy while simultaneously encouraging coexistence and interaction in the shared courtyard. The relationships formed between the structures generate open and enclosed living spaces -both private and communal- each with its own distinct character.

 

 

Spatial Organization

Access to the complex is through a courtyard gate on the southern side of the plot, a feature of traditional Cretan architecture. Along the perimeter of the courtyard are the entrances to the individual apartments, each leading to a private patio with a pool and views toward Matala’s iconic rock formations. External staircases connect the upper-level apartments to the common gathering area on the ground floor.

 

 

Material Palette

Natural plasters and materials, such as wood and locally sourced stones, were used throughout the wall surfaces of the buildings and the surrounding enclosure, providing a variety of textures. The selected color palette enhances the integration of the architecture into the landscape, harmonizing with the natural tones of the surrounding rocky and sandy formations. Finally, the construction relied primarily on local crews and craftsmen.

 

Sculptural imprint

The residence seeks to spatially capture the encounter between memory and oblivion, emerging from the lived experiences of its place, where the play of childhood years was transformed into a tangible architectural intention. It is a gesture rooted in light, air, the immaterial, and the silence of the Mediterranean hinterland.

 

Design Philosophy

The project is located in Kato Deftera, on the outskirts of Nicosia, in an area defined by a mild, dry Mediterranean microclimate and a landscape of low valleys and plains. Agricultural use of the land persists, engaging in a dialogue with the new residential fabric. The house does not intrude; it integrates, allowing the site to remain the protagonist.

The design process begins with the floor plan, which structures the logic of dwelling through a typologically compact, disciplined core. Two distinct single-storey volumes, placed in parallel, define an intermediate courtyard that becomes the spatial and experiential heart of the home.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The volumes accommodate the primary functions of the residence, while two “boundary walls” complete the inward-looking envelope, establishing conditions of protection and seclusion. The plan rejects unnecessary circulation areas, guiding movement through clear, intentional functional zones. Living centers around the courtyard: a solar, social, collective, and at the same time introspective space.

The house unfolds from the inside out, with the unbuilt perimeter zone acting as a natural buffer. Vegetation is planned to engage with the built form, offering organic integration into the landscape and softening the presence of the structure over time. Orientation follows bioclimatic principles: living spaces face south, opening to the courtyard; service spaces are arranged to the north, overlooking the plain and Mount Pentadaktylos. The first volume, oriented toward the street, forms the façade and filters contact with the public realm. It houses storage, an atelier, technical areas for the swimming pool, and an outdoor kitchen.

 

 

Materiality & Geometry

The residence does not seek to impress; it rejects material excess, superficial textures, and verbose geometries. Its architectural language is rooted in simplicity, spatial clarity, and the primacy of light. Set upon a modest plinth of exposed concrete, it becomes a sculptural invention, a gentle imprint within the landscape. A structure that listens and remembers.

 

Mystagogic Atmosphere

The hotel is housed in an existing 19th-century stone structure in the heart of Rethymno’s old town and consists of five suites offering all contemporary comforts.

 

Design Philosophy

The design aims to immerse visitors in elements of Cretan culture, offering an atmosphere where the evocative character of the past coexists with contemporary sensibilities. During the adaptive reuse of the original shell, the stone masonry was highlighted and preserved, with targeted structural reinforcements where necessary. To maintain the authenticity of the original character, all mechanical and electrical systems were concealed within the walls and floors.

A new stone structure was created on the adjacent plot, centered around the presence of water, forming the hotel’s shared pool and introducing a sense of oasis within the dense fabric of the old town. The two stone volumes are connected by a staircase made of exposed concrete.

 

 

Material Palette

The material choices emphasize the identity of the project and include stone, wood, clay, and iron with a weathered finish. Custom elements were crafted, while existing components found within the building were reused. The floors are made of elongated clay tiles, and the gutters are formed from joined clay pipe segments reminiscent of traditional Cretan water channels.

 

 

Custom Elements

Metal features such as frames, railings, and planters are made of treated iron with a rusted appearance. The glass surfaces were specially crafted to evoke an aged character, while the doors and furniture incorporate reclaimed wooden elements discovered in the building. The structural wooden components are made of unprocessed chestnut. Finally, the room locks are restored Ottoman-era pieces found in the old town of Rethymno.

 

Urban cavern

Building upon post-pandemic public health concerns, the project redefines residential living by emphasizing spatial openness, air circulation, and natural light. The aim was to create a home that offers both protection and psychological relief, combining the solidity of a cavern with the warmth and tactility of natural materials. This approach reconsiders how urban apartments can balance seclusion and connectivity within dense city environments.

 

Design Philosophy

Situated in the dense urban context of Taipei, the apartment becomes a microcosm of retreat within the city. Natural light enters through filtered openings, while ventilation paths ensure fresh air circulation throughout the interior. The project embodies the notion of balance between protection and exposure, redefining how urban residences can nurture both physical and emotional well-being.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The residence is organized as a continuous flowing space where boundaries between rooms dissolve. Curved walls and interconnected volumes encourage natural movement and visual continuity. The central living area acts as the core, connecting secondary spaces such as the kitchen, dining area, and bedrooms. Through this fluid organization, the apartment achieves both privacy and openness without relying on rigid partitions.

Each functional zone was designed to respond to daily rituals while maintaining flexibility. The living area, dining, and kitchen form an interconnected communal zone, while private areas are subtly defined through level changes and lighting. Hidden storage systems and integrated furniture enhance efficiency without visual distraction. Underfloor heating and acoustic treatments improve comfort and environmental quality.

 

 

Material Palette

A restrained selection of materials defines the project’s sensory experience. Smooth plaster surfaces, terrazzo flooring, and curved joinery create a continuous tactile flow. Stone, timber, and bronze accents contrast with soft fabrics and diffused lighting. This material palette reinforces the idea of an ‘urban cavern’ – a sanctuary shaped by texture, reflection, and silence.

 

Symbiosis of Epochs unfolds as more than a dialogue between past and future -it is a meditation on coexistence.

 

Conceptual Approach

Here, primeval stone and visionary form do not simply encounter one another; they enter into a silent conspiracy of creation. The canyon, carved by the slow persistence of geological time, becomes a natural amphitheater where architecture hovers like a whispered future -ethereal, reflective, and somehow inevitable. The monolithic sphere does not interrupt the landscape; it punctuates it, like the final cadence in a sentence that nature began to compose millions of years ago.

This is neither an act of nostalgia nor a projection of utopia. It is a spatial reconciliation between memory and imagination. The raw sediment of the earth embraces the precision of human craft, acknowledging the continuity between natural evolution and cultural invention. What once took eons of erosion to shape now coexists with structures conceived in the flicker of a digital instant. Yet there is no hierarchy here -no triumph of one era over another. Each form, ancient and new, becomes a mirror for the other’s essence.

In this choreography of epochs, architecture transcends its role as a container of space. It becomes a bridge between temporalities -a vessel through which past and future meet in the eternal present. Stone, steel, and light perform an unending dialogue, echoing through the canyon like the resonance of two worlds finally learning to speak the same language.

