The Greek Foundation
  • Architecture
  • Interiors
  • Design
  • Art
  • Fashion
  • Travel
  • Graphic Design
  • Gastronomy
  • Photography
  • Interviews
  • Visits
  • All Stories
  • Shop
  • About
  • Submit
  • Creatives
  • Stockists
  • Contact
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
The Greek Foundation
0 Shop
  • Architecture
  • Interiors

Summer holiday house in Crete by Kokosalaki Architecture

At the foot of ‘Lefka Ori’ the village of Roustika grow on the hilltops, tucked away in the olive groves, vineyards and herb bushes. In this primordial place, 500 meters from the village a French couple decided to house their large extended family and spend their summers in a pure Cretan environment where traditions hold and stand the test of time.

“At first we wrote a brief as if it was a first page of a summer novel, narrating a summer day in this imaginary Cretan house and its rural environment. Simultaneously, it describes different areas of the house and the surrounding large garden and how could be enjoyed by the inhabitants during different hours of the day. Immediately, the direct relation between the inside and the outside was our main concept. Cretan life is well connected with earth, the outdoors, the olive trees, and we were keen to sustain this throughout our design.

We wanted to create a typically Cretan dwell, simple, distinguished and very proud. By combining these characteristics with a contemporary approach and a respect for the natural environment resulted to a unique, restful retreat. The large arched entrance, leading to an enclosed courtyard, revives memories of the Venetians who left their mark on the island. The thick store walls, built on different levels, create staircases, terraces, outdoor showering and seating areas. Purity of lines, modern methods of construction with local materials (traditional ochre is mixed in the plaster of the exterior) and sophisticated details (modern wooden sliding doors, and an elaborate hidden gutter system) set the tone of the outside and inside of the house. Having studied thoroughly the topography, we placed a unique and peaceful retreat into the landscape, as if the building was always there…”

Creative
Kokosalaki Architecture
Credits

Design team: Jason Vayanos, Natalia Kokosalaki, Eirini Mavrouka
Images © George Messaritakis
Custom ceramic tiles: Melina Xenaki

Related Stories
View Post
  • Architecture
  • Interiors

Threshold Architecture Studio renovates apartment in Kypseli

View Post
  • Architecture

The Grid House in Evia by Neiheiser Argyros

View Post
  • Architecture
  • Interiors

Creative studio in East London gets transformed by Bureau de Change

View Post
  • Architecture
  • Interiors

Waterfront apartment renovation by Studio Nonpareil

View Post
  • Architecture
  • Gastronomy
  • Interiors

OOAK architects join forces with Yiorgos Kordakis, Celebrating contrasts at Imperfecto Restaurant

View Post
  • Interiors

Federica Scalise designs tiny house in Alimos that makes the most of every square inch

  • Shop
  • Stories
  • About
  • Submit
  • Creatives
  • Stockists
  • Contact
  • Terms

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT