Plane House by K-Studio

Built on the island of Skiathos, the design of the Plane House aims to take advantage of the typical Greek summer by merging internal and external spaces and at the same keeping the impacts to the surrounding landscape to a minimum. In order to avoid block volumes that split and dominate the space, horizontal planes have been inserted into the slope, immediately providing areas for sunbathing, sleeping and eating. Cooling and shading the space beneath, they also allow the flow of sunlight and maintain the stunning 270-degree view over the coastline. The space between the planes is defined by various flexible panels and glazed screens. Designated cooking, eating and relaxation areas are offset from each other to provide coziness without sacrificing openness. The pool is strategically placed to benefit from the view but at the same time create a cooling breeze over the terrace and into the house as the north wind flows uphill and over its surface. The pool operating systems are powered by photovoltaic panels and grey-water is recycled and used for irrigation, toilet flushing and fire extinguishing. The landscape creeps up along the site boundaries, penetrates vertically through the roof as existing trees stand in the space and continues over the green roof plane. The powerful identity of the concrete planes creates a strong narrative on approaching the house from the coastal road that runs below. From a distance the planes are distinctively separated; however, as one approaches the house from the side, the perspective changes and the gap between them is closed. As one enters the space, they open up once again, revealing the breathtaking view and letting the fresh air flow through.