On the southwestern coast of Mykonos, nestled into a Greek hillside, En Kyano oers a haven for worldly travellers. StudioMacBride was enlisted by its owner, Thomas Heyne, (The Scorpios Co-Founder and Notable visionary) to elevate the property’s existing architectural plans and helm the design for both its interior and exterior spaces. Drawing inspiration from the island's time-honoured vernacular, the studio infused their soft-modernist sensibilities to create an environment transcending time. Their design seamlessly blends heritage with timeless aesthetics, paying homage to the enduring allure of thoughtful design.
The guesthouse's shared spaces strike a balance between seclusion and openness. The uppermost level is separated into two volumes, one devoted to the living area & master bedroom, the other to two private guestrooms. Leveraging the original architecture, the designers conceived an airy, modernist pergola that connects the villa's structures while providing essential shade. The courtyard reimagined as the property's heart, serves as a shaded recreational space for relaxation and socialising. Within the interior spaces, a thoughtful curation of natural materials and modernist elements creates a harmonious ambience. Each design element and architectural detail is meticulously crafted to enhance the guest experience in this restorative retreat.
By thoughtfully reshaping the existing volumes, StudioMacBride elevated the guest experience, increasing comfort and transforming the spaces into a haven for relaxation and social engagement. Upon entering the living area, guests are welcomed by a spacious open kitchen. This inviting space fosters togetherness and encourages the celebration of cooking and socialisation, creating a memorable gathering spot for guests. The graphic grid of the bespoke concrete tiles forming the backdrop to the space, are positioned between the rich, smoked oak kitchen carpentry produced by Xylo34 and. A large marble countertop, crafted from locally sourced marble, rests upon a sturdy concrete block, completing the composition. The harmonious blend of materials creates a timeless and calming atmosphere, where guests can relax and connect while indulging in the pleasures of cooking and dining.
The expansive timber beamed ceiling, which unites the kitchen and lounge areas, contributes to a heightened sense of comfort. The sizable, open smoked oak shelving acts as a visual barrier, aording privacy to the master bedroom situated beyond it. Beneath the surface, six subterranean guest quarters provide secluded accommodations. Four of these quarters face the sea, oering breathtaking ocean views. The remaining two quarters feature a court-anglais planted courtyard, allowing soft natural light to ood the space, creating an atmosphere of calm and contemplation. Enhancing this connection to nature, the guest bathrooms boast views to outdoor courtyard gardens allowing guests to absorb the natural surroundings while attending to their daily rituals.
Amongst this calmness of the bedrooms, storage solutions are seamlessly integrated, preserving the humble simplicity of traditional Cycladic homes. This well-thought-out approach not only ensures an understated aesthetic but also allows for the thoughtful display of curated art and objects, chosen by our collaborators Lambs and Lions and Annabell Kutucu, adding a personal touch that transforms the space into a warm and welcoming retreat.
"Central to the design ethos is a dedication to authentic materiality." states the studio. Their soft-modernist approach sits in dialogue with the island’s traditional vernacular and time-honoured techniques, shaped by collaborations with local craftspeople and constructors. Every detail within the interiors underscores a focus on ethical materiality. The use of natural plaster subtly contrasts the local stone of the building's volumes, while the smoked oak of the carpentry oers a warming contrast against the sandblasted classic travertine sinks created by Twelve Concept. This harmonious blend of natural and indigenous materials infuses a sense of simplicity and warmth while embodying a dedication to environmentally sustainable practices.
This thoughtful decision not only reects a commitment to sustainability but also situates the design within its cultural and geographical context. A value shared by the client: “En Kyanó is an expression of who I am and what I long for. It’s very personal and, as such, inspired by my profound respect for the Greek culture of craftsmanship – with its pursuit of simplicity, love of detail,” - Thomas Heyne. The holistic result is an understated yet luxurious retreat, a sanctuary where guests can repose, rejuvenate, and immerse themselves in the captivating allure of the Mykonian landscape.
