HOUSE B 2014 -

The concept for the extended family house in the suburbs of Chania was to create a single-storey building that maximises the potential for interaction between the garden and the house while fitting into the existing landscape. The site with low shrubby vegetation and red stone rock formations stretches on the edge of a military zone to the south and a residential neighbourhood on its other three sides.

The house in a fourfold zigzag manner changes orientation to ensure privacy for its numerous residents and to capture the spectacular panorama towards the Gulf of Souda and the Leuka Ori beyond. Living and private spaces are organised in blocks upon an articulated base appearing to hover above the landscape, lending the house a pavilion-like character. Below the horizon of a single pitch roof, the meandering layout defines varied outdoor and in-between areas for informal and formal dining, cooking, lounging, playing, meditating. A perpendicular pool and a generous sunbathing area extend towards the south from the main living areas, creating a visual extension towards the view.

The exterior of the building is in reddish tone rammed earth, creating connections with the natural context. Viewed through the full height, retractable into the wall windows, the landscape establishes a powerful and ever-changing presence.