• Studio: Block722 Architects
• Location: Syros, Greece
• Project Type: Private house
• Ph: Ioanna Roufopoulou

Situated in the island of Syros, Syros I summerhouse hosts a couple and their guests. The design process was defined by the clients’ desire to maximize the view of the Plagia bay. The main intention was to unify the various spaces of the house under one roof facing the Aegean, without creating a massive volume, thus resulting in a deconstructed rectangle with massive openings from all sides.

The entrance is situated in the back, following a gentle descent through continuous miniature courtyards, planted with local aromatic herbs. The main volume houses the common areas, whereas the slightly higher volume covered in local masonry houses the couple’s private area. The volumes are set next to each other, under a united roof slab, facing the magnificent view of the bay.

The design of the guesthouses varied significantly, as the clients’ desire was the creation of spaces that could be both private and with constant access to the pool and outdoor space. The four guesthouses are situated in opposing parts of the site, gaining distinct characteristics: the ones closer to the house are intended for close friends and visitors whereas the ones under the master bedroom enjoy a private entrance and can easily be rented.

The outdoor area follows the topography of the landscape through a series of steps that define the outdoor areas and offer vast relaxation spaces, sheltered either from the sun or from open. The house and guestroom in-between space under the roof slab is designed as the heart of a summerhouse: a place near the hearth where all residents will relax and enjoy the Aegean.

Situated in the island of Syros, Syros II summerhouse hosts a family of four and their guests. In contrast to the neighboring Syros I residence, the steep and intense topography dominated the design process. A massive staircase leads to a gradual descent from the top towards the house, intensifying the experience of the Cycladic landscape. The entrance is surrounded by the higher volumes of the main areas of the house, ending the descent path, and then opening immediately to an ample view of the Aegean.

Programmatically, the house is clearly divided into the clean and square volume of the common areas (living room, kitchen) and the partially buried rectangular volume of the bedrooms. The guesthouse is also buried inside the slope, defined by a stonewall that is typical of the local architecture. The main volume is characterized by a free floor plan, allowing the continuous view of the outside and offering a cozy living space near the fireplace. The outdoor common spaces include two open “courtyards” shielded from the sun and the central part of the court, open to sunbathing and the children’s plays.