This synthesis concerns the design of a residence situated within an olive grove, overlooking the bay of Methoni. The plot is elongated and distinctly curved, with its narrow southern edge opening toward the castle of Methoni, while its northern boundary borders a small, densely vegetated ravine.
The design proposal is organized and expressed through three fundamental gestures.
1. Two substantial stone walls rise from the ground to define a sheltered living space. These walls subtly shift to frame views toward both the north and the south.
2. A plinth between the two walls mitigates the steep slope of the terrain. Upon this platform, the residence is established, accommodating all interior and exterior living spaces.
3. A light, elongated roof slab, placed perpendicularly to the plinth, rests atop the two walls. It folds and lifts to enhance the spatial experience of the living areas while simultaneously forming a courtyard. This courtyard receives the main entrance and organizes all movement through the house.
Through these compositional principles, a linear residence emerges—an architectural vector.
At its southern end, the common spaces are arranged to take advantage of the view toward the castle and the historic settlement of Methoni. At the northern end, the private areas—two bedrooms—look out toward the verdant ravine and its diverse ecosystem.
The courtyard acts as a transitional and separating element between the two zones, ensuring privacy, natural light, ventilation, and unhindered circulation. The elongated stone walls incorporate all secondary and storage functions necessary for daily living.
The roof slab extends both north and south, forming semi-outdoor transitional spaces that mediate between interior and exterior, further emphasizing the linear arrangement of the residence.
Ultimately, the study proposes a contemporary dwelling constructed from local materials, aiming to leave the smallest possible footprint on the land, allowing the olive grove to thrive undisturbed on Methoni’s lush hillside. A fragment of nature is invited into the interior as an attempt at a harmonious coexistence between human habitation and the natural environment.
Architects: P4architecture
Design Team: Alkiviadis Pyliotis, Evangelos Fokialis, Konstantinos Pyliotis, Lydia Panagoulia
3D Visualization & Interior Design Consultant: Michail Meggios
Civil Engineers Consultants: Skalos EPE (Demetrios Kokas)
Administrative Support Consultant: Katerina Pylioti
Mechanical & Engineering Consultant: KNS Engineers (Konstantinos Sourilas)
Architectural Models: Doussis Marble (Konstantinos Dousis, Nikolaos Doulos)
Project Type: Residential – Private Commission
