wrapped in stone and rooted by an olive tree, corfu house overlooks the sea in greece

locally sourced stone shapes corfu house

Wrapped in stone, this summer residence in Corfu, Greece, has been designed to emphasize the connection between the building and its natural surroundings. Initially envisioned by Tony Wynbourne and developed with Athens-based studio Georgios Apostolopoulos and Makis Gisdakis, the concept seeks to merge contemporary design with the local landscape. Unobstructed 180-degree views to the sea and surrounding landscape are prioritized for each room, as the Corfu House’s layout is oriented carefully along an east-west axis.

A preserved olive tree, serves as a central feature, symbolically rooting the villa within its environment. On the upper level, a heated pool extends from the master bedroom, blending with the rocky terrain and fostering a serene, fluid connection between indoors and outdoors. The main pool, located on a lower terrace, is designed to visually merge with the distant sea.

all images by Lorenzo Zandri

by Tony Wynbourne, Georgios Apostolopoulos, Makis Gisdakis

Corfu House’s exterior is made out of locally sourced stone, hand-shaped by local stone technicians. The stone blends the structure with its natural context and provides a timeless aesthetic in conjunction with modern windows and details. Internally, the architects have divided the villa into a ground, lower ground, and mezzanine level. The ground floor is separated into two primary zones, the west side has the master bedroom, while the east side contains the kitchen, living, and dining spaces.

The lower ground floor meanwhile has four additional bedrooms with bathrooms and a small kitchenette. Here, at the rear, a cavernous area with exposed natural rocks offers a sense of calm and quiet. The interior design is intentionally minimalist, with contemporary detailing and understated joinery. This quiet elegance allows the views to become the main focal point, while the simplicity of the interiors creates a calm, neutral backdrop that highlights the home’s natural surroundings and views.

the concept seeks to merge contemporary design with the local landscape

designed by Tony Wynbourne, Georgios Apostolopoulos, and Makis Gisdakis

locally sourced stone shapes the facade

hand-crafted by local stone technicians

a series of pools are layered throughout

exposed natural rocks at the cavernous area offer a sense of calm and quiet

blending in with its natural context

a natural sequence of circulatory spaces

a contrast in materiality

unobstructed 180-degree views to the sea and surrounding landscape are prioritized for each room

the concept creates a calm, neutral backdrop that highlights the home’s natural surroundings and views

project info:

name: Corfu House
architect: Tony Wynbourne, Georgios Apostolopoulos | @georgios__apostolopoulos

engineer: Makis Gisdakis

location: Corfu, Greece

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom