pavilion house in a small greek village establishes a dynamic solid-void relationship

The Hive architects inserts pavilion house into rural greece

Among an olive grove and a vineyard in the small Greek village of Kalogeriko, The Hive architects designed a permeable residential project that establishes a strong bond with nature. The project is treated as a platform, hence its name, ‘Pavilion House’, stretching horizontally in simple lines and clear forms. The resulting composition responds to the requirements of a modern family, all the while bringing its inhabitants closer to nature. 

Set in the middle of an 11-acre field, the architectural intervention extends as a ground-level structure with austere linear geometrical cut-outs creating visual escapes that frame the surrounding scenery and the sky above. Floor-to-ceiling openings, skylights, and circular apertures pierce its body, ensuring a constant dialogue with nature while letting daylight spill over the interior spaces.  

two opposing yet complementary volumes 

The design team sought to form a modern living space that can afford openness and privacy, introducing an ideal ambiance to host many indoor and outdoor activities. The main volume is divided through an intelligible axis delimiting the communal areas and the sleeping quarters. The south zone features the living room, open-plan kitchen, and dining room, making the most of the natural light. This is also enhanced through the skylights on the roof.

A monolithic, compact volume comes in juxtaposition with the breathable main residence, wedged on its south side at a lower level. Wrapped in local stonework, the auxiliary structure operates completely independently, hosting a workplace and guesthouse with separate entrances and restrooms.

The architects opted for natural materials to set a harmonious balance between the building and the natural enviroment. The material expression is informed by the vernacular architecture described by rendered walls in white and earthy shades, stone cladding, and tiled roofs. Thus, white plaster and exposed stonework dominate the facades, while exposed concrete highlights the central walls and the roof slab. The interiors are completed with wooden accents exuding a delicate modern character. 

An intricate mesh (claustra) marks the entrance of the building and doubles as a visual filter between the kitchen and the outdoor area. Meanwhile, an outdoor pool adjacent to a lounge area and the BBQ completes this luxurious residence, creating a perfect spot for the family to spend time together. 

1/12

project info:

name: Pavilion House

architects: The Hive architects | ©thehivearchitects

in collaboration with: Eleni Papageorgiou

location: Kalogeriko, Arta, Greece

completion year: due in 2023

gross built area: 310 sqm