Located on the small island of Antiparos in the southern Aegean, at the heart of the Cyclades, Tetris House is shaped by a condition that is common across the Greek landscape: partially built concrete structures resulting from planning regulations. These regulations allow owners to extend building permit validity by constructing only a building’s structural frame. When Athens-based architecture and design studio ARP – Architecture Research Practice received the commission, the concrete frame on the site had already been standing for over a decade.
The decision to reuse the existing structure responded to issues of sustainability, economy, and legislation by reducing demolition, construction costs, and the use of new materials. This approach is particularly relevant in the Cycladic islands, where development pressure associated with overtourism has intensified construction activity.
Design strategy and site conditions
ARP – Architecture Research Practice adopted a strategy of subtraction and addition using basic geometries. Only essential parts of the existing structure were demolished, while L-shaped and rectangular volumes were introduced to achieve formal and programmatic clarity. This approach addressed the constraints of the inherited framework and established a model applicable to similar cases involving existing concrete frames and regulatory limitations.
The plot is defined by its flat terrain and its proximity to Antiparos Port and Chora, the island's main village. It is bordered by neighbouring properties on all sides except the western edge, which is expected to remain undeveloped due to its protected forestry status. Unlike a typical seaside plot, the site lacks outward-facing exposure.
Spatial organisation and living arrangements
With its simple geometry, Tetris House is articulated in relation to its surroundings. At ground level, volumes are arranged around a central pool, forming an inner courtyard. This configuration balances privacy with views towards areas where development is either anticipated or already present. The layout moves away from a conventional room-by-room arrangement, instead organising shared living spaces around water as a central element of daily life.
On the upper floor, the living room and main bedroom overlook both the port and the island’s northern landscape. A large window frames views towards the port, while an exterior staircase provides independent access to the upper floor and the roof, which offers unobstructed views.
Environmental strategies and landscape
The environmental strategy combines passive design, material reuse, and on-site energy generation. Retaining the existing concrete frame reduced demolition and the use of new materials, while climate-appropriate measures support thermal comfort without reliance on heavy mechanical systems. The house incorporates standard cross-ventilation and efficient thermal insulation. A skylight positioned above the interior stair transforms the stairwell into a cooling tower. Photovoltaic panels generate sufficient electricity for the building’s operation without adding load to the local grid.
Native flora is used to minimise irrigation requirements and the pool depth is optimised to reduce water consumption. Trees and plants filter views towards neighbouring hotel facilities, maintaining privacy while acknowledging the density of the surrounding village context.