 

 

Prompts & Software

awarded design museum in the middle of an old marble quarry, made out of raw stone blocks, the building is shaped like wings spread wide and has angular geometry. iconic design, rough rock surface, inside the volume there is a black shiny futuristic sphere hanging in the middle, dramatic lights coming from inside, lit landscape, ground and landscape emerging design, glass and mirrors integrated, highly detailed, View from above. Photo-realistic. –chaos 20 –ar 13:16 –style raw –v 6 –stylize 250

Created with Midjourney.

 

Timeless monument

Located in the Valle d’Itria in Italy’s Puglia region, the Trulli architecture is renowned for its iconic white stone walls and conical limestone roofs. These unique architectural forms, dating back to the 16th century, carry historical and cultural significance.

 

Design Philosophy

When the Franco family commissioned a vacation home, the site’s three weathered Trulli buildings immediately became the focal point. Their aged marks, together with the surrounding olive groves, defined the essence of the design. The challenge was to restore and renovate these ancient domed stone houses while adding extensions and a pool, creating a retreat where history and modernity meet. The balance lay in merging the vibrant personalities of the owners with the equally rich soul of the site, setting the house apart from ordinary vacation homes.

The property remains grounded in its natural setting. The estate’s red earth was left exposed, while a swimming pool reflects the olive groves, extending the atmosphere of the landscape. Interiors were kept minimal, adorned with local artworks and subtle furnishings so that attention remains on the relationship between architecture and nature. This retreat is more than a summer home: it is a monument to time, where ancient forms are rejuvenated and allowed to coexist with modern life.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The property presents a narrative of time through its arrangement of structures. From the original conical Trulli to the stone house extended a century ago, and finally to the new additions, the layout embodies a “time gradient.” Smaller stones of the Trulli contrast with the larger blocks of the century-old extension, while new volumes complete the sequence. Arranged from left to right -old to new- this gradient reflects not only architectural evolution but also the continuity of family bonds and cultural heritage. The main entrance is placed in the century-old section, linking history on one side and modernity on the other. This zone serves as both entrance and living space, with large openings cut into the thick stone walls and custom furnishings bridging tradition and innovation.

The left side accommodates the oldest Trulli, converted into two bedrooms that preserve their historical textures, with lighting highlighting architectural details. To the right, newly constructed spaces house the kitchen, master bedroom, and communal areas. The kitchen functions as the heart of family life, equipped with a concrete island and a stainless steel workstation that serve both cooking and dining. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open toward the olive groves, blending daily activities with natural surroundings.

 

 

Material Palette

Respect for craftsmanship guided the restoration of the Trulli. Damaged sections were repaired using original mortar-free masonry, a technique that insulates while preserving centuries-old building wisdom. Collaboration with local stonemasons required adaptation: rather than relying solely on experience, design intentions were marked directly onto walls and floors with spray paint, ensuring clarity. This practical strategy created harmony between traditional skill and contemporary design. Inside and out, natural stone, concrete, glass, and understated finishes were selected to emphasize durability and authenticity.

 

Ecological sensitivity

The proposal is defined by its dialogue with the surrounding landscape. The project’s landscaping seeks to blur the boundaries between built form and nature, integrating architecture with its setting through carefully orchestrated layers of vegetation. The intention is not only to frame the house with greenery but also to create a sequence of immersive experiences that unfold as one moves through the site. This approach emphasizes fluidity, biodiversity, and continuity between indoors and outdoors, highlighting the essential role of nature in contemporary living.

 

Context Integration

The project exemplifies the potential of landscape architecture to shape the character and atmosphere of a residence. Rather than treating the garden as an accessory, the project makes it the central medium for architectural expression. Through biodiversity, ecological sensitivity, and spatial layering, the design anchors the house within its broader context, transforming it into a living environment where built form and nature exist in genuine symbiosis.

 

 

Functional Layout

The residence sits on a generous 3,125m² plot, with 1,400m² of built area strategically placed to respect and enhance the existing topography. The garden is organized into distinct yet interconnected zones, each offering unique atmospheres while maintaining a sense of unity. The design incorporates sweeping lawns, shaded seating areas, and densely planted perimeters that create privacy without closing off the house from its natural surroundings. Circulation is guided by a network of paths that establish visual and physical connections between the various garden spaces and the interiors.

The program balances social and private uses within a framework where the landscape is ever-present. Expansive openings in the architecture dissolve thresholds, ensuring constant dialogue between indoor living areas and outdoor terraces. The swimming pool and leisure deck are integrated with planted areas, generating a setting where recreation and contemplation coexist. Service areas are discretely accommodated, ensuring that functionality does not disrupt the immersive quality of the overall composition.

 

 

Material Palette

The material choices reinforce the integration between house and garden. Stone paving merges seamlessly with planted groundcovers, while timber decking introduces warmth and texture to social areas. The planting palette is diverse and layered: tall trees provide shade and scale; shrubs and grasses soften built edges; and climbing plants weave vertical connections, linking architecture to its green environment. Water elements further enrich the sensorial qualities of the garden, reflecting light and introducing sound into the landscape.

Landscape Design: Rodrigo Oliveira Paisagismo

 

Spatial experiment

The project reflects Shanghai’s evolving urban culture. By creating a curated immersive environment, the café acts as both a neighborhood gathering place and a statement of global coffee culture. It connects the local context with international design trends, enriching the city’s cultural fabric.

 

Design Philosophy

The project was conceived as a commercial space that transcends traditional functions. Instead of a conventional café, it represents an immersive curatorial experience, where design, commerce, and community intertwine. The design emphasizes a new urban lifestyle -open, experimental, and centered around creative exchange.

The original building’s spacious design and rugged industrial features offered both challenges and opportunities for the project. Instead of using traditional walls, the design features low, wooden walls and modular display racks to create a space that feels both open and organized. The plant installations at the entrance and the creative exhibition square blend together, marking the start of the commercial transformation while also telling a cultural story. The space is designed to grow organically: the modular racks can be rearranged to update product displays, and the central area can be quickly changed into a conference or event space by moving the coffee cart and adjusting the seating. This flexibility is key to balancing the space’s function and aesthetic appeal.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The spatial concept blends circulation, display, and social interaction. Multiple levels of platforms and corridors connect seamlessly, allowing people to experience the café dynamically from different perspectives. The arrangement encourages movement, interaction, and exploration, making the space part café, part gallery, part social hub. Zones for coffee, exhibition, and creative workshops are integrated within a single cohesive narrative. Flexible furniture and modular installations allow the space to adapt to different events and activities. The functional design ensures both day-to-day café operation and the potential to host curated events or art showcases.

 

 

Material Palette & Sustainability

Natural textures like wood, stone, and metal are layered with experimental finishes. Contrasts of raw and refined materials reflect the blend of commerce and creativity. Lighting plays a key role, highlighting architectural gestures while shaping intimate atmospheres. Finally, the modular display systems and flexible plant arrangements make the space adaptable to seasonal changes, events, and the natural rhythms of the plants. This method goes beyond traditional design, giving the space the ability to adjust and stay lively. It’s sustainable not only because it uses natural elements to save energy, but because the design allows commercial activities to blend with the space’s natural flow.

