Redefining Mountain Typology

Re-defining Mountain Typology by BllendDesignOffice redefine [ˌriːdɪˈfaɪn] vb (tr) to define (something) again or differently The project involved the major renovation of a common two-storey mountain house, near Kalavrita ski resort Greece. BllendDesignOffice undertook the design and construction development, which started early October and was delivered mid December. The customer defined the desired outcome as a contemporary space that would accommodate successfully multiple functions of a city residence, allowing for co-habitation and mobility without loosing its mountain context. The commodity- in terms of Karl Marx’s critique of political economy- as an object or good produced by human labour was the driving idea behind the design concept. The aim was to create a space, where everything would be constructed on-site, using basic materials: black metal sheets, pine wood planks and concrete-mineral aggregates. Black metal sheets and basaltic natural stone were used to define structures and levels, while wood was used for the ‘container’ in its broader sense. Using human labour and expertise the idea was to let the objects acquire ‘use value’ when the owners would gradually start feeling them as ‘necessary, useful or pleasant; Natural materials and sustainability issues were a major concern. The color palette was reduced to minimum contrast and low saturation, in order to let the materials and finishes define the context of the project and convey unity, structural flow and simplicity; thus redefining classic and prevailing mountain house typologies which usually overindulge in rustic remembrances of country and mountain. Architectura studio: BllendDesignOffice Website: www.bllend.com Location: Athens Greece Completion Date: Dec 2012 Design Architect & Project Manager: Helen Brasinika Design Technologist/cad designer: Anastasia Rokkou Custom manufactured structures and Furniture: MarioGATSIS Concrete aggregates and finishes: PROLAT Photographer: Thanassis Kaiafas