When someone reaches at the top of the region of Vivlos, in the island of Naxos, observes a lot of landscape qualities and contrasts. On the back side of the plot, the most dominant component is a little Cycladic, white chapel, while on the front side, the breathtaking view from Plaka beach to the town of Naxos, is really impressive.

The main purpose in this project, was the design of two private, independent residences. Taking advantage of the plot’s natural inclination and the panoramic view, the two houses were located at the highest part of the site. As a result, there was the opportunity, to create engraved forms. The synthesis process started with two slabs, which broke into two parts, detached from each other and slid in a way that shaped the main volumes of the houses. Furthermore, a smaller slab formed a higher level, while horizontal and vertical walls separate the properties, create private areas and support the excavated landscape.

The rocky and arid landscape in contrast with the stunning sea view was the starting point for us, to design a controversial building, which intensify the spatial experience contrasts. Contrasts· such as privacy and sociableness, integration and disclosure, blindness and framing, nature human intervention.

The three out of four building façades are mostly integrated in the ground and not visible from the country road that passes from the west side of the plot. As a result, there is the element of surprise, when someone is walking around or in the houses, at the end of every path there is something to find, to see or to expect. Through voids on the roof slab, or between high walls are shaped the houses entrances, which drive the visitor from the covert back façade to the glade of the impressive front yards.

The connection between the indoor and outdoor areas is getting stronger through the big openings and the atrium in the middle of the residence, which plays a vital role especially during vernal and summery months. Long surfaces of water tanks have designed, either closer to the residences, aiming to innovation and exceptional spatial experience, or further away with plenty of functions around them. Furthermore, the use of natural materials (wood), colors similar to the natural ground and the conservation of the existing vegetation are only some of the factors that contribute to the integration of this dynamic synthesis into the landscape