Rising above an olive grove on the west coast of the island, the orientation of the villahas been determined by the setting of the August sun; the path of its solar axis terminates at a negative-edge pool cantilevering towards the Aegean Sea. This orientation is mirrored by the adjacent pergola, roofed with bamboo punctured by a single oculus that brings light onto a hand chiseled marble poolside lounge. The surrounding built volumes that comprise the villaare placed on overlapping terrazzo slabs, which give the appearance of floating above the soil. Clad in rustic mirrors, the inset base of the pool reflects the Mediterranean sky and transforms it into another floating slab.
The minimal material richness of the building is derived subtly by means of texture. The traditional white stucco render and stone wallsarehemmed by Greek marble and terrazzo at the apertures. The windows are framed by a densely hammered Aliveri marble, inspired by the decorative stone surround that marks the entrance of Parian churches, while counters and benches feature sandblasted and chiseled stone. The scale of the aggregate displays a calculated variation between different terrazzo surfaces, creating a subtle but vital gradation; a simple arrangement of raw materials that offers layers of intricacy. These careful adjustments provide complexity without overloading the project, allowing the landscape to imbue the house with a unique formal energy appropriate for its coastal position.
The villa was completed in the Autumn of 2021 and has been enjoyed by its private owners for the first time this year. Studio Seilern Architects worked very closely with local contractors, engineers, and suppliers to oversee the project through the various stages of its design development. Private houses such as these offer great opportunities for forming close relationships with a client and the design team. This level of intimacy creates opportunities for interesting experimentation resulting in projects that create opportunities for poetic and personal built expression, as well as formal solutions.
Project name: Paros Residence
Architects: Studio Seilern Architects – http://www.studioseilern.com/
Location: Makria Miti, Paros, Greece
Area: 710 m²
Year: 2021
Photographer: Louisa Nikolaidou – https://www.louisanikolaidou.com/
Main Contractor: Parostec
Structural Engineer: KYMA
Services Engineers: Tekem
Landscape Architect: E Landscape
Lighting Consutlant: IFI Group
Pool Consultant: Stelnec
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