react architects: the edge summer house

‘the edge summer house’ by react architects, paros cyclades, greece image credits: elias chandelis

anixi-based react architects have completed ‘the edge summer house’ located in paros cyclades, greece. the building consists of two dwellings with guest areas that overlook the sea and neighboring island of antiparos. situated on the highest point of the lot, terraced courtyards and wide stairs lead to the plateau landings with roof top gardens which extend into the indoor and outdoor spaces. the north side elevations open onto the patio landings, while, the east side is dominated with local vegetation and the sight of transverse walls.

the overall complex leaves the natural landscape intact as it carves to the slop of the site, adapting to the environment and dissolving the boundaries between private and public spaces. the design uses the archetypical wall element which is familiar in the cycladic landscape. the volumes are split into small movements creating sheltered courtyards from the strong northerly winds. to avoid single plane facades, elongated openings pierce the partitions to create areas with visual continuity. mulberries are planted to provide shade, while the backyard showcases how the structure captures the intense sunlight displaying shades of blue and intense shadows with panoramic views to the sea.

guest house

view from the roof top

planted vegetation

north facade

terraces

patios with transverse walls

view of swimming pool and adjacent sea

entrance to dwelling

interior courtyard and view of antiparos island

interior courtyard

living and kitchen area

living room

planted mulberry trees

garden

south facade

guest house

west facade

stairs to entrance

night view

project info:

name: the edge summer houses location: paros cyclades, greece area: 450 m2 plot area: 9000 m2 architecture study: 2004 – 2006 construction date: 2006-2010 architecture design and supervision: react architects – yiorgos spiridonos and natasha deliyianni project manager: yiorgos spiridonos civil engineer: mfp consulting engineers mechanical study: gregoriades dimitris photographer: elias chandelis