Askianos Single Family House

Press Kit

Unique Properties

Askianos was designed for a family to use as a summer house in southern Crete. The home is split into two volumes by a staircase leading the view towards the summer sunset over the sea, whilst the masses are embedded into the landscape. Traditional elements and materials of Cretan architecture come together with clean minimal design, blending the building with the landscape, inviting both indoor and outdoor living.

Dimensions & Packaging

306 square meter home built on a 716 square meter plot of land.

Tags

Summer house, Crete, Greece, Traditional, Minimal, Slow living

Production Technology

Environmental and site analysis dictated the orientation of the house in relationship to the prime views and the position of the sun. Local stone and ocher were used in the construction, and all built in furniture was built by local craftsmen. In keeping with the traditional Cretan architecture the windows, doors, and shutters are all made of wood.

Design Challenge

Integrating the design into a small plot of land and respecting the natural topology, especially a large rock face on the side of the hill, which, by law, was considered a local landmark that had to remain untouched. From a social perspective, we had to ensure the design of the home would respect the local and historical design language.

Research

Type: Environmental analysis. Objectives: To orient and integrate the design into the site. Methodology: Solar and wind analysis using computational tools, view selection and framing from site visit. Data Tools Used: Energy Plus weather data for analysis and solar paths; historical wind data; site visits and research on local architecture. Participants: Full office team. Result: Environmental analysis optimized the design, historical research allowed for selection of construction materials and methods. Effect: The design respects the local architectural language, integrating it fully in its environment, and promoting local artists and craftsmen.

Inspiration

Traditional Cretan architecture and a respect for the natural environment inspired us to design a home fully integrated into the Cretan hills. Local materials such as stone and ocher are used extensively throughout the design, and local craftsmen and artists have left their mark in the home. From the built in furniture to the fabrics and textiles, to the masonry stone and hand made ceramic tiles, Askianos is what pure Cretan living is all about.

Project Duration

The home was completed in 2021 in Listaros, Crete.

Operation Flow

Circulation has been guided to frame prime views from the plot, and the home has been fully integrated in its natural environment on the hillside. The outdoor shower has been carved into the rocks, and the pool is built into the rock, too, inviting a tactile connection to the natural environment.

Image Credits

Photographer: George Messaritakis