The settlement of Kernitsa is located on one of the vineyard slopes of mount Kalavryta.The site occupies the downhill end of a vineyard and the beginning of a plateau with magnificent view over the Corinthian gulf. The house is situated exactly on the linear folding between the vineyard and the fallow surface of the site. The landscape's natural step is realized with a retaining concrete wall that encloses solid land. The volume of the house results from the rectangular incision of this linear volume and its relocation up and out of the original shape. Inside this main volume and in the void created underneath is where dwelling takes place.

 

It was the clients' wish that the house would function as an all season gathering place for their big family and friends as well as a place of withdrawal for just the couple. The upper floor consists of an open plan entrance space, living and dining room, kitchen, a small w.c. and a master bedroom with en-suite-bathroom.Three guest rooms with en- suite bathrooms, a living room, a playroom and auxiliary facilities develop half buried, beneath the main house, at ground level. At the eastern side of the house there is a large yard, as the conclusion of the linear course through the house. The concrete benches surround a tree that functions as a natural shed during  spring and summer months.

 

The challenge of designing in the particular site was to incorporate direct natural lighting into a linear north oriented building. The concept of a linear building addresses the clients' wish of pointing most of the house's main spaces towards the view which is found to the north. Southern light finds its way into the house through big slots along the south elevation. The relocation of the upper volume allows light to reach even the half buried ground floor through skylights. The big windows to the north allow diffused light to enter, but mostly work as frames of the view.​​

​​​​​​​​​​

​

​​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​​​​​​​​​

​

Personal appointment