The challenge of the specific project lies in the best possible utilization of the square meters provided by the plot for the design of two private houses that can function autonomously.
The basic compositional direction lies in the placement of two rectangular stone volumes in harmony with the sloping ground with the least possible peripheral “gestures”. The stone emerges from the excavation contributing to both the ecology and the harmony of the composition with its environment. Access to these two volumes is made from the highest point of the plot, from which point the user descends via an outdoor staircase to a shared courtyard – crossroad between the two houses. At this point, he is introduced to the private area of one or the other residence from where the piece of view that each hides is revealed to him.
In the first residence one enters through a semi-outdoor living space where one first encounters the living room area, followed by a linear kitchen that leads to the main bedroom. The latter includes a private bathroom as well as characteristic openings towards the view. In front of the living area, a swimming pool is placed parallel to the residence, with everyday areas that enjoy privacy and the view of the sea and the city of Skiathos. An internal staircase also leads to the underground spaces, where among the auxiliary and other functions, there is also another bedroom with a private bathroom, and a small covered courtyard.
The second residence, which is placed slightly lower than the first, according to the relief, is also designed internally in a corresponding functional arrangement. Access is placed to the rear, where an outdoor corridor with the characteristic concrete wall leads to the corresponding first courtyard. As an extension of the corridor’s axis, the swimming pool is placed parallel to the view with the corresponding outdoor spaces around it. Internally, the residence offers similar facilities both on the ground floor and in its basement level.
As a whole, the composition attempts to satisfy the demands and needs with simple but pivotal gestures both in terms of functionality as well as architectural quality.