The site, total area of 11.068,36 sq.m, is located at "Tsikandiliano Mashali" in Livadia area, in Krousonas. The study regards the building of six furnished holiday houses of 309,15 sq.m in total.
In particular, the study consists of three similar pairs of houses, two of which are developed on the west part, while the third has a central location, thus taking full use of the landline slope and the exotic view of nature. The two pairs have an North-South orientation with great view towards the magical "Livadi", while the third one with West-East orientation and view towards the "Gaidourorachi" gorge and the Cretan Sea.
The exploration for the synthesis, except from the functionality and the planning regulations, was concerned with the features of the view, orientation and the local climate.
Each pair consists of a ground-floor and a two-floor rectangular house which create an indoor raised yard. The form of buildings was created in such a way that it ensures the protection of the indoor yard from the northwest wind that prevails in the area, without sacrificing enjoyment of the view from the communal spaces. This exploration, which often aims at the balance of features that are normally unable to be combined, led to the synthesis of two parallel sections that constitute each pair of houses. The sheltered outdoor spaces, which are the distinct feature of the facade, protect from weather conditions while allowing the enjoyment of the view.
Saving energy is of great importance for the design. The appropriate orientation of the houses is the basic principle, so that we can not only exploit effectively the sun and the wind, but also protect the building from the unwanted northwest wind. The construction and materials play an important role to the effective insulation of the buildings which was achieved despite the restriction of a stone-building.
The house on the ground floor is a single space with living room, kitchen, bathroom, dining room and bedroom. There are also storage room, mechanical room and a cellar on the underground level. The two-floor house has on the ground floor living room, kitchen, dining room and storage room. The connection between the two floors is achieved with a wooden indoor stair. The underground level hosts the same spaces along with the underground level of the ground-floor house.
Our proposal draws upon respect on the traditional architecture and the characteristics of the local and wider natural environment. Therefore, the above features have references on the modern architecture and the interventions serve the proposal while they enhance the aesthetic of the landscape.
