journal
Photography: Ana Santl
16 / 10 / 2023
Set on a rocky slope above the Mediterranean Sea, Viglostasi Residence is a unique, private holiday home in the southern part of the Greek island of Syros in the Cyclades archipelago.
From a distance, the residence looks like an original settlement on the island itself, and when we get closer, we find a fascinating work of architecture and design.
The architecture studio Block722, based in Athens, was responsible for the project. It was based on the typology of small villages in the Aegean Sea, responding to the desire of a family of four looking to build the retreat of their dreams there. Block722's discreet and minimalist architecture perfectly matched the client's brief, who designed a house inspired by the simple forms of the Greek island's vernacular.
The result is a 500 m² complex of low, orthogonal volumes arranged around a network of paths that connect the closed spaces and the site's various terraces, gardens and patios. The main house contains a main suite, a second bedroom, and a flowing open-plan living area. Another two suites offer additional bedrooms while remaining connected to the primary residence through shared facilities and views. A central outdoor "plaza" functions as a circulation heart for the whole, leading to the infinity pool and lounge terrace at the lower end of the site. There, we enjoy uninterrupted views of the horizon, and below, we find a private gym and a yoga terrace.
Distributing the house on different levels offers long views from almost everywhere. Furthermore, the spaced placement of the modest volumes of stone, wood and plaster makes the residence feel like a home within the Greek landscape. Light tones inspired by nature, Palladian terrazzo floors, traditional shutters and pergolas, a garden of native species and the green roof further accentuate this feeling.
At the same time, a feeling of soft luxury prevails. This is achieved not only through the generosity of the space but also through personalized details, such as the joinery and the materials used, which include Olympus marble, travertine stone, bamboo and oak wood.
Everything fits perfectly into the client's vision of a house resembling a family of traditional Aegean structures, offering different views, sensations and qualities of space to play and enjoy. It makes the most of the site's substantial size and seamlessly connects inside and out, creating spatial narratives and framing views.
The architecture studio Block722, based in Athens, was responsible for the project. It was based on the typology of small villages in the Aegean Sea, responding to the desire of a family of four looking to build the retreat of their dreams there. Block722's discreet and minimalist architecture perfectly matched the client's brief, who designed a house inspired by the simple forms of the Greek island's vernacular.
The result is a 500 m² complex of low, orthogonal volumes arranged around a network of paths that connect the closed spaces and the site's various terraces, gardens and patios. The main house contains a main suite, a second bedroom, and a flowing open-plan living area. Another two suites offer additional bedrooms while remaining connected to the primary residence through shared facilities and views. A central outdoor "plaza" functions as a circulation heart for the whole, leading to the infinity pool and lounge terrace at the lower end of the site. There, we enjoy uninterrupted views of the horizon, and below, we find a private gym and a yoga terrace.
Distributing the house on different levels offers long views from almost everywhere. Furthermore, the spaced placement of the modest volumes of stone, wood and plaster makes the residence feel like a home within the Greek landscape. Light tones inspired by nature, Palladian terrazzo floors, traditional shutters and pergolas, a garden of native species and the green roof further accentuate this feeling.
At the same time, a feeling of soft luxury prevails. This is achieved not only through the generosity of the space but also through personalized details, such as the joinery and the materials used, which include Olympus marble, travertine stone, bamboo and oak wood.
Everything fits perfectly into the client's vision of a house resembling a family of traditional Aegean structures, offering different views, sensations and qualities of space to play and enjoy. It makes the most of the site's substantial size and seamlessly connects inside and out, creating spatial narratives and framing views.
For more information visit block722 website.