Residence in Heraklion (MR), Crete
The house is designed in a Π shape, open towards the north. One main feature is the paved courtyard covered by a triangular tilted sail tent surrounded by the living room, the dining room and kitchen, forming the inner side of the Π, will all glazed sliding doors. The atrium like courtyard plays a main sociable role where all (family) gatherings may take place.
A subtle north wind blows for a vast period of about eight months per annum, where via the above-mentioned atrium-courtyard, enters through the house maintaining a pleasant cool microclimate. At the same time the atrium protects the interiors from the hot summer sun whilst creating a south wind barrier during winter.
Other smaller openings, either on the east or south, allow for internal natural local climatic control.
In between the living room and kitchen walls a nook is designed where two open-sided facing gas fireplaces oppose one another. When both lit, one can see the fire from almost every corner of the ground floor level. This space also acts as a connecting internal space the same way the atrium-courtyard does externally.
The upper level has three bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. In the basement there are auxiliary spaces and car parking. There is also a small guest room looking towards a small atrium for natural ventilation and light.
The project was delivered with the collaboration of 3Sk Stylianidis Architects in 2018.
