villa gel in cyprus outlines a curvilinear layout that fuses with the greenery

versa architecture arranges all living zones around the semicircular open courtyard.

versarch edited by christina vergopoulou June 28, 2023 3 min

Villa GEL by Versa Architecture stands in Nicosia’s suburbs

Situated within the suburban area of Nicosia, Cyprus, single-story Villa GEL by Versa Architecture merges internal and external architectural elements with the surrounding greenery. The residence encompasses an area of 170 sqm and celebrates the natural landscape through a layout of curved elements that unifies all its spaces. The internal courtyard serves as the centerpiece of the project that promotes contemporary living, facilitating a seamless connection between the interior and the exterior environments. Embracing sustainable practices, the house incorporates various environmentally conscious features.

villa gel in cyprus outlines a curvilinear layout that fuses with the greenery - 1 — the residence forms around an internal courtyard | all images by Skevi Laou unless stated otherwise

villa gel’s project focuses on contextual architecture

Enclosed by curving walls that follow an undulating linear layout, the courtyard serves as a focal point, effectively blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. Floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors effortlessly merge the living spaces with the courtyard. As daylight filters through these openings, the house enjoys a warm, natural glow, as the interior is infused with a gentle interplay of light and shadow, which continuously evolves throughout the day. Passive ventilation with careful orientation ensures optimal air circulation and energy efficiency, maintaining a comfortable environment.

Within the house, curved walls organize a series of interconnected spaces providing a sense of continuity and harmony. The open-plan layout ensures a seamless flow from the living area to the dining space and kitchen, enhancing social interactions and cultivating an inviting ambiance. The design team‘s primary objective is to foster the concept of contextual architecture. The exterior spaces have been meticulously landscaped, enabling a seamless blend with the surroundings.

villa gel in cyprus outlines a curvilinear layout that fuses with the greenery - 2 — the side volumes of the house cantilever above the ground

villa gel in cyprus outlines a curvilinear layout that fuses with the greenery - 3 — the living zones stand in direct contact with the semicircular canopy

villa gel in cyprus outlines a curvilinear layout that fuses with the greenery - 4 — villa gel’s white volumes merge with the greenery

villa gel in cyprus outlines a curvilinear layout that fuses with the greenery - 5 — the project arranges several open common areas for relaxation and gathering

villa gel in cyprus outlines a curvilinear layout that fuses with the greenery - 6 — the circular volume develops around the olive tree standing in the courtyard

villa gel in cyprus outlines a curvilinear layout that fuses with the greenery - 7 — the house arranges several outdoor verandas

villa gel in cyprus outlines a curvilinear layout that fuses with the greenery - 8 — the curves skillfully frame the backdrop

villa gel in cyprus outlines a curvilinear layout that fuses with the greenery - 9 — smooth undulating forms shape the entrance

villa-gel-designboom-1800-3 — image by Michael Mavris

floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room expose the mountainscape the kitchen overlooks toward the landscape

project info:

name: Villa GEL
designer: Versa Architecture – Stavros Voskaris | @versa_architecture

civil engineer: Stavros Charalambous

mechanical engineer: Christoforos Kettis

electrical engineer: Marios Vasiliou

construction: Esperos Ergoliptiki LTD

location: Politiko, Nicosia, Cyprus

photography: Skevi Laou | @skevilaou

aerial photography: Michael Mavris | @michael.mavris

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