Waterfall House | Penteli, Athens

Stepped terraces

The project involves renovating a 240m² residence as well as designing its 600m² exterior space, which is situated at the base of Mount Penteli. It tells the story of a Greek-Canadian architect, who is in search of understanding the intricate relationships between people, objects, and landscapes.

Landscape Design

The stepped terraces reflect romantic ideals of exploration and discovery, using the concept of travel as a guiding design principle. A newly introduced path breaks away from the rigidity of linear and confined boundaries in earlier designs, offering a fresh and original journey. Although the courtyard is modest in size, this intervention, paired with strategic visual barriers, transforms the landscape into a series of unfolding experiences, enhancing the sense of continuous discovery.

Architectural Elements

The overall scene has a surreal quality, with the exterior framed by columns, oversized benches, small windows, and a distinctive waterfall. The stairs and terraces are crafted from hammered white concrete mixed with crushed local aggregate, evoking the textures of nearby riverbeds and the historic Pentelic marble. The whitewashed vertical walls serve as blank canvases, highlighting the surrounding landscape and accommodating the dynamic activities within the garden.

Open-plan Layout

The functional spaces are arranged in an open L-shaped floor plan, encompassing the living room, sitting area, dining room, and office. On the first floor, the layout includes bedrooms, additional offices, and bathrooms, creating a harmonious division of private and communal areas.