Set on the northern foothills of Thrypti mountain in Crete, this contemporary residence was designed by Athens-based architecture studio Block722, taking reference to the wild landscape and the richness of traditional crafts. Titled ‘O Lofos’ (meaning ‘The Hill’), the house spanning 280 sqm, includes two guestrooms and generous outdoor areas that appear in full harmony with the lush, natural surroundings. Aiming to create a relaxing environment that embraces nature in all its purity, the house’s layout was informed by different levels.
A path down a slope from the main road leads visitors to the residence’s entrance. Indoor or open-air, in-between spaces cover the need for easy circulation, while the main house area is divided into two low buildings linked by a semi-enclosed area with a water feature. The design blends natural materials, such as wood and stone, with the studio’s Scandinavian sensibility and organic minimalism, while some Japanese architectural influences are added. This becomes clear by the use of clean, almost austere lines that balance the materials’ natural, tactile nature and the overall craft-rich approach. As the architects describe, “Each section and route is carefully planned to support functionality and frame vistas, through visual journeys and spatial narratives that blend inside and outside, the natural and the human-made. The design seeks to enhance slow living, taking its cues from the island’s lifestyle”.
Bespoke furniture and distinctive construction elements reveal the local craftsmen’s expert manufacturing skills. Neutral, earthy colors dominate, and quality is prioritized over quantity. An impressive 2.8 x 1.5m sculpture by Greek artist Pantelis Chandris completes the overall design. The specially commissioned piece sits in the living room and was developed in parallel to the architectural design, beautifully displaying the retreat’s perfect marriage of scales and disciplines.