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

Adaptive reuse

The subterranean residence, situated on the western side of Kea, occupies the site of a compound of old stone warehouses once used for loading goods onto boats in the sheltered bay. Following its last conversion into a restaurant, the complex has been entirely redesigned to meet the needs of tranquil summer living, protected within the earth.

 

Context Integration

Access to the property is from the higher part of the plot, through a light ramp that leads into the ground, establishing the main circulation axis. A glass pivoting door opens into an interior garden with atmospheric lighting from the ceiling, replacing the old dark kitchens. At this point, movement branches off, leading on one side to an integrated living area with a kitchen, dining room, and living room that directly connects to the courtyard through large sliding openings. On the other side, it leads to two ensuite bedrooms behind a curved stone wall with narrow, linear windows and cupolas that illuminate the service spaces. The layout is completed with a guest house adjacent to the bedrooms, featuring a separate entrance and an impressive low horizontal opening that reveals the horizon view from the bed’s height.

 

 

Landscape Design & Materials

The extensive outdoor space, bordering the sea, features a large terrace with an irregular shape following the natural rock lines, discreetly divided into separate sections. The outdoor living area, adjacent to the interior living spaces, is shaded by two tensile canopies, while a tiered path leads directly to the small beach. The area in front of the bedrooms and the guest house is landscaped with low vegetation and side accesses from the interior, hidden behind the stone wall.

Throughout the building, the dominant material is the local natural stone from the original warehouse, giving the structure the appearance of dry-stone walls interspersed with interior and exterior spaces. The floors are finished with cement in a sand color, while the extensive earthen surfaces on the terrace and roof integrate the building into the arid island landscape. Dark shades are chosen for the interior, with partition walls and ceilings painted in modern gray, black metal details and frames, and fixed furniture made of black stone and walnut.

 

 

Furniture & Sustainability

The furnishings are minimal and lightweight, in the same dark tones as the building, except for the central sofa in the living room and the guest house, which are in vibrant orange. The building harmonizes with the landscape through its organic lines, planted roof, and natural materiality. Additionally, it is equipped with an energy management system to minimize its environmental footprint and a household desalination unit to utilize its seaside location without burdening the water reserves of the fragile island ecosystem.

 

Meandering movement

The subterranean residence, built on a 4,700m2 plot in the rural landscape of Tinos, is located near the traditional village of Kardiani. With a total surface area of 300m2, the house is arranged entirely on one level, ensuring full accessibility throughout both its interior and exterior spaces.

 

Context Integration

The layout and architectural approach draw inspiration from the traditional settlements of Tinos, particularly their three dimensional and intricate spatial fabric. Wandering through these villages is an experience of exploration and surprise, unfolding through narrow, maze-like alleys and offering sudden glimpses of the sea and sky. This unique spatial experience served as a conceptual framework for the organization of the residence, where interior and exterior areas are arranged along a non-linear path that gradually reveals views and spaces, echoing the rhythm of discovery.

 

 

Design Philosophy

The building volume is precisely integrated into the land’s natural contours, with a primary façade oriented toward the sea. Stone walls, built using material excavated on-site, frame the exterior spaces along the front and the rear courtyard, while trees planted in the inner courtyards create a natural link between inside and outside. The roof is covered with local soil and features three large openings, allowing natural light and ventilation into the courtyards.

In the main living areas, the roof is sloped to enhance ceiling height and subtly conceal the underground nature of the structure. The floor plan is based on a strict rectangular grid, serving as a framework for dialogue with the surrounding landscape’s irregular morphology. The terrain cut is symbolically expressed through a “floating beam”, a stepped parapet that appears to emerge naturally from the ground.

 

 

Sustainable Design

The residence is built with high-performance thermal insulation that exceeds standard requirements and operates with a central energy system using a heat pump and solar collectors. The orientation of the main façade and courtyards, along with strategically placed wooden pergolas, contributes significantly to the passive shading and thermal regulation of the space. Overall, the house represents a refined example of contemporary holiday architecture; one that integrates seamlessly into its natural setting and is constructed with sensitivity toward the environment.

 

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.

 

Athenian reflections

In the heart of Athens’ commercial triangle, along the bustling pedestrian street of Ermou, a discreet arcade breaks through the continuous facades, gradually revealing Building No. 18. Its original spiral staircase leads to Apartment No. 9.

 

Design Philosophy

This project involves the renovation of a narrow, 36m² shell, designed to accommodate a hotel-style studio. The goal was to maintain a strong connection with the identity of the past, expressed through subtle reflections of Athenian charm. A single yet striking opening in the space prompted a unified layout, allowing natural light to reach the full depth of the interior. Invisible boundaries help define zones for primary and secondary functions.

 

 

Functional Layout

At the core of the design is a marble volume, placed transversely along the long axis of the apartment, dividing the space into two asymmetrical parts. This creates a sequence of transitions- from the smaller section to the larger -enhancing the gradual unveiling of the main living area. Toward the rear, a vestibule conceals auxiliary functions such as the WC, storage, and a compact resting nook.

Within this white canvas, a marble frame outlines a passage that cuts through the volume, drawing the eye toward the city beyond. The ceiling height lowers here, reinforcing the sensation of spatial transition. The impression of a carved-out cave is intensified by the rich materiality: the space is entirely clad in a matte-finished, reddish Greek marble, whose natural texture comes to life at the touch, evoking intimacy, grounding, and a quiet sense of luxury. Behind ribbed glass partitions lies the shower area, subtly hidden from view.

A semicircular column emerges between these spaces, gently embracing a low piece of furniture. This curved geometry is mirrored on the opposite side of the corridor in the reflective surfaces of sliding closet doors, offering fragmented glimpses of the surrounding volumes. The ceiling height resumes, while the side walls host a metal pipe framework -an informal structure for arranging movable furniture and integrating fixed elements such as bedside tables and lighting.

 

 

Material Palette

The identity of the space is further defined by a stone floor made of brushed, fine-grained terrazzo tiles, rising up into a 60-centimeter baseboard. The unpolished marble, coarse stone, soft wooden surfaces, and metal details come together in a tactile composition of natural materials that shape the core experience of the interior. This sensibility extends to other elements as well: a handmade ceramic wall sconce and custom ceramic tableware were created specifically for the space, embracing a holistic design approach. The space culminates in a freestanding marble bathtub placed in front of the opening -an element that harmonizes with the living area to complete the experience.

 

Inspired by the geophysical forces that shape the island’s character, this residence in Tinos reinterprets the encounter between stone and air -an encounter that leaves its mark on the land’s morphology.

 

Design Philosophy

Where air and stone collide, one element always prevails: either forming linear projections or shaping cavities enclosed by stone. This dynamic, minimalist residence expresses these spatial qualities, negotiating the parallel relationship between openness and introversion -between visibility and shelter- and exploring how space is experienced. The design creates vantage points and protective cavities that emerge both from within and above the terrain. The client envisioned a personal retreat: a place of seclusion with nothing more than a long, narrow pool for exercise and a sheltered sleeping area.

