Summer house in South Peloponese

Greece

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Bioclimatic Residence in Paiania

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Summer house in South Peloponese

Greece

Firm

Gem Architects

Type

Residential › Private House

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2014

SIZE

5000 sqft - 10,000 sqft

BUDGET

$1M - 5M

Photos

Kostas Vergas (1)

The house is placed at the peak of a natural hill with a magnificent view toward the island of Spetses and unfolds in three levels.

On the ground floor is the main living room, a dining room, a kitchen, and subsidiary spaces. The wide French windows, which fold, create a unity between the interior space and the exterior courtyard with the sea view dominating. In this courtyard, oriented toward the southwest, a swimming pool with its long axis vertical to the view plane unfolds. Well-protected from the sun under the pergolas are a lounge sitting area as well as barbecue and dining table areas. In the mezzanine are three bedrooms with their own bathrooms. The sleeping areas are placed in attics. On the first floor, the master bedroom takes up the majority of the volume. The central position of the bed overlooking the view dominates the interior under the wooden roof. The walk-in closet and bathroom are situated toward the north. The garden is created in different levels with landscape formations and vegetation participating in an orchestration of nature. On the lower level is the stone wall formation of the underground guesthouse.

Our intention was to create a modern language based on the vernacular. The rectangular volumes refer to the tradition. At the same time, the spans of openings, the beams, and the choice of materials refer to modern constructions. Glass rails and wood structure follow this logic. Colors and materials were inspired by the surrounding landscape. The olive tree palette is commanding. This approach also extends to the design of the interiors and furniture in an attempt to achieve a consistent statement.

The building is ruled by bioclimatic criteria. The exterior insulation that wraps the building, the in-floor heating and cooling, and the juxtaposition of the openings using the natural wind currents as well as the use of low-consumption technological appliances and lighting devices are some of the choices that define the personality of the edifice.