Concrete Frames

The 150m² house is located in the southeastern side of the island, overlooking a deserted gorge. The choice of concrete in this project is a reference to “kathikies”, the scattered, earthen agricultural constructions that appear as accents in the local dry-stone walls, dotting the landscape.

 

Architectural Morphology

The design is monolithic and primitive, seamlessly integrated into the landscape due to its materiality, light-absorbing properties, and scale. The concrete, with its neutral, stone-like appearance, evokes a sense of molten rock, contributing to the structure’s monolithic character and blending harmoniously with its surroundings. The wooden board formwork suggests stone construction, enhancing the impression of a sculptural, articulated material.

 

Layout Organization

The house is divided into three distinct volumes, each containing a bedroom, with a shaded space defining the living room. All movement and access occur externally. The design responds to three different qualities of the surrounding views: The living room offers panoramic views, making it the focal point, while providing a theatrical sense of space. In contrast, the movement towards the bedrooms frames vertical glimpses of the landscape, offering a cinematic quality. Two parallel walls surrounding the bedrooms act as picture frames, focusing attention on specific views, like a work of art.

 

Materiality & Circulation

These three distinct views are framed by concrete, which blends seamlessly into the landscape with its grey color, creating an illusion of absence. The neutrality of the concrete frame dissolves boundaries, enhancing the experience of movement and vision. As tenants move through the space, the interaction between objects, people, and the concrete structure creates a dynamic relationship where the house itself becomes part of the background, almost vanishing into its surroundings.