Villas
Vista House
Location
Agios Nikolaos
Lasithi, Crete
Lasithi, Crete
Area
400 sq.m.
Year
2008-2010
Status
Complete
Project Manager
Galetakis George
Architect
Tzanaki Eleftheria
Site Supervision
Fragkiadakis Panagiotis
Galetakis George
Galetakis George
Photography
@ Erieta Attali
Vista House, located at the top of a steep hill just outside the city of Agios Nikolaos, comprises two private residences symmetrically aligned along the North-South axis. Both residences offer unobstructed views of the Cretan Sea, making the most of their elevated position.The main architectural idea was to integrate the building seamlessly into the landscape, ensuring that the houses blend with the natural topography. The residences are strategically placed to avoid protruding from the highest rock on the plot, enhancing the natural aesthetic of the site. It is organized over two floors: the ground floor, which serves as the entrance level, and a basement that follows the natural slope of the ground. Each house has an entrance that is discreetly protected from plain view. Upon entry, visitors are greeted by a vestibule created by the staircase, which functionally separates the two residences.The ground floor features the public areas, including the living room, dining room, and kitchen, all located within white volumes in the northern part of the floor. These spaces benefit from higher ceilings for cooling purposes, a design choice rooted in the architects’ experience with bioclimatic principles. The private areas, comprising bedrooms and more intimate spaces, are organized in stone volumes south of the staircase.
Interior Design
The ground floor features the public areas, including the living room, dining room, and kitchen, all located within white volumes in the northern part of the floor. These spaces benefit from higher ceilings for cooling purposes, a design choice rooted in the architects’ experience with bioclimatic principles. The private areas, comprising bedrooms and more intimate spaces, are organized in stone volumes south of the staircase.On the lower floor, the master bedrooms are positioned to capitalize on the stunning views. Additional spaces such as storage rooms and playrooms are situated in the back section of this level, ensuring functionality without compromising the aesthetic of the main living areas.Each residence includes a 40-square-meter pool, strategically placed next to the house rather than in front of it to preserve the unobstructed views from the lower level. The outdoor areas are designed to enhance the connection with the natural surroundings, providing spaces for relaxation and enjoyment of the landscape.The architects’ expertise in bioclimatic design is evident in the structure of the white volumes that house the living spaces. The higher ceilings not only create a sense of spaciousness but also facilitate natural cooling, contributing to the overall comfort and sustainability of the residences. It exemplifies the harmonious integration of architecture and landscape. With its strategic placement, thoughtful design, and emphasis on bioclimatic principles, the residences offer a luxurious yet natural living experience. The unobstructed views of the Cretan Sea, coupled with the seamless blending of the building with its surroundings, make the house a unique and tranquil retreat just outside Agios Nikolaos.
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Vista House, located at the top of a steep hill just outside the city of Agios Nikolaos, comprises two private residences symmetrically aligned along the North-South axis. Both residences offer unobstructed views of the Cretan Sea, making the most of their elevated position.The main architectural idea was to integrate the building seamlessly into the landscape, ensuring that the houses blend with the natural topography. The residences are strategically placed to avoid protruding from the highest rock on the plot, enhancing the natural aesthetic of the site. It is organized over two floors: the ground floor, which serves as the entrance level, and a basement that follows the natural slope of the ground. Each house has an entrance that is discreetly protected from plain view. Upon entry, visitors are greeted by a vestibule created by the staircase, which functionally separates the two residences.The ground floor features the public areas, including the living room, dining room, and kitchen, all located within white volumes in the northern part of the floor. These spaces benefit from higher ceilings for cooling purposes, a design choice rooted in the architects’ experience with bioclimatic principles. The private areas, comprising bedrooms and more intimate spaces, are organized in stone volumes south of the staircase.
Interior Design
The ground floor features the public areas, including the living room, dining room, and kitchen, all located within white volumes in the northern part of the floor. These spaces benefit from higher ceilings for cooling purposes, a design choice rooted in the architects’ experience with bioclimatic principles. The private areas, comprising bedrooms and more intimate spaces, are organized in stone volumes south of the staircase.On the lower floor, the master bedrooms are positioned to capitalize on the stunning views. Additional spaces such as storage rooms and playrooms are situated in the back section of this level, ensuring functionality without compromising the aesthetic of the main living areas.Each residence includes a 40-square-meter pool, strategically placed next to the house rather than in front of it to preserve the unobstructed views from the lower level. The outdoor areas are designed to enhance the connection with the natural surroundings, providing spaces for relaxation and enjoyment of the landscape.The architects’ expertise in bioclimatic design is evident in the structure of the white volumes that house the living spaces. The higher ceilings not only create a sense of spaciousness but also facilitate natural cooling, contributing to the overall comfort and sustainability of the residences. It exemplifies the harmonious integration of architecture and landscape. With its strategic placement, thoughtful design, and emphasis on bioclimatic principles, the residences offer a luxurious yet natural living experience. The unobstructed views of the Cretan Sea, coupled with the seamless blending of the building with its surroundings, make the house a unique and tranquil retreat just outside Agios Nikolaos.
Read more +less -