#naturalmaterials

This project involves the reconstruction of two traditional cottages-cells (cell from the word keli in Greek) built before 1955, which were unified to create a small residence while preserving their distinct character and historical essence. The architectural approach maintained the difference in levels, both in the roofs and the interior floors, emphasizing the original scale and identity of the two separate structures despite their internal connection. Vangelis Paterakis Vangelis Paterakis The building was coated with earthy-toned plaster, reminiscent of soil, to ensure its seamless integration into the natural landscape. This approach aligns with the traditional aesthetic of traditional cells, which were either constructed fro... More

Friscanzana house is a country mansion harmoniously placed in the network of  stone walls and typical paths in the countryside surrounding the Sicilian town of Ragusa. Caption The house consists of a main building, extending lengthwise with a string of broad rooms divided by transversal bearing walls, and two juxtaposed annexes. Caption The project is based on a deep and (auto)ironical analysis of the Sicilian character, meant both as a body of endemic behaviors and as an interpretation of clichés about the “Sicilian man” found in the media and particularly in movies. Caption Fimmina, Masculu, Duminica, Curtigghio, Lagnusia, Calura e Friscanzana, Tivitti (Woman, Man, Sunday, Courtyard/gossip, Lazine... More

Located on the coast of Espírito Santo, Brazil, this beachfront apartment underwent a comprehensive renovation that reimagined its spatial configuration and aesthetic language. The design draws influence from boutique coastal inns and Brazilian vacation homes, blending informality with sophistication through a palette of natural materials such as polished concrete, encaustic cement tiles, sisal, and timber. Camila Santos Camila Santos A defining gesture of the project is the integration of the main social areas—balcony, living room, dining area, and kitchen—into a unified open-plan space. Structural columns, exposed after demolition, were clad in mirrors to dissolve visual barriers and reflect the sea views, wh... More

We were struck by our clients’ unflinching belief in their vision and destiny when they imagined the Teloneio as their second home. They recognised the potential for restoration instantly, while also seeing themselves as custodians of an important historical monument. Following distrust from locals about private restoration of Kardamyli’s landmark and a long approval process, we collaborated with a team of experts over eight years to bring the Teloneio back to life and give it a new purpose. Panagiotis Voumvakis The brief:  Our task was to turn a listed historical building into a modern family home, while simultaneously respecting its place in the local landscape, history and community.   Its location in the po... More

Overview Nestled at the end of a Stoke Newington mews sits an extraordinary house recently added to by Whittaker Parsons.  The East London studio has meticulously designed a tranquil, low-carbon additional storey built from pre-fabricated timber panels, copper clad with an elegant larch and lime-plastered interior. Whittaker Parsons set out to design a beautiful, healthy, serene retreat for the homeowners to immerse themselves in the beauty of natural materials and enjoy views of surrounding tree canopies and rooflines. Jim Stephenson The Clients & brief Paul & Annie Wicks, a married couple with two children, have lived in the property for over ten years. The existing 3-storey property is one of two sophisticated house... More

Unity Preschool is a non-profit Emilia Reggio inspired kindergarten, nestled within the confines of a conventional office building in Hangzhou. Serving as a beacon of support for double-income working families in the surrounding underserved community and those with multiple young children, Unity Preschool offers essential daycare services and additional childcare support. Studio Jia was commissioned to design the school campus, encompassing programs including classrooms, libraries, a central piazza, school kitchen, art studio, office space, performance stage, meeting rooms, reception area, café, and multi-function room. Lvqiu Photography Lvqiu Photography Lvqiu Photography Lvqiu Photography At the project's essen... More

Building a large house on a sea-facing hillside in Mumbai is both exciting and daunting. On one hand, the prospect of a panoramic ocean view is thrilling. On the other hand, it undoubtedly adds to the growing clutter of self-important villas in these, which not so long ago were uninhabited, natural, landscapes. Randhir Singh Ashish Sahi Rather than fighting its presence, however, the plantation retreat in Alibag emphasizes on the profile of the built from. It is not much unlike the Portuguese chapels scattered around the rolling hills of nearby coastal Goa. These chapels in their pure white brilliance do not shy away from their existence with their characteristic axial orientation and dominant silhouette. Similarly, this retreat... More

Comfort and coziness were two of the premises behind the project.Together with them, we care for the environment, making it part of the house. As a result, we ensure the quality of life of the inhabitants. The proposal introduces some materials not typically used on site.   Ethelett Orientation. The first important decision was the orientation of the house. This is in Metepec, Mexico. The weather of the place is cold at certain hours and times of the year. We proposed the south orientation. In this way we capture the sun’s rays during winter. At the same time, by means of small overhangs, we avoid them in hot seasons. We also exploit another local weather feature. Metepec has wide temperature variations throughout th... More