by carving into its natural contours and rugged landscape, A31 architecture has built two summer residences on the greek island of andros. the project, called ‘nonagriam twins’, comprises of two detached houses, both of which seamlessly blend into the site’s topography thanks to low, horizontal planes and open, airy spaces.

A31 architecture nestles two summer houses into a greek island hillside designboom

side view of residence A

all images courtesy of A31 architecture

 

 

the two houses cover an area of approximately 600 m2 within the 9200 m2 site. residence A comprises an open living and dining space, kitchen, two bedrooms with sea views, a subterranean master bedroom and an independent guesthouse on a lower level. furthermore, a stairway organically connects the house to an existing natural stone cave.

A31 architecture nestles two summer houses into a greek island hillside designboom

front view of the two houses

 

 

the program of residence B includes a living and dining room, kitchen, bathroom, one bedroom with sea views and two subterranean en-suite bedrooms, accessible through an interior atrium. this house also has an independent guesthouse on a lower level. both buildings also boast a large swimming pool, which visually connects to the sea beyond. 

A31 architecture nestles two summer houses into a greek island hillside designboom

view of the pool

 

 

the design by A31 architecture intends to be ‘modern and rigorous’, while nestling into the natural landscape of andros. with this in mind, the spaces are created to be open and airy, with expansive openings without columns or walls, providing unobstructed views of the sea.  

A31 architecture nestles two summer houses into a greek island hillside designboom

view from the patio

 

 

the underground abode features smart examples of energy-efficient architecture such as geothermal heating and passive design that keeps the interior comfortable while minimizing the need for heating or cooling in the winter and summer months. the roofs are constructed from concrete slabs, which are covered in local vegetation, creating a thermal shield to the houses while further embedding the design into the surrounding nature. these ‘green roofs’ provide an integral part of this climate-proof, forward thinking construction amid the beautifully wild scenery of andros.

A31 architecture nestles two summer houses into a greek island hillside designboom

interior living space with panoramic views

A31 architecture nestles two summer houses into a greek island hillside designboom

view from above both residences

A31 architecture nestles two summer houses into a greek island hillside designboom

night view of the pool

A31 architecture nestles two summer houses into a greek island hillside designboom

residence A, ground floor plan

A31 architecture nestles two summer houses into a greek island hillside designboom

residence B , ground floor plan

A31 architecture nestles two summer houses into a greek island hillside designboom

longitudinal section

 

 

project info:

 

project name: nonagriam twins

location: andros, greece

design: A31 architecture

 

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: lynne myers | designboom