‘Zen House’ in Crete by Eleftheria Tzanaki Architect

Located in a private and secluded environment over-hanging a cliff of the Cretan Sea, yet within easy reach of the international airport and capital city of Heraklion. The location combines the ideal contrast of the tranquility that one seeks in order to relax, study or practice, but still offering city life.

The building is called “Zen House”, as it is used as a Yoga Retreat place and a space where interesting workshops, events and similar activities are organized.

The building consists of two levels: the upper level, where the main entrance is. This is the public space of the house, including the living area that can be transformed to other uses as well, the kitchen, the dining area, a small bathroom and a long balcony, open to the striking sea view. The lower level hosts three bedrooms with en suite bathroom, inspired by the natural elements of “Water”, “Air” and “Earth”. Two of the three bedrooms open out to the shared front balcony and the third has the same view as well as an outdoor space of it’s own. Each morning the sun awakes the guests naturally and at sunset, the sound of the sea accompanies them into the deepest of sleeps.

The garden at the bedrooms level features a further relaxation area with an infinity pool alongside a dining little space positioned around an olive tree inspired by the concept of the “platia”; a village square typical of life in Greece depicting a sense of community and gathering.

The beach path, lined with local vegetation, down to sea level where a wooden deck gives the feeling of being on a ship deck; perfect for sunbathing or a morning yoga routine in reflection and peace.

The framing system construction is constituted of metal columns, beams and concrete slabs, in order to achieve long openings, “exposed” to the incredible view. The big metal shaders work as a sustainable system, providing shade, protection from wind and rain in the eastern and southern façade of the building. Fare face concrete in the ceilings, metal, wood and glass are the materials that compose a space for meditation, relaxation, next to the Cretan nature.