Monolithic Board-Formed Residence
Vouliagmeni, Athens Riviera, Greece
THE DESIGN CONCEPT
Situated on a sloping parcel overlooking the Saronic Gulf in Vouliagmeni, the Monolithic Residence is a masterclass in architectural restraint. Designed as a series of interlocking concrete volumes, the building mimics the dark, weathered limestone formations common to the Athenian Riviera landscape.
Architectural Narrative
The primary challenge of the site was balancing extreme exposure to the southern summer sun with the desire for dramatic, open coastal views. The solution was the creation of a heavy, deep-profile concrete canopy that cantilevers 6 meters outwards. This overhang blocks the harsh high-altitude midday sun while welcoming the low-angle winter light.
A series of internal, open-air courtyards are cut into the monolithic structure, allowing prevailing sea breezes to circulate through the residence, providing passive cooling even during peak summer weeks.
Structural Detailing
The concrete shell was cast in-situ using custom horizontal pine boards of variable widths, creating an intensely rich, tactile surface texture that catches light beautifully.
In contrast to the rough exterior, the interior partitions are crafted from highly refined dark timber cladding, raw black steel sheets, and hand-selected travertine slabs. The resulting spatial quality is one of quiet, gallery-like luxury, serving as the perfect backdrop for the client’s collection of contemporary art.
"By rendering structural concrete dark and silent, we allow the Mediterranean sun to paint the walls with shifting olive leaf silhouettes."
VISUAL CHRONICLES
