Sustainability Report
Operational Emissions / Energy
Operational emissions are reduced primarily through passive design strategies that minimize energy demand. The building’s integration into the terrain, combined with the use of high thermal mass through stone construction and 60 cm thick walls, enhances insulation and stabilizes indoor temperatures, reducing the need for active heating and cooling. High-performance wooden window frames further improve thermal performance and limit energy losses. Carefully positioned openings enable natural ventilation and optimize solar exposure, further reducing reliance on mechanical systems. Domestic hot water is supported by solar thermal panels, lowering operational energy demand. In addition, each residential unit incorporates underground water tanks for rainwater harvesting, reducing potable water demand and associated infrastructure energy use. While the presence of 3 small swimming pools introduces additional operational loads, the overall design approach significantly reduces emissions compared to conventional residential practice.
Service and maintenance emissions
The project achieves a reduction in service and maintenance emissions compared to current residential practices in Greece through a combination of durable material choices and passive design strategies. While not exclusively constructed in dry stone, the selective use of natural stone in exposed areas, together with the reduction of applied finishes and coatings, significantly lowers maintenance requirements. The integration of the building into the terrain further protects key surfaces from weathering, while passive environmental strategies reduce reliance on mechanical systems and associated servicing. Collectively, these design decisions contribute to an estimated reduction exceeding 30% compared to conventional construction.
Afterlife
Adaptive reuse has been considered primarily through the project’s spatial organization and structural clarity. While designed as a residence, the fragmented arrangement of volumes allows for partial independence and potential reconfiguration over time. The clear distinction between load-bearing elements and non-structural components enables internal adaptations without major intervention, while the use of durable, site-derived materials ensures long-term resilience. The generic character of the spaces supports alternative uses such as guest accommodation or small-scale hospitality, allowing the project to accommodate evolving needs and extend its lifespan beyond a single, fixed program.
While the project is not conceived as a fully demountable structure, several building elements support future disassembly and material reuse. Natural stone used in the building and landscape—sourced from on-site excavation—can be dismantled and reintroduced into the material cycle with minimal additional processing. In addition, non-structural components such as partitions, joinery, and building services are designed as layered systems that can be accessed, replaced, or removed independently. The overall material simplicity of the project further facilitates separation and reuse, supporting a partial alignment with circular economy principles.