Translating both the reading of the landscape and the client’s desire into architecture, the design consists of two elongated volumes beneath a planted roof -one enclosed for the bedroom, and one open for the pool. A third enclosed volume, set perpendicular to the first two, serves occasionally as a guest house. To evoke the feeling of carved stone, the residence is built entirely of exposed concrete, with the imprints of the wooden formwork left visible. The surfaces are thus adorned with patterns reminiscent of those found on tree trunks -markings created by nature itself. The structure is embedded in the land, revealing itself as a fissure in the terrain. The roof is planted exclusively with native shrubs found on the site’s perimeter, preserving unobstructed views for neighboring homes.

 

 

Pool Design

The large rocks unearthed during excavation were carefully selected and repositioned around the building, filling voids and creating a horizontal transition zone between the artificial and natural landscape. The pool -the focal point of the composition- is oriented so that its axis aligns precisely between two headlands that descend symmetrically toward the sea. The directional lines established by the pool’s orientation also guide the alignment of the two sleeping areas. Their openings are positioned to frame views of the horizon. In keeping with the client’s desire for complete seclusion, each sleeping unit features its own enclosed courtyard and a private, doorless bathroom.

 

 

Functional Layout

The sheltered space between the main volumes accommodates only a kitchen, a living area, and an auxiliary bathroom. The sense of a cave-like retreat is heightened by sliding corner glass panels that fully retract, merging interior and exterior without the interruption of columns. From the rear -backed by the excavated rock- natural light and air flow into the space, enhanced by three strategically placed skylights. The result is a sequence of autonomous spaces: some fully open and exposed, others turned inward and completely protected. The linear water element running between them introduces a sense of fluidity. Ultimately, the residence embodies the qualities of the natural forces that shape the landscape, offering a contemporary interpretation of the ongoing dialogue between the elements of nature.

 

Vernacular identity

The proposal envisions the development of a 29-villa complex in Bourboulos area of Santorini, Greece. Santorini is a volcanic island located in the southern Aegean Sea. Characteristics of the island are the steep terrain, the rocky landscape and the harsh vegetation.

 

Context integration

Due to the particularity of the topography, it is very common to encounter the ‘ksirolithia’ in the Santorinian landscape. ‘Ksirolithia’ is a method of stacking different sized stones to create a retaining wall. Initially it was used by the farmers to even the terrain in order to cultivate it. This method is a vital part of the island’s structure and its vernacular identity. It is strongly rooted in the landscape that one cannot read it without it.

 

 

Layout Organization

The development is structured by a single unit module which is multiplied 29 times to reach the desired program requirements. The form of the unit derives from the traditional module and is reshaped to optimize the movement, the flow and the number of the units in the plot. The units are positioned strategically in the plot and together with two different types of circulation, the outer for the car and the inner for the residents, create spatial variety and spaces with different qualities and purpose. Embracing the conditions and the characteristics that define the specificity of the place become the focus for the design of the masterplan.

 

 

Design Philosophy

Consequently, the design philosophy employs all the different natural and vernacular characteristics with a big focus on the ‘ksirolithia’ method of building. The relationship of the natural and the programmatic is applied both in plan and section. Specifically, in plan the volcanic rock pavement in the outer circulation area and the gradience to the vegetation in the inner common areas of the development merges the landscape with the structure, while in section the segregation of the landscape as well as the stacked buildings, amplify the gradience with the immediate context.

 

  

Gold Sponsor: Marmyk Iliopoulos

Silver Sponsor: GEBERIT

Sponsors: Apticon,  el greco,  Halo,  Textures and Tiles,  Vitex

Supporters: Dionyssomarble,  Furniture Gallery,  HUB Lighting & Innovation by Kafkas,  Hatzaki Marbles,  John Papagiannoulis Bros,  Kolligas Wood Essence,  Pnevmatikos Marble,  Prodea,  Xalkis sa

Cocktail Event Sponsor: Kanelli

Media Sponsor: NEWS247

 

Aluminum box

Living amidst the rapid growth of urban population and high rises in Bangkok, a critical question is raised: how can we adjust ourselves to live peacefully and privately in this speedily changed environment and lifestyles? In doing so, how can we avoid losing contact with the amenities that megacity provides us and accessibility to the greenspace?

 

Design Philosophy

The project proposes an alternative design solution to mitigate this urban-dwelling problematic issue by crafting the home-office buildings called “THE Haute”, a self-sustainable workplace and residence, to become a new solution concept for the next generation of housing development in Thailand.

The building concept is begun with simple idea as stacked boxes, between black stone box and aluminum box. These boxes are composed of 2 main functions as the working space and living space. The openable windows are designed for not facing each other, for reasons of privacy.

 

 

Sustainability Approach

The sustainable environmental design aspects are considered thoroughly with the private oasis concept which responds directly to tropical climate of Bangkok. All units are designed with the concept of living by nature, borrowing the green space from the neighbor’s view without compromising privacy. The key design concept is to create a 5-storey residence that gives the “Private Oasis” that shares the green space in vertically to the community and city. The trees are placed at every possible space in the building, creating a natural green character for the building envelope. While the project is designed to maximize both the usable area and the open space of the green area, their spatial relationship maximizes ventilation and openness in response to tropical climate. The internal spaces are designed to enjoy their own private garden.

 

 

Façade Design

The facades of the living spaces and bedrooms maintain a signature façade design: using the air gap and aluminum panels to relieve the house from being heated as well as allowing sunlight and air ventilation to pass through. The facade acts as an insulation protecting solar heat gain from outside which is a high concern in tropical climates. When measuring the temperature during summer season, these panels help cooling down the 39 degrees Celsius outside to 26 degrees inside. This façade also provides privacy by blocking the view from outside. The design provides full privacy in this dense surrounding while also being a prominent landmark of this neighborhood.

 

Walled compound

The holiday retreat for an extended, multigenerational family, is located in the remote and rugged lands of the Mani Peninsula. The plot of land is set high on a mountainside offering spectacular views, peering down on the village and the sea below.

 

Design Philosophy

The task was to create a space for the family to come together whilst also making room for each member to have individual space within the complex. Due to the remote and rather wild location of the house, security was an important issue. A meditation room was also a request -a space where they could practice their Buddhist beliefs. In this framework, the building was envisioned like the many monasteries that can be found throughout Greece.

 

 

Spatial Organization

A walled compound that would have separate structures inside, offering the clients both the individual space and security they were searching for. The inner compound was designed to provide an openness that one probably wouldn’t expect if looking from the outside walls, with each separate area being accessed only via external walkways. The core of the compound is a terraced courtyard flanked by individual buildings and an elongated swimming pool at the lowest level, opening unexpected vistas to the sea and mountain landscape, while maintaining its feel of an intimate enclosure.

 

 

Material Palette

Provided that the owners had a particular love for local traditional stone buildings with tiled roofs, but were also drawn to a more modern flat-roofed building with its minimalist aesthetic, the home became a combination of both, using the modern style with ample pressed cement surfaces and metal frames for the individual areas, such as the bedrooms and the kitchen, and the traditional stone and tile with wooden shutters in the communal building, which contains the living area and the meditation area below it.

