linear pergolas in warm tones outline a series of interconnected houses on a greek island

the project combines restrained architectural forms with a palette of natural materials and warm tones that respond to the character of the ionian landscape.

vicky poriki edited by christina vergopoulou June 18, 2026 3 min

ECHO ZEN RETREATS: A RESIDENCE ORGANIZED AROUND OUTDOOR LIVING

Designed by VP Architectural Studio, Echo Zen Retreats is a residential complex located on the island of Kefalonia, Greece. The project explores Mediterranean outdoor living through a composition of interconnected indoor and outdoor spaces, where architecture is organized around landscape, climate, and daily use.

The layout unfolds from private bedroom suites toward shared living areas centered on the kitchen and dining spaces. Large openings establish visual continuity between the interiors and the surrounding landscape while introducing natural light throughout the residence.

Outdoor living forms a central component of the design. Pergolas provide shaded transitional spaces connecting the main buildings with swimming pools, terraces, and gathering areas. Adjacent to the primary volume, an outdoor barbecue area extends the communal program beneath one of the pergolas, supporting cooking, dining, and social activities in an open-air setting.

linear pergolas in warm tones outline a series of interconnected houses on a greek island - 1 — Echo Zen Retreats is all about exploring the quiet joy of simply being present | all images by duee.studio

VP Architectural Studio uses SIMPLE FORMS to SHAPE LIVING SPACES

The project combines restrained architectural forms with a palette of natural materials and warm tones that respond to the character of the Ionian landscape. Carefully proportioned volumes and linear geometries create a sequence of intimate and shared spaces while maintaining a close relationship with the site’s topography and climate.

Echo Zen Retreats reflects VP Architectural Studio’s minimalist design approach, using simple forms, material continuity, and indoor-outdoor connections to establish a residential environment integrated with its natural surroundings.

linear pergolas in warm tones outline a series of interconnected houses on a greek island - 2 — the grand windows enhance the living experience by introducing natural light and views of the landscape

linear pergolas in warm tones outline a series of interconnected houses on a greek island - 3 — carefully curated lines and forms create both intimate and social spaces, aligned with the joy of slow living

vp-architectural-studio-echo-zen-retreats-kefalonia-greece-designboom-1800-3 — the BBQ area offers an outdoor outlet for social interactions

linear pergolas in warm tones outline a series of interconnected houses on a greek island - 4 — shaded pergolas and the expansive pools unfold just a few steps away from the main residence areas

vp-architectural-studio-echo-zen-retreats-kefalonia-greece-designboom-1800-2 — simplicity can make a powerful architectural statement

masterplan of the Echo Zen Retreats project floor plans of the residence typology western and northern elevations of the residence complex

project info:

name: Echo Zen Retreats

architect: VP Architectural Studio | @vp_architectural_studio

location: Kefalonia Island, Greece

visualizations: duee.studio | @duee.studio

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