a cluster of curved stone volumes by hiboux architecture nestles in the rocky greek landscape

new human habitation gently weaves into the existing nature 

Within the arid landscape of the Greek island Meganisi, Hiboux Architecture nestles a cluster of scattered curved residential volumes. Taking their cues from the traditional stone shepherds’ residences in the countryside of the island, the structures seek sensitive attention to the surroundings, designed with a language that is informed by the organic rocky topography. Thus, the project preserves and recreates the old, existing ‘xirolithies’ (dry stone walling), with the dwellings following their ground pattern. Through this project, the design team sought to form a complex of 5 guest houses that harmoniously blends into the landscape with an intervention that required the least possible excavation. Among the 42 pre-existing olive trees, the final composition appears as a series of stone-clad vaulted structures unified under a metal canopy, with the overall synthesis fading into its setting.

all images by Yiannis Drakoulidis and Yiorgos Conidaris

immersive views toward the Mediterranian blue 

The complex comprises one main residence and five-domed guest houses. The independent main dwelling includes the master bedroom, a two-floor tower-like observatory with a passable roof, and a cellar. The Athens-based studio utilized curtain walls to ensure a smooth flow throughout the spaces and an uninterrupted view of the slope toward the sea. The continuous canopy unifies the individual spaces between the scattered buildings, all the while forming an ideal semi-open enviroment for outdoor activities appreciating life in the countryside.

Drawing from the sheepfolds of the Greek countryside, the canopy contrasts the existing materials repeating the inclination of the ground. Its frame and columns are out of steel, while the filling in the outdoor part is made from bamboo for shading. The planted roofs improve the integration of the complex into its environment and make it disappear into the landscape. Hiboux Architecture’s residential project received a distinction in the competition for the Heliarch 2022 Architecture Award.

new human habitation weaves between the existing non-human livingbuilding with the least possible disturbance

vegetation was selected to cover some parts, enhancing shading

a two-story tower-observatory

the indoor-outdoor flow creates outdoor living spaces

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project info:

architect: Hiboux Architecture 

design team:  Maria Tsigara, Marianna Xyntaraki, Dimitris Theodoropoulos, with the contribution of Thodoris Sioutis, Stella Vrakidi, Zoe Iliadi, Efi Mastrokalou, Christina Galanou, Myrto Pappa, Konstantinos Tsakiris, Giorgos Foufas, Dimitris Giannelos, Jenny Lazari, Nikos Christopoulos
supervision: Dimitris Theodoropoulos, Marianna Xyntaraki
civil engineer: Thanasis Kontizas
landscape architecture: daphne kokkini werkraum
lighting design: ASlight, Anna Sbokou, Marianna Mourla
interior styling and furniture design: in collaboration with Yiannis Machairas

location: Meganisi, Greece
photos: Yiannis Drakoulidis
drone photos: Yiorgos Conidaris