The project concerns the design of a contemporary residence in Porto Rafti, developed across a basement, ground floor, and upper level, and completed by a landscaped rooftop terrace incorporating a small sheltered office space.
The architectural concept is articulated through a clear volumetric composition based on orthogonal geometries. The rigor of these primary forms is selectively transformed through angled cuts, inclined planes, and oblique elements, introduced both within the solid surfaces and the openings of the façades. These interventions disrupt the regularity of the volumes, giving the building a more dynamic and sculptural expression while preserving the clarity of its minimalist identity. Recesses, sloped surfaces, and deep openings further enhance the interaction between light and shadow, allowing the perception of the building to shift according to viewpoint and time of day.
At the core of the residence, an internal courtyard acts as a central spatial and compositional element. By introducing natural light and vegetation into the interior, the courtyard establishes a direct relationship between the architecture and nature, while its vertical continuity creates a strong visual and spatial connection between the ground and upper floors. Rather than functioning as an isolated void, it becomes an integral part of the spatial sequence, organizing circulation, views, and the relationship between the different areas of the residence.
The program is organized into two distinct functional entities. The first develops across two levels and accommodates office spaces, while an adjacent autonomous residential unit comprises three bedrooms and three bathrooms. This clear separation allows each entity to operate independently while remaining integrated within a unified architectural composition.
Overall, the project is defined by a contemporary minimalist architectural language, where geometric clarity is balanced by controlled transformations of form. Angled cuts, inclined surfaces, deep recesses, and the interplay between solid and void establish the building’s distinct identity, transforming an initially orthogonal structure into a more dynamic and sculptural architectural composition.
Project Details
Name: Oblique Duplex House
Architecture Office: Onus Architecture Studio
Lead Architect: Margarita Kyanidou
Design Team: Christina Ntalli, Chrysanthi Pappaioannou, Georgina Lampropoulou
Location: Porto Rafti, Greece