Zeropixel Architects: On a plot of land outside the settlement in the broader area of Apokoronas, we were asked to design a new four-bedroom holiday residence, maximizing the allowable building area. This residence is intended for the owners’ summer vacations, a young couple, and will be used for short-term rentals during the rest of the year.
The plot is located on the slope of a gorge, with a westward orientation and a steep incline, and it borders a road on the eastern side. During our site visits, we observed that the closest point to the road where we were permitted to place the building provided, besides the unobstructed view of the gorge and sunset to the west, a panoramic view of the White Mountains to the south and the sea – the bay of Souda – to the north.
We therefore created layouts that mirrored the contour lines of the plot and, with the help of a drone and surveying equipment, we designed on-site the three ideal sides of the building to ensure optimal views of the mountains and the sea. By incorporating the entire area of the prefecture into our 3D model, we continued the design work in the office, placing the mass we had created at the ideal elevation after having obtained a detailed mapping of the terrain.
This approach led us to a building composed of three volumes connected by atriums, with semi-outdoor spaces at their ends. Access to the building is from the northern volume via a winding road we created, linking the building to the municipal road. The considerable length of the road, combined with the now gentle slope, allows easy access for two cars to the building’s entrance.
Starting from the north, the first volume houses the daytime areas. It includes a kitchen with an island, a dining area, and a large living room, which is separated from the dining area by a wall with a fireplace. In the semi-outdoor space of this volume, there is a fully equipped outdoor kitchen and a large dining area. In the courtyard to the west of the volume, there is an infinity pool with a shower and the necessary outdoor space for a residence that accommodates eight people. The placement of this volume with its outdoor spaces allows for the best possible views of the sea and gorge while blocking views from the municipal road and nearby buildings. From the living room, in addition to views of the sea and gorge, there is a panoramic view of the White Mountains through the atrium connecting the two volumes.
Moving on to the second volume, we find a long corridor that provides access to the WC - control room, the three bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, and the master bedroom located in the third and final volume. The second volume is slightly oriented toward the south, where the White Mountains are located, but the beds are positioned to face the opposite direction, with a view of the sea. Each bedroom has its own private courtyard. On a lower level, a gathering area with an outdoor fireplace and jacuzzi has been designed. This area offers a panoramic view, with access from the pool area, the master bedroom, and the second atrium.
The third volume is connected to the second by an atrium, which, like the other, serves to eliminate the corners in the interior spaces that would have occurred due to the different angles at which the volumes are placed. In the third volume, we find the master bedroom with views of the mountains, sea, and gorge. It features its own bathroom with a large bathtub visible from all areas of the room, allowing the user to enjoy the view of the White Mountains. The same view can be enjoyed from the private patio, which is covered and also has a jacuzzi and an outdoor shower.
We tried to orient the volumes as much as possible to achieve the ideal north-south alignment and enhance the building's sustainability, without affecting the terrain with excessive excavations, fillings, and retaining walls. This, combined with the use of local stone and a green roof, as well as the angled retaining walls at the building’s edges, allowed us to "hide" this large building on the steep slope of Apokoronas, without compromising the luxury and comfort of its users.
