The Butterfly House is a 450 sqm single - family house situated at the foot of a hill in the southern suburbs of Athens. The architectural design was influenced by the site's proximity to the sea, its subtle elevation relative to the street and the expansive visual corridors framed by the surrounding foreground structures. Simultaneously a large existing retaining wall at the back side of the site and a four-story building on the north-east side generated, almost naturally, the L shape plan of the house. The stark white walls engage in a dialogue with the expansive openings overlooking the trees and the sea, creating a captivating interplay between void and volume.

The house is realized as a beautiful white sculpture sitting under the intense Greek sun casting shadows, shaped from its angles and intense projected forms. A white butterfly that opens its wings as it flies at a higher level. The simplicity of the materials and colors throughout give an actual comforting sense and allow the abundant natural light to come through the windows vividly.

The design of the house harmonizes with its natural surroundings, while its color and minimalistic aesthetics allow it to stand out, becoming a distinctive landmark for the urban landscape. An antithesis that is even more visible while being slowly elevated moving from the street to the ground level and entering the house. As one sees it altogether at once, for the first time, is unexpectedly surprised from the size and honesty of the design. 

The main living areas are placed on the ground floor of the house, in an open plan, overlooking at each other. Lush greenery at this level provides privacy from the street and allows the windows to completely open up and connect the inside to the outside, creating a fluidity between the main living areas and the exterior swimming pool. Standing alongside a 30’s windmill that existed on the site and was completely preserved to become functional and irrigate the garden.

A three-level-high living room makes the space breathe and feel a lot grander in size. Cross ventilation becomes significant to the design, while the cantilevered slabs provide shade to the large openings.

The more private spaces are all placed on the upper floors creating a harmonious dialogue between functions. The office space is situated at the highest level and is entertained by a steep roof and a grandiose oak bookcase.