Lefteris Martakis - architect
New single-storey residence
PROJECT DETAILS:
Architectural design | Building permit documentation | Construction supervision: Lefteris Martakis
Status: Under construction
Country: Greece
Site: Thymiana Village, Chios
Site area: 382.57 m²
Building area: 101.00 m²
This project involves the design of a new single-storey residence on a 382.57 m² plot located within the dispersed part of the settlement of Thymiana, Municipality of Chios. The site has a minimal level difference of only 0.60 m from corner to corner.
Due to the elongated shape of the plot and the building setbacks imposed by planning regulations, a linear design strategy was adopted. This approach allows the building to be detached from the plot boundaries, enabling openings on all façades to maximize natural daylight, cross-ventilation, and visual connections with the surrounding landscape.
The architectural composition is organized around a central cubic volume, which rises above the adjoining wings and accommodates the main living and gathering spaces of the residence. This volume is topped with a traditional four-pitched timber roof clad with French roof tiles and externally finished with locally sourced stone, creating a strong visual focal point.
On either side of the central volume, two single-storey wings accommodate the bedrooms, bathrooms, and living room. Both wings feature flat roofs but differ in height. The wing facing the municipal road is lower and incorporates an accessible roof terrace reached via an external staircase, enclosed by a combination of solid parapets and brown-painted metal railings. The rear wing is taller and has a non-accessible flat roof, intended only for maintenance access and the discreet placement of technical equipment such as the solar water heater and antenna, concealed behind a continuous parapet. A semi-open covered outdoor space extends from this wing.
The residence is elevated 0.45 m above the surrounding ground and is designed with a timber seismic diaphragm structural system. The façades combine light grey and sand-coloured finishes to distinguish the two residential wings, while the central volume is emphasized through its stone cladding. Aluminium window frames are finished in a soft olive-green colour, with roller shutters concealed behind the external insulation system wherever required.
Raised terraces are created on both the north and south sides of the house. The southern terrace forms the main entrance and provides access to the roof terrace, while the northern terrace serves as the principal outdoor living area, featuring a seating space beneath a pergola supported by three stone masonry columns with light grey aluminium beams.
The surrounding landscape includes paved pedestrian paths, outdoor seating areas, and vehicle parking spaces, while maintaining the minimum planting requirements established by local planning regulations.
The property is enclosed by a perimeter fence consisting of a 0.90 m high solid base with brown PVC slats mounted above on metal posts. Along the street frontage, the fence is constructed in local stone to match the architectural character of the residence. Separate entrances are provided for vehicles, through a sliding gate, and for pedestrians, through a hinged entrance gate.
