The project refers to a cave dwelling,   integrated into  a steep slope of the cycladic land. The  terrain is utilized as the principal tool  for shaping the building’s  form along it’s function. The structure develops on the slope, forming a set of low, elongated volumes seemingly emerging from the earth, discreetly present in the landscape.

The composition is organized into three distinct subterranean units, at different levels  on the hillside. A  path that unfolds along the contours of the terrain, arrives at consecutive entrance points, progressively revealing the residences. This arrangement allows residents to enjoy unobstructed views and  ensures privacy to each unit’s courtyards.

The roofs are extensions  of the terrain itself, covered with natural vegetation ,  further integrating the structure into the land. The curved  form of the retaining walls and roof edges, is an element of  plasticity  in constant dialogue with the curves of the retaining drywall structures that are  typical of the Cycladic terrain. 

Exposed concrete in warm earth  tones is the main  material, allowing coherence  and “integration”  of the building in its environment.  

The  living spaces are arranged along large windows framing the landscape, and establishing a strong   spatial connection between the  interior and the view. The transition from the  indoor spaces to the courtyards,  occurs  naturally through sheltered  outdoor areas, and shaded courtyards. Elongated ponds that function as swimming pools   with a vanishing edge, extend the water zone  to the  horizon.

The  architectural composition  makes  use of natural materials,   and aims at minimizing the visual impact of the structure on the environment,  by employing the principles of “terrain architecture” . This approach  interprets the ground  in shaping the structure,  rather than impose a structure on the land and establishes a new  relationship between architecture and landscape. 

Architectural Team: Michail Xirokostas, Theodoros Panopoulos, Anna Grigoriadou, Giorgos Telmetidis, Filio Sampsaki, Andrianos Novitski, Angeliki Papadopoulou

3D renders: Idaa – Nikos Mathioudakis