Private Residence in Panorama
Thessaloniki, Greece 2024
Architectural Design: Skarlakidis Architecture Studio
Development: Tzikalagias Construction
Structural Design: Margarita Karli
MEP: Konstantinos Dardamanis
Location: Panorama | Thessaloniki, Greece
Area: 370 m² (Indoor)
Design: October-December 2022
Construction: 2023- 2024
Photography: Studiovdgr / Nikos Vavdinoudis – C.Dimitriou
The single-family house is located in Panorama, Thessaloniki, at a spot offering an amphitheatrical view of the Thermaic Gulf and the city. The owners’ wish was to build a ground-level residence with a swimming pool, maximizing the view toward the sea and the forest. With this in mind, the main family residence was designed.
The design of the building takes advantage of the natural terrain and the orientation of the plot. The view toward the Thermaic Gulf and the city of Thessaloniki, the proximity to a forested area, the linear shape of the plot, as well as the adjacency to a busy urban road, all led to a composition that extends outward toward the view and creates a strong zoning layout culminating in the outdoor area — the terrace with the pool — where private life unfolds, shielded from neighboring buildings.
The exterior facades of the house have limited openings, except for the southwest side, which features large continuous glass panels that unify the interior with the exterior space and allow for uninterrupted views.
The house’s simple, modern framework is protected by a surrounding pergola-like structure made of exposed concrete. The living zone and the sleeping zone are laid out perpendicularly to each other. These constitute distinct functional and spatial volumes, connected by a corridor that runs through the house, serving as their joint.
The shared living areas have visual and functional continuity with the surrounding outdoor space and the pool, while the surrounding overhang creates sheltered areas that provide protection depending on the weather and sunlight.
The sleeping area develops perpendicular to the main living area. The three zones — living, sleeping, and guest quarters — define the outdoor space where the pool is located and engage in a dialogue with it.
The main entrance to the house is placed in a recess of the building, allowing access through a beautiful garden with a pergola, which will be surrounded by flowering and aromatic plants.
Overall, the landscaping is kept as natural as possible, with soil and vegetation.
Vehicles enter from the northeastern corner of the plot and, moving along a ramp adjacent to the neighboring property, are led to the outdoor parking area, thus ensuring direct access to the residence.
The view, the forest, and the integration of the residence into the landscape were the primary factors that shaped the design and form of the building, which is presented as a framework of privacy from external factors.
A key feature of the project is the use of clean lines and clear geometric volumes.
The architectural solution and the choice of both modern and traditional materials create a sense of harmony and aim to deliver a smoothly integrated architectural result.
