Lefteris Martakis - architect
Construction of a two-storey residence with a basement
PROJECT DETAILS:
Architectural design | Building permit documentation | Construction supervision: Lefteris Martakis
Status: Under construction
Country: Greece
Site: "Grou", Chios
Site area: 4,082.00 m²
Building area: 200.00 m²
This project involves the design of a two-storey residence with a basement on a 4,082.00 m² site located outside the settlement boundaries. The site features a significant natural slope and enjoys panoramic views of the Chios plain ("Kampos"), the Aegean Sea, and the Asia Minor coastline.
The primary objective of the design was to create a contemporary residence that meets the functional needs of modern living while respecting and preserving the site's natural landscape. The main design principles that guided the placement of the building within the site were:
- Harmonious integration of the building and its surrounding outdoor spaces into the steep natural terrain.
- Optimal site orientation.
- Bioclimatic design principles.
- Compliance with mandatory setback requirements in accordance with planning regulations.
- Protection and preservation of the existing vegetation.
More specifically, the building is positioned more than 15.00 metres from the site boundaries, exceeding the minimum required setbacks established by local planning regulations. Its orientation maximises east-facing openings, taking advantage of the site's best views and natural daylight, while the north and west façades feature fewer and smaller openings to improve environmental performance. The building has also been carefully positioned to preserve the existing vegetation along the northern edge of the site, which additionally serves as an effective natural windbreak.
The residence is developed across three levels: basement, ground floor and first floor. The basement accommodates auxiliary spaces, including storage rooms, a garage, a plant room and dedicated areas for mechanical and electrical installations. The ground floor comprises the entrance hall, an open-plan living room, dining area and kitchen, a guest room/home office, a bathroom and a small storage room. The first floor contains three bedrooms and two bathrooms. All principal spaces on both the ground and first floors open onto generous outdoor living areas, including both covered and uncovered terraces.
Vertical circulation between the different levels of the residence is organised as follows: access from the basement to the ground floor is provided by a reinforced concrete staircase, while the connection between the ground and first floors is achieved through a straight steel staircase with timber treads. Access to the roof level is provided through a roof hatch located on part of the flat roof, using a movable wooden or metal ladder. In addition, all levels of the residence are connected by an elevator, ensuring full accessibility.
The building is covered partly by a flat reinforced concrete roof and partly by a mono-pitched steel roof. The inclined section of the flat roof, combined with its southern orientation, is designed to accommodate solar panels, contributing to the partial energy autonomy of the residence for lighting and domestic hot water production. A 70 mm external thermal insulation system is applied throughout the building envelope to enhance its energy performance.
The residence features dark grey aluminium window frames, with selected openings incorporating concealed roller shutters integrated within the external insulation system for a clean architectural appearance. The main entrance door is clad in PVC wood-effect panels, a material also used as a wall finish in the master bedroom. Glass balustrades are installed on the terraces and balcony to ensure safety while preserving uninterrupted views. Steel railings are used above selected stone retaining walls and in parts of the surrounding landscape design. Local stone is employed both as a structural and cladding material, forming terrace partitions, wind-protective walls on the northern side, and a defining architectural element throughout the composition. Carefully positioned vertical openings within the stone walls reduce the visual mass of the masonry while framing distinctive views of the surrounding landscape.
Particular attention was given to the design of the outdoor spaces. From the street level, access to the property is provided either through a sliding gate leading to the garage via a ramp or through the main entrance canopy, which connects to the ground floor via an external staircase that follows the site's natural contours. The landscape is organised in a series of terraced levels ascending from the road to the residence. Along the main outdoor staircase, generous landings provide access to both planted and paved areas of the site. At a lower level than the ground floor, a barbecue area with a pergola and an outdoor seating space is created. The pergola consists of stone columns and stone beams supporting square hollow steel sections, allowing for the installation of fabric shading, reed screening, or climbing vegetation.
