Greek architecture practice Tsolakis Architects has designed a vacation villa that mimics the natural terrain on the Paros Island, Greece. 

Named Encaved Stone Villa, the 800-square-metre house was designed in multiple levels in a low-profile situated on a steep slope on the island of Antiparos.

The villa is oriented towards the East and the project plot offers a direct view of the island of Paros, as well as visibility to the islands of Cyclades nearby.

Beautifully embedded into the landscape, a series of large windows frame this mesmerizing views, while fragment pieces of stone walls creating castle-like pathways.

The architects' aim was to integrate the building into the landscape to make part of its natural surrounding and the studio provided this visual and functional coherence with textures and local materials that they applied.

The villa comprises various kinds of volumes in combination with the subterranean parts of the house correspond to the concept of embracing the rocky topography into the new design. 

"Thus, the fragments οf the architectural proposal create a mild architectural intervention, emphasizing the transformation of the terrain," said Tsolakis Architects. 

The Encaved Stone Villa emphasizes the coexistence of the multiple functions of the complex, it features an open-air corridor segregating the public spaces - such as living and dining areas - from the private ones like sleeping areas. 

On the lower levels, the private areas are placed adjacent to the main private pool of the summer house. Auxiliary spaces, as well as purveyance, are serviced by an individual elevator.

"Large open-air relaxation areas encircle the building complex, giving space to the unfolding of the outdoor daily life of a Cycladic country house," added the firm. 

"The use of local materials contributes to the integration of built structures with the environment, as well as a symbiotic practice between the indigenous construction techniques of the past and the contemporary sustainable construction processes."

While the use of local stone gives the character of site and authenticity, the facades features the lintels and pergolas made of chestnut and wicker timber. 

Inside, the interiors of the subterranean buildings are illuminated by elongated slits on the ground, which create a scenographic atmosphere on the inside.  

Elements of transmittance and focal points are highlighted by the contiguous engravings and the footpaths into the architectural complex while guiding the dweller to the swimming areas.

Floor plan

Section

Elevation

Landscape

Athens-based Tsolakis Architects was founded in 2005 by George Tsolakis. The studio designs residential, commercial, cultural, mixed-use and hotels projects in various sizes and scales. 

Project facts

Project name: Encaved Stone Villa

Architects: Tsolakis Architects

Location: Paros, Greece

Size: 800m2

Date: 2021

All images © George Messaritakis

All drawings © Tsolakis Architects

> via Tsolakis Architects