A plot situated in a remote, ordinary village of Kalamia, with olive groves surrounding and an unobstructed view to the Gulf of Corinth, is a setting for retreat from demanding urban life, whose occupant is a nature-loving young couple with their three children. The morphology of the place – the slope with a 6m height difference from the top to the bottom, led to the decision of creating the house with humble, stone stable-like appearance from the street side that discreetly fits into the neighborhood, while developing into the prominent, two levels construction from the garden.
Entrance level is approached by ramp and represents communal space of the dwelling. It relates through the large openings to the outdoor observation platform suitable for stars-gazing and experiencing distant view of the sea. Additional openings were created on the roof, South-West, and North-East side of the building to improve natural light and ventilation. Communication with the garden is established by cantilevered, concrete staircase.
At the lower level, slab’s perforations in the interior corridor create cave-like atmosphere of private area. Bedrooms and guest suite, along with bathrooms suggest the monastic feel of the space, thanks to the basic, bespoke furnishing. Direct garden access from these places is generated with two courtyards that have the role of contemplation places.
Natural materials, like reclaimed local stone that was supplemented with new, and others are inspired by industrial feel of the traditional stone stables characteristic for the Peloponnese rural area. Applied in a contemporary manner they contribute, together with natural light, to the richness of textures.
It is important to emphasize that the entire 141m2 of habitable, custom made space, is built with the restricted means, without compromising the initial architectural proposal.
Developed according to contemporary sustainable standards and located in a healthy environment, this house has been playing major role in the 2020 pandemic situation, providing its inhabitants both safety and comfort.
