APS / ARP – Architecture Research Practice

Rayen Sagredo

5 years ago

Architects: ARP – Architecture Research Practice
Location: Paros, Greece
Lead Architects: Argyro Pouliovali, Thalia Chrousos
Design: Eva Alberini, Marilena Stavrakaki
Landscaping: Skape
Area: 370.0 m2
Project Year: 2017
Photographs: Ed Reeve, Erieta Attali

Mep Design: Pg Kamarinos Consulting Engineers
Structural Design: Erisma
Development & Construction: Oliaros
Lights: Expo SA
Openings: Expa SA
Terrazzo Floors: Nikos Politis

Text description provided by the architects. APS house is located at the south of Antiparos island, Cyclades, Greece, facing a protected archaeological island, Despotikon and its ancient Apollo sanctuary. The topography is steep, creating a natural protection from the north winds, while still catching the view to the sunset. During the ‘70s, a poor urban plan was juxtaposed on the area, thus transforming it in a rare case study of Cycladic post-rural suburbia.

The brief asked for a summer house with a studio space and as many bedrooms as possible aimed to function both as an artists’ residence and the owner’s summer house.

Five square volumes organized in two levels alternating with covered terraces and courtyards comprise the house. The volumes of the enclosed spaces block the side views towards the neighboring lots, while they frame the view to Despotikon. Despite the small size of the lot (1000sqm), this chequered layout produces a variety of enclosed, covered and open spaces both in scale and spatial quality. Each space has its own air and light and the ability to expand in size towards the exterior. This porous layout provides multiple scenarios of use and a continuous play with the in and out.