set in greece, the ‘paros residence’ blends subtle modernism with traditional craft

 

studio seilern architects designs the private ‘paros residence’ 

 

Studio Seilern Architects’ design for the private ‘Paros Residence’ on the Greek island blends subtle modernism with contemporary and traditional detailing and materials. Assembled as a linked series of standalone rooms around a poolside courtyard, the villa touches the landscape lightly, providing a beautiful and simple luxury living environment in its natural Aegean setting. The project was completed in September 2021 and has been enjoyed by its owners for the first time this year.

 

 

 

 

floating slabs oriented according to the august sun 

 

Rising above an olive grove on the west coast of the island, the orientation of ‘Paros Residence’ was determined by the setting of the August sun; the path of its solar axis terminates at a negative-edge pool cantilevering towards the Aegean Sea. This orientation is mirrored by the adjacent pergola, roofed with bamboo punctured by a single oculus that brings light onto a hand-chiseled marble poolside lounge.

 

The architects (see more here) placed the surrounding built volumes comprising the villa on overlapping terrazzo slabs, which give the appearance of floating above the soil. Meanwhile, clad in rustic mirrors, the inset base of the pool reflects the Mediterranean sky and transforms it into another floating slab. 

aerial view of ‘Paros Residence’

 

 

layering a subtle mix of minimalist and rich textures

 

The balance between minimalism and material richness is subtly evoke by means of texture. The traditional white stucco render and stone walls are hemmed by Greek marble and terrazzo at the apertures. The windows are framed by a densely hammered Aliveri marble, inspired by the decorative stone surround that marks the entrance of Parian churches, while counters and benches feature sandblasted and chiseled stone. The scale of the aggregate displays a calculated variation between different terrazzo surfaces, creating a subtle but vital gradation; a simple arrangement of raw materials that offers layers of intricacy.

 

These careful adjustments provide complexity without overloading the ‘Paros Residence’, allowing the landscape to imbue the house with a unique formal energy appropriate for its coastal position. 

perspective view

gardens, courtyards and interiors

view from interior

colonnade, shade, and landscape

pool courtyard at sunset