House in Sithonia

This house on the Sithonia peninsula in Greece exudes a sense of summer freedom, although, paradoxically, the architecture is largely determined by the strict local urban planning regulations. The architects faced a task of increased difficulty – the owners wanted a comfortable house for year-round living, with two living – an inside and an outside – areas, and three separate bedrooms, each with its own bathroom; all of that fitted in the 200 sq.m. allowed by the regulations. The connection with the sea – which is 50 m away and can be seen from the oriented in the axis of the path to the beach summer living room – is an important element of the project. Due to the zero altitude and the local climate with torrential rains and floods, the house is raised on a platform in which the pool is dug. The pool deck, as well as the open-sky living room with a dining section, are shaded with pergolas, not only protecting from the sun, but also expanding the area and thus providing space for socializing in the summer time. The guests’ bedrooms are directly accessible from the poolside, saving valuable interior space for a large living room with dining area and a kitchen island. Another element that persuasively reinforces the Mediterranean look is the mosaic flooring, created by local craftsmen. (text: MD)