Small-scale inhabitation
The two-family house was constructed on a small, narrow, and elongated plot between two existing -and quite mundane -buildings, situated in the coastal city of Agios Nikolaos, in Crete.
Design Philosophy
With the only volumetric possibility being the treatment of the building’s main façade, the design concept from the beginning sought a small scale approach befitting the size of the plot. It focused on the archetypical elements of a traditional residence: the pitched roof and the open external staircase, as reminiscent of the houses in a small village where external stairs lead to the “upper floor”.
This small scale approach engages in a dialogue with the overall character of the town, where nature prevails, and emphasizes the value of minimal design against the phenomenon of intense and rapid urbanization -a common issue found in highly touristic areas in Greece.
Functional Layout
The first residence is developed on the ground floor and features a courtyard for ventilation and outdoor living. The second one is developed across two levels, comprised of a first floor and an attic. The entrance to both residences occurs through a secondary, shared courtyard, facilitating daily “conversations” amongst tenants. Specifically, residents can communicate both through the front courtyard and as well as via the numerous balconies.
Materials & Morphologies
The building is constructed with reinforced concrete, which remains exposed throughout the house interior. Two cantilevered volumes protrude from the main façade, creating small canopies that shelter the staircase and balconies. One of them enters the interior of the residence, emphasizing the continuity between inside and outside, while interrupting the double-height living room space and forming a cozier interior.