Inspired by the complexity and the volumes of the Cycladic architecture, the summer house of a total of 250 m2 unfolds around a hillside on the island of Sifnos looking towards the charming valley of Agios Ioannis and the Aegean Sea.
The unique and wild location, the astonishing views of the sea, and the North-East orientation of the site, all define the layout and the forms of the volumes proposing the main building with the pool area, on the upper natural terrain, while the smaller volumes of the suites spread at lower levels.
The villa was designed for a French couple, who in their search for a private summer refuge, fell in love with the island and with the secluded location of the site. The brief called for a minimal house, with a spacious communal interior area, including a large kitchen, a living room, and a dining area, along with four unsuited bedrooms and two guesthouses that can host friends and family of the couple. Many terraces, outdoor areas, and a swimming pool complete the layout and be the perfect way to enjoy the Cycladic summer, the landscape, and amazing views.
The summer house was conceived as a small Cycladic complex of different whitewashed and stone cladding volumes, harmoniously blended into nature and the terrains, looking towards the sea. The spatial composition of different volumes, all connecting with paths, terraces, stone walls, and pergolas, establish continuity between building and landscape. The layout proposes the main entrance and the communal areas on the larger, main building on the upper natural plateau, and distinguishes them from the rooms, which are organized at different volumes at a lower level. This configuration ensures that all the areas have full privacy and face east, enjoying panoramic views.
The main entrance and the open kitchen area are organized at the white volume on the upper level, where a wooden pergola between the single-storey building and the existing rock wall creates a sheltered outdoor terrace well protected from the winds, accommodating the outdoor dining area next to the kitchen. Three stairs below, the stone cladding volume hosts the living and dining area, open up to the main terrace and one meter below, to the pool and the terrace around it.
Due to the height difference of the site, a bridge spans the two different plateaus and connects the communal with the private areas. A wide corridor with narrow windows leads from the entrance level to the master suite and to the stair descending at the lower level of the rooms. As the master bedroom remains at the upper level of the main volume, it enjoys its own private balcony with a panoramic view. The marble cladding stair leads to the lower level, where the kid’s bedroom is located under the master, and to the other 2 independent, unsuited bedrooms. The whitewashed volumes of the two rooms located vertical to the main building and in combination with the stone walls connecting them, create a boundary to the north wind and define a big yard at the core of the villa. The gaps between the volumes feature an outdoor douche area and a protected area for relaxing with a hammock. An interesting element of the complex is the gap at the lower level beneath the bridge, where nature and the rocks fuse with the buildings.
A little bit more isolated, the two guesthouses are organized at the north side of the site, creating a more independent wing for guests who also enjoy private outdoor areas and views. The higher stone-cladded volume at the back hosts a private suite with a mezzanine while a protected outdoor area with a pergola spanning between the building and the rocks creates an outdoor kitchen and a dining area for the guests.
The Cycladic simplicity and purity exemplified by the whitewashed cubic volumes, combined with stone cladding volumes and walls made of locally quarried stone. The wooden openings in different sizes remain rather small following the traditional and sustainable island architecture. Every room is designed to frame unique views, allowing the light but keeping the midday summer sun out.
The whitewashed house typology of the Cycladic architecture, the stone cladding volumes, and the hand-built stone walls, are combined with cement floors, chestnut pergolas, and wooden openings. The use of the natural and raw materials is carried on the interior where white built-in sofas and kitchen, combined with exposed concrete ceilings and cement floors. The minimal aesthetic concluded with marble, for the baths and the countertop of the kitchen, and natural oak furniture, all contributing to a warm atmosphere of refined elegance. The common minimal aesthetic of the interior and the exterior areas combines the traditional architecture with contemporary elements, bespoke and specially selected vintage furniture along works of art from owners’ travels.
This modest, yet sophisticated Cycladic refuge in Sifnos, remains in harmony with its surroundings and honors local architecture while providing a contemporary living for its residents.
