settling within the seaside suburb of vouliagmeni, in athens, greece, the new residential proposal by 314 architecture studio adopts the distinct shape of a butterfly. a series of organic curves form the unique dwelling complex, comprised of four different independent units, with each one including both a basement and a top floor. 

314 architecture studio integrates a butterfly into the athenian suburban landscape 1
the project is five minutes walking distance from the sea
all images courtesy of 314 architecture studio

 

 

the design by 314 architecture studio is inspired by the shape of the butterfly, whose wings extend outwards, from the dwellings to the garden area. these wing volumes provide the ground floor with shade, while generating open terraces on the top floor, where occupants can enjoy unobstructed sea views. in addition, the wings are bent to provide privacy.

314 architecture studio integrates a butterfly into the athenian suburban landscape 2
the wings extend, offering a panoramic view of the sea

 

 

in ‘butterfly’, transparency is used as a bonding element between the exterior and the interior. U-glass is extensively used, replacing or camouflaging the solid walls to allow the maximum natural light to permeate the interior. at the same time, this type of glass serves as a distorting filter, blurring the movement of the occupants, adding to the dwelling’s privacy and overall atmosphere.

314 architecture studio integrates a butterfly into the athenian suburban landscape 4
the U-glass filters the light and adds to the tranquility of the space

 

 

contrasting materials are used to amplify the residents’ interaction with the structure. specifically, the glossiness of the U-glass is paired with the matte effect of the white cement stucco chosen for the walls, floor, and ceiling. moreover, the rocks placed around the property add an earthy element to the composition, with the bigger ones hiding structural elements and storing glass panels, therefore leaving only the aesthetically necessary things in sight.

314 architecture studio integrates a butterfly into the athenian suburban landscape 3
the wings extend, providing shade to the ground floor

 

 

the surrounding landscape is designed to complement the composition, with artificial lakes reflecting the butterfly’s organic shape, the glass surfaces, and the vegetation, while creating a feeling of seclusion and peace. floating paths pass over the lakes and plants to connect the ground floor balconies, offering in this way an alternative route, closer to nature.

314 architecture studio integrates a butterfly into the athenian suburban landscape 5
the U-glass distorts movement and blends the interior with the exterior

314 architecture studio integrates a butterfly into the athenian suburban landscape 6
privacy is enhanced with the landscape design’s rich vegetation

314 architecture studio integrates a butterfly into the athenian suburban landscape 8
the water reflects the organic shapes of the butterfly and the U-glass, offering another dimension to the composition

314 architecture studio integrates a butterfly into the athenian suburban landscape 7
the materials complement the tranquil atmosphere of the space

314 architecture studio integrates a butterfly into the athenian suburban landscape 9

314 architecture studio integrates a butterfly into the athenian suburban landscape 10

314 architecture studio integrates a butterfly into the athenian suburban landscape 11

314 architecture studio integrates a butterfly into the athenian suburban landscape 12

 

 

project info:

 

name: the butterfly
architectural design: 314 architecture studio
lead architect: pavlos chatziangelidis
assistant architects: giota chala, antonis sarris, caterina palantzi, eleni zygogianni, anna stagaki, dimitris panagiotou, andrianna triantafyllopoulou, eirini bouliou, dimitra stergiou, alexandros papadopoulos, iro dermitzaki, eleni palaiologou
structural analysis: foteini karagianni
electromechanical analysis: stefanos karagiannis
developer: VNK capital

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom