05/12/2025
~ Casa Con Fortezza~
The new single-storey residence is located in the settlement of Aperi, Karpathos, on a 3.300 m² plot with a gentle slope and clear views toward the bay of Pigadia. From the beginning of the design process, the team set three main goals:
i)to maintain open views and achieve smooth integration with the natural landscape,
ii) to make practical use of the site’s slope so the building fits naturally into the terrain,
iii) to respect and include the existing two-storey traditional building in the new design (often referred to as “the fort”).
The site’s topography, orientation, and the changing light guided the overall form of the project. The plan is organized in an “H” shape, creating courtyards, framed views, and transition spaces. The four-pitched roofs with French tiles, together with the central flat roof, help the house blend harmoniously with the surroundings.
A key design intention was to create constant interaction between the user and the landscape. The northern semi-outdoor area acts as a sheltered zone that leads toward the eastern terrace, the main outdoor living area. In front of this terrace, an outdoor seating space is placed at a lower level to follow the natural ground. The stone retaining walls, built with local stone, form the “plinth” of the house and guide the view and movement toward the olive grove.
At the northwest corner of the plot, the existing traditional two-storey building served as a strong reference point. The new residence gently turns toward it, while the linear path leading to the entrance highlights the relationship between old and new.
Earthy tones, wooden window frames, and white details complete an architectural approach that respects both the landscape and the traditional character of the area.
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