Vernacular meets Minimalism

Santa Maria, Greece

Add To Collection

Vernacular meets Minimalism

Santa Maria, Greece

Firm

besko Architects | Engineers | Consultants

Type

Residential › Private House

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2021

SIZE

5000 sqft - 10,000 sqft

BUDGET

$1M - 5M

Photos

Andreas Bekas (32), besko Architects | Engineers | Consultants (7)

The project consists of two Villas with guest areas and outdoor facilities, located in Santa Maria,
a nature environmentally protected peninsula characterized as ‘‘Natura’’ at the North East
end of Paros in close proximity to Naoussa, that overlooks the sea and the islets Fonisses,
Ovriokastro and Kouronisi, and gazes towards the horizon the neighboring island of Naxos.
Situated on the focal point of the lot, terraced courtyards and wide-open spaces lead to a
plateau which extends between the indoor and outdoor spaces.

A blend of minimal architecture and traditional Cycladic architecture, combined with the
Mediterranean landscape creates a unique atmosphere. The Villas key architectural design
was the use of existing elements of the surrounding scenery such as the natural rock
formations, the topography and the microclimate of the site.

Following the wisdom of vernacular architecture, the design embraces the natural slope using the
logic of terraces, allowing an unobscured view to the endless Aegean Blue, found only a few hundred
meters away. The north side opens onto the patio entrance and creates inner courtyards, protected
from the wind, while the east side is dominated by the pool area and surrounding leisure
facilities giving the user an unobstructed sense of freedom and a translucent sensation
between interior and exterior spaces.

The overall complex leaves the natural landscape intact as it curves to the topography of the site,
adapting to the environment and dissolving the boundaries between private and public spaces,
volumes and voids, build and open space. The Villas and the pool have been thoughtfully positioned
on the site so that one can fully enjoy its amphitheatrical view.
The volumes are divided in order to create sheltered courtyards from the northerly winds.
Furthermore, the built space was designed both with white plaster volumes and with natural stone
masonry walls in order to create a natural transition amongst the spaces according to the island's
vernacular.
All of the areas were carefully manipulated in order to create a minimal yet hospitable
surrounding. The character of the island, with simple clean lines, characterizes all areas, while
white and earth tones meet in with the Cycladic environment. Intimacy, coziness, and comfort
were key elements in our
architectural concept.

Product Spec Sheet

Were your products used?

Join as a manufacturer to add your products.

Collaborating Firms

Was your firm involved? Add it now.

Team

Were you involved? Add yourself.

Keep Exploring Architizer by Creating a Free Account or Logging in.

Vernacular meets Minimalism

Santa Maria, Greece

Vernacular meets Minimalism

Santa Maria, Greece

Product Spec Sheet

Collaborating Firms

Team