Peloponnese Rural House

A block of land in a remote, ordinary town of Kalamia, surrounded by olive groves and with an unimpeded view of the Gulf of Corinth, is a setting for a getaway from the demands of city life, whose occupants are a nature-loving young couple and their three children. The morphology of the site – a 6m height difference from top to bottom – prompted the decision to build a house with a simple, stone stable-like look from the street side that blends in with the neighbourhood, while evolving into a distinctive, two-level structure from the garden.

Contemporary Themes With Contextual Surroundings

On how to combine living in a contemporary manner with the surrounding, extensive contextual and materiality research was conducted. The industrial feel of a traditional stone stable, typical of Peloponnese rural areas, with its low, long, and tiled shed roof aspect, served as a point of creative beginning.

The ramp leads to the entrance level, which depicts the dwelling’s communal space. It connects to the outdoor observation platform, which is ideal for stargazing and enjoying a distant view of the sea, thanks to the big openings. To improve natural light and ventilation, additional openings were made on the roof, south-west, and north-east sides of the structure. A cantilevered concrete stairway connects the building to the garden. The perforations in the interior tunnel of the lower level slab provide a cave-like feeling in the private area. The minimal, custom furnishings in the bedrooms and guest suite, as well as the baths, give the place a monastic vibe. Two courtyards that serve as contemplation spaces provide direct garden access from these locations.

Craftsmen And Natural Materials

Craftsmen and natural materials from within a 100-mile radius of the construction site were specified, resulting in environmental and local economic benefits. Reclaimed stone was taken from a nearby storage facility and augmented with new stone from a local quarry for the elevations and the entrance level internal space. Washed wood shutters with a black metal frame were handcrafted from recycled wood. On-site, two-toned cement mortar was utilised to cover the floor surfaces, as well as custom-made plywood furniture, while white oil-treated OSB was used for the rest of the built-in equipment. They’re all echoing the past while adding to the depth of materiality.

It’s worth noting that the entire 141m2 of usable, custom-made space was constructed on a shoestring budget, without jeopardising the original design idea. This house has been playing a vital part in the 2020 pandemic emergency, giving both protection and comfort to its occupants, having been built according to contemporary sustainable standards and positioned in a healthy area.

Written By Ankit Lad | Subscribe To Our Telegram Channel To Get Latest Updates And Don’t Forget To Follow Our Social Media Handles Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter. To Get the Latest Updates From Arco Unico