The outcome appears rooted in the mountain landscape, and modern at once. By using the guiding idea of a monastery, the design offers the perfect balance between the openness of the walkways and the sanctuary of the surrounding walls. By fusing modern and traditional building styles, the project becomes something a little unique for the area: a place the owners can be proud to call their home.

 

The new sculptural sink for antoniolupi

The primordial force of nature, an artistic gesture that transforms marble into a contemporary archetype of design.

With Neolitico, Paolo Ulian continues his personal exploration of the meaning of marks and fractures in matter, for antoniolupi. A freestanding marble sink that celebrates the encounter between human gesture and natural force, where beauty is born from a break, an imperfection, a fracture that becomes both form and narrative.

The basin is carved by hand, evoking the millennia-old action of water on stone: drop after drop, groove after groove.

The result is a raw, intense surface that lays bare the inner essence of the material, in contrast with the perfectly smooth cylindrical exterior, marked only by the marble’s unique veining. A balance between control and unpredictability, precision and spontaneity.

The name Neolitico deliberately recalls the origins of the creative act, when humans first began shaping tools and objects to meet their basic needs, leaving a mark in history. In the same way, this sink evokes a return to essence, to the purity of the material, to the power of the sculptural act.

“I have conveyed to this sink a feeling I get while hiking in the mountains”, says Paolo Ulian, “when I encounter along the way those natural hollows carved into the rock with irregular shapes determined by time and chance. When it rains, they fill with water and for me they become the best sink in which to cool off, because the rock has the power to make me feel good. A presence that has inhabited our DNA since the beginning of time.”

“I chose a geometric shape as simple and perfect as the cylinder,” Ulian continues, “which blends perfectly along the perimeter edges with the irregularity of the split-worked stone bowl. Two contrasting finishes that come together in a casual formal fusion that is precisely why it is perfect”.

Neolitico by Paolo Ulian for antoniolupi is a manifesto of emotional design, capable of merging art, nature and innovation. A timeless object that tells the story of human evolution through the transformation of stone.

 

Measures: cm ø 45 x 85

Materials:

• Marble: Bianco Carrara, Nero Marquinia, Verde Alpi, Calacatta Viola, Rosso Levanto, Port Laurent, Emperador Grigio Lavico, Bardiglio Nuvolato, Bianco Silver, Collemandina, Grigio Imperiale
• Stone: Pietra Luna

Modernising tradition

The project is inspired by a special feature of Mani’s residential forms – the “Ksemonia”, meaning “the ones left alone”; those were stand-alone towers or small residential complexes in the rugged landscape of Mani, operating as shelters or observation points. From afar, these stone-built towers appear as just one more element in the land, like monolithic outbursts from the soil.

 

Design Philosophy

The residential compound, consisting of two stone houses, is organized around two towers placed in the plot in a dynamic arrangement which correlates the outdoor spaces and the house entrances, further defining additional outdoor areas. The modern tower-houses are designed to be in close connection with the natural landscape, just as is the case with traditional Mani architecture, which became an integral part of the place it sprung out of. Although the main composition is expressed in the form of the towers, their extensions, which make up the rest of the complex, do not exist independently within the plot, but are rather brought together into a whole, echoing the established architectural forms of the region; in so doing, they also provide a modern interpretation of those same traditional typologies.

 

 

Functional Organization

The houses are designed so that one can live at once “inside” and “outside”, with dynamic indoor and outdoor spaces. It thereby becomes possible to transfer one’s life outside the home: in this case, in a courtyard divided into a set of spaces endowed with different qualities and visual frames. Pergolas, secluded corners for quiet and meditation, living spaces, infinity pools blurring the boundaries of the horizon and the sky, all combine to create the external backdrop for the houses themselves. Throughout, completely natural building materials which bear the signs of time have been chosen, showing the marks of their origin and their processing. The materials serve as a blank canvas upon which the interplay of light and shadow gently unfolds during the day.

 

 

Material Palette

Stone characterizes the place: Mani, as it is expressed both in the ground itself and in its traditional constructions; Mani, as it evokes an architectural vocabulary of monolithic austerity, of strict lines, and geometric volumes. Concrete complements the natural materials, creating smaller, artificial stonework in earth tones with coarse textures. Wood creates soft, warm, and clean surfaces, and lattice shutters to complete the volumes. These materials are alternating inside and out, intensifying the visual experience of the houses, constituting a natural but strictly conceived statement within the Messenian landscape.

 

 

Furniture & Color Palette

The interior design is consistent with the architecture of both buildings, inspired by the simple tradition, the imposing landscape of Mani, and the materials found on this land. The purpose was to create spaces that give a warm character inside the stone volumes, always reminding that one is “there”, in this place; to feel part of a different, Doric life. Most of the furniture was designed exclusively for the project, emphasizing the sense of uniqueness and a timeless line that aims to bring the landscape into dialogue with the design. The forms were kept simple, and all the custom-designed furniture bears references to a simplified classicism. The materials include oak wood in two shades, combined with stones in matching colors. The fabrics and carpets follow natural, earthy tones, soothing the wild textures of Mani’s stone and wood, balancing the interiors with the unique surrounding landscape.

 

New identity

This project involves the complete renovation of an existing 23-room hotel located on Nikis Street, in a neighborhood near Plaka that mirrors the many dynamic facets of modern Athens -a city full of contrasts and surprises for the visitor.

 

Design Philosophy

The core idea was to craft a fresh aesthetic identity for the hotel, inspired by a fusion of diverse elements, styles, and references -echoing the vibrant mosaic of Athens itself. The concept was shaped by the owners’ vision, who, having lived in various European capitals, aimed to translate their cosmopolitan experiences into the new space.

 

 

Furniture & Custom Elements

While the spatial layout remained unchanged, all surface finishes, colors, and decorative features were reimagined. In the shared areas, the design evokes the feel of a reinterpreted classic boutique hotel. Glossy dark wood paneling coexists with brass accents, industrial touches, iconic design pieces, and elements of pop culture. The overall aesthetic leans toward a dramatic, “noir” atmosphere, defined by a rich palette of dark materials.

 

 

Material Palette

The chosen material palette was largely influenced by the existing nero marquina marble flooring in the restaurant area, which was preserved as a respectful nod to the building’s history. In contrast, the guest rooms and suites embrace a lighter, more serene ambiance. White walls are accented by copper-toned details and feature custom oak constructions for the headboards and open wardrobes. A standout design feature in the rooms is the semi-transparent bathrooms -framed in iron and fitted with retro glass- which were designed to allow natural light to permeate the entire space.

 

Cultural redefinition

The iconic Greek fashion brand Parthenis was founded in 1970, when Dimitris Parthenis opened his first store in Athens. In 1978, Parthenis opened a boutique in Mykonos, which was both a source of inspiration and a stepping-stone for international fame. Parthenis’ minimalist, monochromatic designs are recognised worldwide for their timeless elegance, high quality, and flattering silhouettes. With Orsalia Parthenis, daughter of the founder, at its helm, the brand continues its strong global presence in the world of fashion and design.

 

Project Aim

The project seeked to transform the label’s flagship store in Mykonos town into a multifunctional space, where customers can shop Parthenis’ instant classics and enjoy a drink, or a light meal inspired by the elemental Cycladic lifestyle. Located next to the island’s famous windmills, the café flows onto a courtyard overlooking Little Venice and its legendary sunsets.

