In a plot with significant slope and south orientation, overlooking Delos and Rineia islands, we decided to create a new, partly subterranean residence on two floors. The above-ground part of the residence amounts to 120m2, while the subterranean part is approximately 130m2. The aim was to weave both the hardscape and softscape of the building into the natural Mykonian landscape. As a result, the entity that was created is not visible from the street.

The Latypi project converses with the archetypical architectural legacy as well as the Cycladic terrain, situating itself as a contemporary intervention within the landscape. The concept has been inspired by the local sculptural tradition, which has produced timeless artworks throughout the centuries.

The intention to have the outdoor space emerge as the focal point of the building complex (an age-old Greek practice) is instantly legible. At level +0.00 (64m above sea level) all the spaces are developed around an atrium. In the center, an unyielding olive tree with roots deep in the Mediterranean landscape functions as an element of memory. This section of the building comprises the main living areas: living room, kitchen, and dining room, as well as two sleeping areas. On the same level, an outdoor amphitheater of approximately 60 seats is facing the sacred island of Delos.

At level +4.00 (68m above sea level) the second section, almost exclusively underground, consists of two bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms. This section is connected to the main building via a wide, open-air promenade. It is sheltered by a planted roof exactly like the outdoor parking spaces, so that the presence of cars is not detectable from above.

The landscape design is based on the existing natural terrain, borrowing from its elements, and reinterpreting the variety, textures, and colors of native plants to create a new palette. The goal is the least possible alteration of the natural landscape in combination with the reassimilation of the local vegetation in the intervention areas. The proposed xeromorphic vegetation has overall low irrigation and maintenance requirements.

Location: Choulakia, Mykonos, Greece
Typology: Residential
Built Area: 349,65 m2
Plot Area: 4.000 m2

Photography: Yiannis Hadjiaslanis, George Fakaros

Project Team
Architecture: Praxitelis Kondylis (A31)
Design Team: Davide Fois, Anna Baltzi
Project management: Panagiotis Karras (A31)
Project management team: Ioanna Siouti
Structural engineer: Konstantinos Grigoriadis
MEP engineer: Giannis Beligiannis
Lighting design: HALO Architectural Lighting
Landscape design: Archetopo / Landscape Urbanism
Construction: A31 Architecture Construction
Construction supervision: Panagiotis Karras, Praxitelis Kondylis (A31), Nikos Papas, Ioanna Siouti
Interior design-art curation: Praxitelis Kondylis (A31)
Art works: Socrates Fatouros