Architect: Lydia Xynogala
Project: Greek Vacation Home
Location: Achladies, Skiathos Island, Greece
Area: 2,200 sf
Photography: Yiorgis Yerolymbos
From the architect: Situated on a sloping triangular site facing the sea, this Greek vacation home is conceived as a series of parallel adjoining rooms. They are created by retaining walls, a common feature in the Mediterranean landscape.
Each room sits at a different elevation following the topography and contains a dedicated program. Access is located at the highest level of the site. Each space is focused on a large opening to the south, contemplating the sea, complemented by a smaller window to the north, looking towards the slope. These openings also provide efficient cross ventilation for each room.
The walls are constructed from solid concrete and provide large thermal mass. The east and west facades that face the road and neighboring buildings have no openings, protecting the interior from the heat of the sun. This creates a barely visible configuration of spaces but with maximum views towards the sea.
The concept of aggregate generated the form and selection of materials. Aggregation of volumes, aggregate in the raw concrete walls, in the terrazzo floor, roofs filled with gravel and plants. Materials were used that are very familiar in older Greek residential interiors such as terrazzo floors, marble and plaster render, but used in spaces, forms and combinations that are not so familiar.