 

 

Design Philosophy

In parallel, the design aim was to conceive, construct and curate every stage of the creation of Parthenis Café, from spatial philosophy to interior design, including a range of custom-made furniture and lighting. The design draws inspiration from the eternal elements of Greek summer: light, energy, and simplicity. The result is faithful to the pure forms of Cycladic architecture and the easy, stripped-back Parthenis aesthetic, using local materials such as marble, wood, and metal in modern yet timeless ways.

 

 

Material Palette & Custom Structures

Sculptural marble and metal sconces, a marble counter and a bar clad in textured wooden panels, nesting tripod stools and side tables that can be reconfigured around low benches with striped cushions, all complement the clean lines of the Parthenis collection. Clothing is displayed on free-standing rails suspended from the ceiling. The project draws inspiration from Greece and its cultural heritage, redefining contemporary Greek style with international elements and reimagining Hellenism’ in a minimalist and elegant way.

 

Scenography approach

This project involves the restoration of a complex of three stone-built structures in Kalyviani, Chania, repurposed to accommodate five bedrooms and spacious communal areas. The building volumes are arranged around an interior courtyard, where water serves as a central feature. Drawing inspiration from the Venetian imprint on traditional Cretan architecture, the design follows a scenographic approach that evokes new emotional experiences through spatial storytelling.

 

Restoration Philosophy

The first two-story building, located along the village’s main road, underwent significant interventions. A key modification was the creation of an interior opening to visually and functionally connect the bedroom to the ground floor. This transition is framed by a distinctive metal threshold. A spiral staircase made of perforated metal sheeting provides vertical circulation, adding a sculptural quality to the space. The building envelope was structurally reinforced with cement injections. On the exterior, the old plaster was replaced with a natural lime-based mortar, which selectively reveals portions of the original stonework. In contrast, the interior stone masonry was left fully exposed. The juxtaposition of polished cement flooring with the rough-hewn stone walls creates a powerful visual dialogue.

 

 

Aesthetic Interventions

In the second building, situated at pool level, striking visual contrasts are introduced—between exposed stone and smooth plaster, and between solid walls and open voids. A reinforced concrete beam runs across the stonework, unifying the structure while showcasing the process of structural reinforcement as an intentional design element. The calm, muted tones of the plaster complement the natural elegance of travertine flooring, which seamlessly extends from the interior to the courtyard, wrapping around the pool and continuing into the kitchen of the two-story structure. Access to the third building, positioned on a higher level, is provided via an external metal staircase, reinforcing the dialogue between old and new materials.

 

 

Materials & Furniture

Inside, an old fireplace is repurposed as a skylight in the new bedroom, preserving heritage while introducing functionality. Natural cotto tiles are used for the flooring, extending into the courtyard to create a sense of continuity. A metal pergola with reed covering shades the elevated courtyard, forming a relaxed social gathering space. The overall composition is enhanced by the choice of organically shaped furniture and lighting fixtures, which soften and contrast with the robust geometry of the existing structure. Materials such as metal, wood, fabric, ribbed glass, and plaster interact harmoniously with the architectural surfaces, articulating the contemporary additions while honoring the historical character and natural patina of the building.

 

Flowy experience

The project centers on the creation of a modern wellness hub arranged over two levels. Its core objective is to seamlessly integrate diverse functions into a unified architectural experience, achieved through a fluid interior layout shaped by the interplay of materials and light.

 

Spatial Organization

Visitors enter through a double-height space illuminated by pendant lighting, where a semi-circular polycarbonate surface guides movement inward. In the retail area, elongated counters, linear ceiling fixtures, and full-length wall shelving emphasize horizontal lines, creating a sense of motion and depth. Toward the back, the space opens up once more through a soft curve, accommodating a lounge and kitchen. Natural light filters in through skylights set in the sloped metal roof, while a mirrored column subtly disrupts the visual field -enhancing the perception of spatial continuity.

Color Palette & Materials

Bright white serves as the dominant color throughout. The materials were chosen boldly, with smooth tonal transitions but striking contrasts in texture. Glossy finishes like epoxy paint and stainless steel alternate with coarse materials such as earth and plaster. A lightweight, corrugated plastic surface is juxtaposed against the smooth, heavy mass of marble—highlighting both contrast and balance.

 

 

Natural Light

Light reflects, refracts, or is absorbed in a variety of ways, with natural elements along the perimeter gently softening the edges of the space. This nuanced lighting enhances the dialogue between synthetic forms and organic presence.

 

Minimal aesthetic

The proposal concerns the creation of aesthetic teeth whitening centers, where clients with limited time can enjoy the services offered during breaks from their obligations and demanding schedules.

 

Material palette

The minimal aesthetic of the space and the understated luxury are enhanced through the selection and use of natural materials, such as birch wood, white marble, and granite-textured tiles. This is complemented by the placement of original artworks by renowned artists and the creation of handcrafted lighting fixtures and furniture.

 

 

Custom constructions

The uniqueness of the space’s identity is further emphasized by the detailed design of surfaces and hidden storage areas, which also helps maintain the minimal aesthetic by preventing clutter and disorganized object placement.

 

Contact with nature

Situated in the Laguna area of Naxos, one of the most significant redevelopment projects in the Cyclades is currently underway. Located on the island’s western coast, the project focuses on the Stelida hill -an area defined by its natural lagoon habitat, home to a variety of rare bird species, including flamingos. Historically and ecologically rich, the region was once home to the oldest known settlement in the central Aegean. Modern research has revealed traces of both Homo sapiens and Neanderthals, further highlighting its unique significance. The natural conditions of the area have also encouraged the growth of rare species of flora and fauna, making it a place of vital importance -one that must be both protected and celebrated.

 

Project Aim

The Laguna Coast Foundation, led by founder Antonis Pittaras, has launched a series of initiatives aimed at preserving the lagoon and its biodiversity, while also promoting the wider region of Naxos and its local products. A cornerstone of these efforts is the creation of a hospitality retreat that seeks to redefine Greek hospitality through deep respect for, and integration with, the natural environment. The design concept merges luxury with nature, guided by the principles of slow living -inviting guests to unwind, take in uninterrupted views of the ancient hill and sea, and explore the island’s rich culinary heritage.

 

 

Design Philosophy

Following an in-depth study of the site, the design sought to replicate the spatial experience of life by the lagoon within the bounds of the property. Three organically shaped, shallow water features were strategically positioned: The first, near the main entrance, introduces visitors to the tranquil atmosphere of the complex. The second, situated in front of the common-use buildings, provides a serene setting for the restaurant and reception area. The third and largest water feature lies at the heart of the complex, surrounded by several residential buildings.

All water features use desalinated seawater, aligning with the island’s environmental sustainability efforts by conserving freshwater resources. These elements offer not only visual and emotional relief but also improve the microclimate, naturally cooling the surroundings. Resting areas around the water enhance relaxation and help foster a deeper connection between guests and the landscape. The outdoor space is fully activated with thoughtful amenities, including an open-air gym, a wood-fired oven area, and a communal plaza designed for events and informal gatherings.

