HOUSE L 2016 -

Inhabiting the Aegean horizon and the Cycladic landscape: The rectangular seafront property offers spectacular views stretching along an east-west axis between the flat ground of a former lime extraction plant and a steep fall into the Aegean Sea. The new building at 54m above sea level presents itself as a single storey square ‘assembly’ within dispersed cedar trees and wild shrubs. The careful siting and orientation allow for the appropriation of four distinct vistas: a dramatic view of vertical cliffs and rough seas towards the southwest, a sea horizon view with the delineation of Sifnos in the background towards the west, a picturesque view of an undulating landscape as it disappears in the sea beyond towards the north and a bucolic view of inland Antiparos towards the east.

Mona-stic / Fun-tastic: The house is conceived as a family retreat. Its design builds upon the dynamic contrast between seclucive private zones for retreat and contemplation versus generous indoor and outdoor living zones for social interaction and entertainment. Six bedrooms, a study and meditation room are organised within six volumes that open onto private courtyards, loggias and terraces providing varied experiences of privacy, views, light and nature. In contrast the flowy, generous, expansive indoor and outdoor public living areas are defined as the in-between zones of the private cells. The core of the house is the central courtyard; a dynamic skylight space that extends towards the south into a generous loggia and flows towards the north and the west into niches, open for multiple appropriations.

Water cast: Standing in the living room, courtyard or loggia and looking out, one gradually perceives in the projective reflection of a ‘block of water’ the spectacular panorama. The pool is conceived as an abstract cast of water, a land art piece with reference to Anish Kapoor’s works in resin. The rectilinear container, sits 1.5m below the level of the house with a generous sunbathing area. The pool’s elliptical section allows for various forms of water enjoyment and for perimeter seating and reclining on its shallow waters.