The project Ohlive Villas concerns three summer houses built in the area of “Kehria” on the island of Skiathos, Greece. The strong topographical incline of the plot that is oriented towards the sea drove the design towards a parallel and gradual arrangement of the dwellings to ensure that the visual connection with the sea is maximized on all levels. All three dwellings co-exist with the natural landscape and the nearby olive grove that has been restored.
In each villa the functional spaces are separated into two distinct volumes. The first volume that is located on the forefront of each house bares the common spaces, while the second encaved volume which blends in with the natural topography of the site, hosts the bedrooms. In between the volumes, lie the open-air functional spaces and, as a result, each villa is organized around a straight axis that crosses linearly and leads to the access of the country road. The outdoor courtyard is disrupted and separated by an open staircase that leads to the lower levels of the residence while emphasizing on the continuation of the spaces. This void is connected by a metal “bridge” joining the outdoor spaces. Each villa is equipped with a pool placed along the axis at a lower height in order to adjust appropriately to the inclined natural ground.
The encaved components and retaining walls were constructed with exposed stonework in contrast to the above-ground volumes that are mainly metal structures, emphasizing the juxtaposition between solid and light construction. As a continuation of the metal structure, the pergola connects the two volumes and shades the in-between spaces.
The retaining walls that hold the gardens in between act as a prolongation of the façade of the encaved components and blur the boundaries between the residence and the main circulation axis. In addition, the walls are extended towards the west side of the plot, while on the east they reach the country road creating dents to accommodate parking.
Photography: Eleana Theodoreli
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