The region features all the elements that distinctly characterize the Cretan landscape: sharp rocks, low vegetation, strong winds, intense sunlight, and an unobscured view. These elements form the backdrop on which the design process was developed.

Villa I is part of the “Vacation Houses in Elounda” project, where the main issue of the design was the adaptation of the building to the rough topography in harmony with the traditional architecture of Crete, by breaking down its volumes into ones of smaller scale, inspired by the settlements found in Elounda.

The building consists of a central single-story volume placed as an extension of the natural terrain. The roughcast finishes of this volume emulate the local clay soil. Covered in natural stone extracted from the site excavations, two distinct volumes are placed on each side, a single-story and a two-story accordingly.

All volumes are positioned on the ground in a way that integrates them with the natural slope. As a result, one of their sides is almost buried up to the ground floor level. The central volume features an open-plan living area which includes the living room, dining area, the kitchen, and a small guest WC. The stone-covered volumes house the master bedroom in the single-story volume, and two more bedrooms in the two-story volume.

The building volumes have large openings to the north, facing the sea view, while on the other sides, the openings are smaller, allowing for natural ventilation and lighting. At the same time, those smaller openings offer framed views of the outdoors and access to the small courtyards formed on the ‘buried’ sides of the buildings. The outdoor space is of great importance to the design, serving as an extension of the indoor living areas.

The central north-facing courtyard features a swimming pool surrounded by large terraces, wooden pergolas, and outdoor seating.

The existing low vegetation is enhanced to complete the garden area.

Local stone, timber, and earth-toned plaster are the materials used. The stone volumes feature wooden frames, while the rest are made of aluminum.