 

 

Materials & Landscape Design

Hardscaped areas define the primary outdoor spaces -such as the entrance, restaurant terrace, private patios, gym area, event plaza, and the wood oven zone. Materials are chosen for their earthy tones and natural character, including local stone and timber. These elements follow the natural topography to blur the lines between man-made structures and the landscape.

Meandering, organic paths -designed in color and texture to match the natural ground- guide movement from the public zones to the private residences. Wooden walkways traverse the water features, while secondary stone paths lead to more intimate corners of the property. These transitions gently shift the user’s experience from public to private, blending the pathways with native planting. All outdoor circulation was designed without stairs, ensuring universal accessibility and minimal disturbance to the terrain.

 

 

Spatial Layout

Apartment entrances are discreetly located at the rear, opposite the sea-facing side. Rear courtyards, accessed via the footpaths, are enclosed with perforated walls made from terracotta bricks in earthy hues. These offer privacy while allowing natural light to filter into the interiors. Apartments fall into two main categories: those oriented toward the sea feature private plunge pools, offering guests an immersive experience of privacy and comfort; others surround the central “lagoon,” with courtyards that appear to “float” above the water, creating a unique, tranquil atmosphere.

Interior spaces were designed to evoke a grounded sense of luxury paired with a warm, home-like ambiance. Generous layouts allow for visual connections between living, bedroom, and bath areas, offering both comfort and intimacy. All interior fittings and furniture are custom-made to maximize functionality and convey uniqueness. Materials and finishes were chosen with great care, favoring earthy, muted tones -oak wood, local marble crafted by skilled island artisans- presented with a refined, contemporary touch.

 

Building integration

One Kleomenous represents an innovative approach to residential architecture. Advanced technologies were employed throughout both the design and construction processes to achieve a result that blends refined aesthetics with practical functionality.

 

Design Philosophy

Located on the threshold between the dense urban fabric of Athens and the natural terrain of Lycabettus Hill, the site itself shaped the design approach. The building was envisioned as a bridge between two worlds: the structured, modernist cityscape -with its characteristic forms and materials -and the organic topography of the hill, with its vegetation and earthy textures. The architectural vision sought to create a structure that is both functionally contemporary and contextually integrated. To achieve this, a hybrid design language was adopted- one that embraces innovation while respecting its surroundings.

 

 

Urban Integration

The building’s placement, orientation, and functional layout were carefully studied to define its relationship with both the city and the landscape. On the side facing the urban environment, the close proximity to a neighboring structure influenced a more restrained design -a flat façade rendered in simple plaster, echoing one of the most common Athenian finishes. Conversely, on the side adjoining the forest, the architectural strategy shifted to accommodate the dynamic contours of the hill and the proximity to vegetation. Protruding balconies extend toward the treetops, shaped to reflect the flowing forms of the natural landscape. The southeastern façade required a specially designed cladding system to diffuse direct sunlight.

Inspiration for this design emerged from an old topographic map of the area. The elegant lines of the map’s contour curves were translated into architectural form. A digital model of a “landscape façade” was developed, introducing fluid transitions between the geometric volumes of the balconies. This surface was then digitally segmented into sequential sections, forming the components of the cladding system. Without adding mass, the existing volumes were unified to form a geometry that feels organically embedded in its environment.

 

 

Material Palette

The choice of Travertine marble was both aesthetic and contextual. Its beige hue mirrors the stones traditionally used in the retaining walls of Lycabettus Hill. From the outset, the building’s strong visual connection to the Acropolis inspired the use of marble -a material both timeless and versatile.

Travertine’s porous surface not only offers visual texture but also reinforces its natural, unprocessed character. The material also connects to the architectural language of nearby 1970s buildings, including the adjacent structure that links One Kleomenous to the urban fabric. The interior palette was selected with equal sensitivity; colors were chosen to harmonize with the earth tones of the site. Glass balustrades further strengthen the building’s connection to nature, subtly reflecting the surrounding greenery.

Overall, the building’s material and design choices are a direct reference to the aesthetic of the Attic landscape. Together, they achieve the desired effect: a natural continuation of the built environment, a threshold that quietly transitions into untouched land. The result is a structure that exists in harmony with its context -One Kleomenous stands as a model of architectural integration with its environment.

 

Narrating habits

Aris Konstantinidis once wrote: “…To build spaces for people to live in is no easy task… The architect’s intention must be aligned with the truth of the landscape. I speak of an architecture that grows out of specific soil, absorbing the unique sunlight of each climate in order to evolve. The architect is a poet, whose vocabulary is stone, wood, and metal—a poet of the materials of the Place in which they build…”.

 

Design Philosophy

At the heart of the design lies an ethos rooted in habitus -the habits and rituals of daily life. Rather than focusing solely on the building as an object, the design emphasizes the lived experience it creates. The spatial narrative is not simply a picturesque or romantic interpretation of the setting, but a continuous dialogue -an interplay that invites the resident to attune to the conversation between Place (in this case, the ever-present Messinian sea) and contemporary dwelling. This dialogue is expressed through physical qualities: materiality, density, weight, temperature, and acoustics. These are not abstract notions, but tangible, immersive experiences grounded in space and time.

 

 

Landscape Integration

The design is guided by a triadic relationship between nature, memory, and form. At its core is the olive tree, placed within an enclosed courtyard -a visual and experiential focal point. Around it, stone volumes unfold like an earthy stage, with solids and voids framing the tree differently from every angle, intensifying the sense of presence. The architectural composition negotiates the interaction between building and landscape, organizing both interior and exterior spaces into a spectrum of uses -public and private, outward-looking and inward-facing, familiar and unexpected. The resulting form is an assemblage of interconnected yet hierarchically distinct spatial units, each aligned with different levels of view, privacy, and engagement.

 

 

Materiality & Spatial Organization

The design language relies on layered, graduated transitions. As one moves from the public realm into the private interiors, the experience unfolds as a sequence of subtle revelations. The building acts as a mediator between the user and the surrounding landscape -an evolving narrative in which multiple paths and stories intersect. This carefully constructed microcosm enables a dynamic relationship between the natural and the built, between foreground and background, between everyday rituals and singular moments. It activates the senses and emotions, aligning spatial atmosphere with the passing of time. In Villas in Olive Grove, materials such as stone, clay, plaster, and wood are interwoven with narrative clarity and geometric precision -balancing the expressive possibilities of design with the honest, enduring logic of traditional craftsmanship.

 

Crafting the terrain

The residence is characterized by its contextual integration and artisanal expression.

 

Context Integration

Using exposed brick and polished cement, the aim is to highlight the manual work of the masons, embodied in each wall. The stone on the ground reinforces the connection with the earth. The front façade protects privacy. In contrast, the rear façade opens up revealing a tree-lined view, taking advantage of the orientation of the land, while the sides of the secondary bedrooms overlook a pool creating internal visual connections, which welcomes the visitor on the ground floor like a large water mirror.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The design takes advantage of the unevenness of the ground to generate a half-level semi-basement at the back, optimizing space and following the natural slope of the land. The project consists of two volumes on the upper floor, connected to each other by a glass plane, characterized by their purity of lines and elegance. These feature impressive 4m overhangs, creating a lightweight appearance. At the base, a base entirely made of exposed brick brings warmth and rootedness to the context.

