Cretan Summer House
Sited on a hillside on Greece's largest island, the Cretan Summer House organically merges with the local orography. Its three volumes are neatly tucked into the sloping terrain, blending into the scenery with a natural palette of stone, wood, and plaster. Each building is organized around a central courtyard and staircase that directs views toward the surrounding landscape. With the main living spaces placed at the stop, the steps divide the kitchen and sitting area, progressing the interior outside to a poolside terrace and leading down to the bedrooms. The stairway also acts as a natural ventilation chimney while the hill regulates the internal temperature and the pool absorbs heat, allowing the home to operate without air conditioning. In addition, two solar panels provide the house hot water year-round.
Photos: Vasileios Thanopoulos & Vasileios Mathioudakis / Polyergo
