Horizon House

Greece

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Horizon House

Greece

Firm

ONUS Architecture Studio

Type

Residential › Private House

STATUS

Under Construction

YEAR

2026

SIZE

1000 sqft - 3000 sqft

BUDGET

$500K - 1M

In the heart of the Cycladic landscape, where the land meets the horizon and the sea breathes the history of centuries, Horizon House was born. An Net Zero Energy Emmisions (NZEB) residence that "plays" with the visual escape toward the horizon, aiming not to impose itself but to integrate seamlessly into its surroundings. Rather than being a mere construction, Horizon House is an experience, an architectural composition shaped by the rhythms of the land, the wind, and the sea.It weaves a dialogue between nature and human intervention. The building "sinks" into the ground, following the natural contour of the terrain, while the stone facades and the earthy volumes evoke the sense of a geological formation rising from the earth. The linear synthesis of the house echoes the lines of the horizon, reinforcing its strong connection with the surrounding landscape.

A Landscape-Rooted Design

Positioned on a dramatic slope in Syros, the house engages in a subtle yet profound dialogue with its surroundings. The semi-subterranean structure follows the contours of the land, allowing the rocky terrain to envelop and shelter it. The stone, excavated directly from the site, becomes both structure and narrative, an extension of the very earth from which it emerges. Reclaimed wood and raw materials further enhance this connection, reinforcing a sense of belonging rather than intrusion when at the same time introduces circular design principles in construction.
The design respects traditional Cycladic architecture, adopting stone elements and strategically placed openings that harness light and air, harmoniously blending into the landscape. The structure emphasizes the visual harmony with its environment but also enhances the sense of openness and continuity by being a presence shaped by it, where the boundary between built and unbuilt dissolves into a unified whole.
The northern facade harmonizes with the ground, offering a sense of protection, while the southern side opens towards the horizon, embodying freedom. As a defining feature of the design, the "L"-shaped pool acts as a connecting element between the building and its surroundings.
Inside, simple geometries and natural textures create a canvas of tranquility.
The living room, with open vistas toward the sea, appears to float between the horizon and the earth. The cross-ventilated design allows air and light to flow freely, transforming the interiors into naturally cool havens during the summer months. Furthermore, three square cuts in the roof functions as skylights, bringing the sky indoors and creating a constant play of shadows that evolves with the sun’s movement.

Radical Sustainability: From Energy Efficiency to Regenerative Architecture

The Horizon House was not designed merely to consume less energy; it was designed to give back to its inhabitants, the land, and the environment. Every aspect of its construction and operation aligns with the principles of the circular economy and regenerative design.

Restoration and Enhancement of the Local Ecosystem

The study of ecosystem restoration and enhancement focuses on creating a harmonious environment where architecture acts as a catalyst for biodiversity recovery and the strengthening of the landscape's natural balance. The goal is to establish a microclimate that fosters natural regeneration, enhances biodiversity, and promotes the ecological resilience of the area.
Planting native species is a key tool for restoring local flora and fauna. Selecting plants from the Cycladic flora, adapted to the region’s climatic conditions, supports the survival of insects and birds, creating a sustainable ecosystem. At the same time, strategically placed shrubs and trees provide shading and wind protection, improving the thermal comfort of the space.
The use of green roofs with low-water-demand plants offers multiple benefits to the house’s microclimate. In addition to thermal insulation and the natural cooling of interior spaces, these planted roofs help retain rainwater, reducing runoff and the risk of soil erosion. They also function as ecological hubs, enhancing biodiversity and creating natural connections with the broader environment.
Soil restoration through plantings that stabilize the ground and improve natural water absorption is crucial for preventing erosion and enhancing soil fertility. These selected plantings act as natural filters, improving soil quality and contributing to the balanced distribution of water resources.
Overall, the ecosystem restoration strategy focuses on creating a self-sustaining environment that supports biodiversity, strengthens ecological resilience, and fosters a healthy and sustainable microclimate, serving as a model for contemporary architectural practices.

Energy Autonomy & Bioclimatic Intelligence

Horizon House achieves energy autonomy through small-scale (micro) wind turbines, seamlessly integrated into its design, harnessing the constant winds of the Aegean Sea to provide continuous and stable energy. The geothermal system utilizes the earth’s thermal inertia to maintain a stable, natural microclimate inside the house, drastically reducing energy needs.
Water is collected on the 300 sqm planted roof and processed through a rainwater harvesting and filtration system (Blue Roof). The reuse of greywater further reduces waste and ensures a circular management of natural resources. This is a building capable of operating off-grid, fully autonomous, without the need for connections to water or power networks.
Bioclimatic intelligence is inherent in the design, with deep-set openings that optimize natural cooling, cross-ventilation, and daylighting, minimizing the reliance on artificial systems. These strategies make Horizon House a prime example of a zero-energy footprint residence, proving that sustainability is not an added feature but a core principle of design.

A Multi-Sensory Experience: Architecture That Feels Alive

Horizon House is not merely a residence but a space for contemplation and renewal. It embodies a philosophy where sustainability is integral, not auxiliary.
Its design is a carefully orchestrated sensory experience—where light, air, and materiality engage the senses in a constant, evolving dialogue. Like a geological formation discreetly emerging from the landscape, it serves as a serene observatory of the world, a space for those seeking peace and connection with the natural environment.
Framing the landscape is a fundamental aspect of the design. Openings are curated to capture the shifting sky, the restless sea, and the rugged land. The movement of the sun and wind becomes a dynamic part of the living experience. Interior spaces extend outward through courtyards, terraces, and shaded verandas, blurring the boundaries between inside and outside. Movement through the house is fluid and unrestricted. Materiality enhances this connection, with the roughness of stone, the warmth of aged wood, and the coolness of sculpted concrete left raw and authentic, fostering a tangible relationship with the natural world.
Horizon House offers moments of retreat, introspection, and inspiration, shaped by the interplay of architecture and nature.A project that balances matter and light, where the earth, sea, and sky compose a scene of harmony.

Beyond Shelter: Architecture as a Conscious Act

Horizon House challenges the conventional role of architecture. In an era where construction often dominates landscapes, this project proposes an alternative: an approach where architecture does not conquer but coexists, where design does not consume but contributes, and where spaces do not isolate but connect. It advocates for a future where architecture is not an imposition but a steward of the environment. A home that learns from the land, works with its forces, and ultimately, disappears into the fabric of its place.
Aiming to be a quiet, enduring reminder that architecture is most powerful when it is in harmony with the world around it. A seamless fusion of form, function, and ecological responsibility honoring the cultural and environmental legacy of the Cyclades.

Project Details
Name: Horizon House
Architecture Office: Onus Architecture Studio
Lead Architect: Margarita Kyanidou
Design Team: Christina Ntalli, Aikaterini Korka, Anna Andreadi
Project Type: Commission
Location: Syros, Cyclades, Greece

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Horizon House

Greece

Horizon House

Greece

Product Spec Sheet

Collaborating Firms

Team