 

 

Construction Method

The construction system conceals the columns in the basement, achieving a clean aesthetic. This design gesture highlights the lightness of the upper volumes, while the brick at the base underlines the connection with the local building tradition. Together, the project masterfully fuses modernity and craftsmanship, respecting the human hand and the richness of the natural environment. The bold arrangement of cantilevers and the subtlety in the transition between the architectural elements define a unique work that is integrated into the context.

 

The 6th architectural event of the “Material Matters“ series, organized by ek magazine, will take place on Friday, May 16th, at the Athens Concert Hall, Banquet Hall.

The event is sponsored by the Hellenic Institute of Architecture.

The event is fully booked

The goal of the Material Matters events is to highlight the significance of a range of contemporary and traditional materials and their applications in architecture, through the theoretical approaches and works of Greek architects. Based on the history of each material and its construction or expressive characteristics, the presentations focus on its potential use in contemporary terms, as shaped by economic and technological developments.

Material Matters Vol.6 is dedicated to a family of materials with enduring importance for Greek architecture: Marble and Stone.
The ancient Greeks highlighted the timeless beauty and durability of marble, creating world-renowned monuments. The use of the vast variety of Greek marbles, as well as other local stones, contributed to the creation of a unique architectural identity that reflects the relationship with the natural environment, particularly in traditional architecture.

In the modern era, marble and stones continue to add prestige, aesthetics, and authenticity to both small and large-scale projects.
Ten speakers from the fields of architecture and design will analyze the role of marble and stones in architecture, both in their own works and in selected works by other architects, through engaging 10-minute presentations.

 

Speakers:

– Dimitris Tsigos | Omniview Design
– Stella Pieri | Pieris architects
– Niki and Zoi Moskofoglou | On entropy
– Dionysis Sotovikis | Workshop Dionisis Sotovikis
– Labrini Lyrou | Desypri-Misiaris Architecture
– Eleni Tsigarida | Etsi Architects
– Vangelis Bonios | Studio Bonarchi
– Natasha Deliyianni – Yiorgos Spiridonos | React Architects
– Panos Iliopoulos | Board Member of the Marble Businesses Association
– Giannis Giannoutsos | Assistant Professor, NTUA

 

Gold Sponsor: Marmyk Iliopoulos

Silver Sponsor: GEBERIT

Sponsors: Apticon,  el greco,  Halo,  Textures and Tiles,  Vitex

Supporters: Dionyssomarble,  Furniture Gallery,  HUB Lighting & Innovation by Kafkas,  Hatzaki Marbles,  John Papagiannoulis Bros,  Kolligas Wood Essence,  Pnevmatikos Marble,  Prodea,  Xalkis sa

Cocktail Event Sponsor: Kanelli

Media Sponsor: NEWS247

 

The event is fully booked

The cliffs’ extension

Situated in the heart of the enchanting island of Folegandros, Gundari Resort sits perched on dramatic cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the endless blue sea. More than a destination, it is a seamless blend of inspired architecture and untouched natural beauty.

 

Design Philosophy

The project is conceived as an organic extension of Folegandros’s rugged cliffs, designed to frame the priceless, uninterrupted views of the sea. Every material has been carefully chosen to play its part in nature’s symphony, infusing life at Gundari with a rhythm that dances to its own beautiful tune. The 80-acre resort blends seamlessly into the landscape, with each architectural detail inspired by the timeless spirit of the island.

Stone, the essence and backbone of the Cycladic terrain, is skillfully incorporated into linear walls that echo the natural flow of the landscape. Between these solid stone lines and the tranquil surfaces of the walls, delicate wooden structures weave through the architecture, creating fluid, transitional spaces that breathe life into the resort’s design.

 

Functional Organization

Each of the 27 suites and villas is meticulously crafted from natural materials and thoughtfully adorned with furnishings that harmonize with the surrounding landscape. The addition of a private outdoor shower evokes a sense of nostalgia, recalling age-old rituals of communion with nature and inspiring a return to life’s simple, natural pleasures.

Positioned on the northwest side of the complex, the bar-restaurant gracefully emerges as a central gathering spot, offering an inviting and refined space for guests to come together. Its strategic location and captivating ambiance make it the ideal hub for social connection and relaxation.

 

Context Integration

In the lower area of the complex, a distinct interplay emerges between architecture and nature, creating a sanctuary for the spa and the secluded suites. These spaces are nestled into the earth itself, fostering an atmosphere of intimacy and harmony.

Here, the building flows with the landscape, allowing the natural contours to shape its form and evoke a sense of relaxation, serenity, and privacy. Architectural elements blend seamlessly with the surrounding rocks and natural environment, making visitors feel like part of the island’s timeless story, where crafted design and nature’s beauty coexist in perfect harmony.

Multiple Traces

A residence and three undercut guesthouses were created on a hill with a strong slope and frequent strong winds, in Plakias in southern Rethymno, The main residence intended for the owners, was designed on the highest point of the plot. The three guesthouses were placed at the lower levels of the study area, with access from the road below.

 

Design philosophy and integration into the landscape

The main request was the orientation of the buildings in such a way that all areas have a direct view to Ammoudi Βay to the south-east and the sea to the south-southwest. The complete integration into the rocky mountain landscape and the creation of a sustainable building exterior, sheltered from the winds of the Cretan mountains, were also some of the main goals. The whole complex follows the same design philosophy and serves the same purposes. Fencing was avoided and additional plantings were kept to a minimum, allowing the local plants to “embrace” our intervention. The materials chosen are the local stone of the area and the mortar – wood in the same shades.

 

Excavations and composition of indoor-outdoor spaces

Μultiple axes were created following the contour lines of the site. Repeated at different levels, they created buildings, diazoms, pools, pergolas and retaining walls, simultaneously creating exterior and interior spaces, with different views and levels of privacy. The use of indoor and semi-enclosed atriums and gardens intensified the separation of zones with different levels of privacy.

 

Functional organization of the main house

The main house consists of two levels. Access is via stairs from the parking area to the east of the building. On this level, the living spaces are separated from the main bedroom and the auxiliary areas by two patios. From there, a staircase leads to the lower level of the house, where two bedrooms, a bathroom and a small living room are located. The outer spaces of the upper level are divided by a garden, into the courtyard areas of the master bedroom and the common areas. In them is located the swimming pool, the outdoor kitchen with dining and living areas. The spaces of the lower level, due to the external access to the courtyard spaces of the upper level, become autonomous. The design of the walls, combined with the slopes of the plot, make access to visitors and animals impossible, while the users are fully protected from the wind.

The three undercut guesthouses consist of living/day areas, and bedrooms with bathroom. There were designed autonomous pools and outdoor spaces as well. Also, they are placed at different heights ensuring unobstructed views and privacy.

 

Underground houses

The three underground guesthouses consist of living areas, two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Externally, self-contained swimming pools and relaxation areas were designed. Also, they were placed at different altitudes, ensuring unobstructed views and privacy.

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.