Villa Christina

Rising above an olive grove on the serene west side of Paros, this private residence is centred on the setting of the August sun. The solar axis is described by a linear path that terminates at a negative-edge pool cantilevering into the Aegean blue. This linearity is mirrored by the adjacent pergola – a gently undulating wave of bamboo punctured by a single oculus that brings light onto a chiselled marble poolside lounge. Around this end of the pool, the built volumes touch gently upon the earth on overlapping terrazzo slabs, which ‘float’ above the soil. The airy sensation culminates around the pool. Clad in rustic mirrors, the inset base reflects the Mediterranean landscape and transforms the pool into yet another floating slab.

Just as the built elements are placed gently on the site, the material richness of the building is derived subtly by means of texture. Beyond the traditional white and stone walls, the materiality is augmented by Greek marble and terrazzo. The simplicity of these raw materials is the key to the intricacy of the project. The size of the stone aggregate displays calculated variation between different terrazzo surfaces, creating a subtle but vital gradation. The windows are framed by a densely hammered Aliveri marble, inspired by the decorative stone surround that marks the entrance of Parian churches, while counters and benches feature sandblasted and chiselled stone. These careful adjustments provide complexity without overloading the site, allowing the magic of the landscape to imbue the house with the unique energy for which we build by the seaside.