C-O Lab embeds house into Serifos’ rocky landscape, blending thoughtful design with a deep respect for nature

C-O lab architects have integrated Gremnos House into a dramatic rocky landscape in Serifos, transforming a pre-1955 traditional keli (cell) into a contemporary retreat while preserving the site’s raw beauty. The project consists of a restored stone cell, a main residence and an independent guesthouse, each carefully positioned within the site’s limited flat areas to minimize impact on the striking geological formations. The excavation was conducted with precision, ensuring the natural terrain remained untouched wherever possible. The main residence consists of two stone structures—the ‘common box’, which houses the living, dining, and kitchen areas, and the ‘private box’, which contains two bedrooms—connected by a smaller plastered volume with the entrance, corridor, storage, and a bathroom. The guesthouse, positioned at a lower elevation, mirrors the language of the main residence with its V-shaped plastered form, providing self-contained living quarters. Outdoor spaces flow organically with the topography, with terraces and courtyards weaving between the natural rock formations. The restored keli retains its traditional simplicity, with a built-in kitchen, daybed, and enclosed courtyard inspired by Cycladic architecture. The material palette remains deeply rooted in the landscape—exposed stone masonry, earth-toned plaster, and cement mortar for floors and built-ins, complemented by chestnut wood and woven reeds for ceilings and pergolas. Repurposed wooden doors and shutters lend a patina of history to the interiors, while the furnishings, curated by owners and antique collectors Daan and Ferry, introduce a layer of personal storytelling through vintage and one-of-a-kind pieces.