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Summer House in Lampes

Pylos Region, Messinia, Greece

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Architects

Foteini Kallikouni

Giorgos Pantelopoulos

Project Year: 2022

Area:  80 sq.m.

Location: Lampes Beach, Messinia, Greece

Type: Residential

Status: Commission (under construction)

Construction Managers:

Minas and Vasilis Iliopoulos 

House in Lampes is a project of a summer retreat at the shores of the ionian sea that stems from the desire of our clients to enjoy the virtues of a seaside land in a way that is harmonious not only to the landscape itself but also to the Mediterranean way of living.

 

The plot is located on a white sanded beach few meters above the sea shores and the white dunes with a magnificent view of Shiza island. The nearest settlement of the beach is Foiniki village (3 kilometers)  which dates back to 1689 when the area was secluded to Methoni region (Territorio di Modon) during the Venetian occupation of Peloponnese. The settlement is surrounded by agricultural fields and the main occupation of the villagers used to be the agricultural and fishing activities. The basic typology of the village seems to be the rectangle-shape block of aspect ratio 1:2 with 3 isometric rooms and 3 openings respectively at the main facade. 

 

Taking into account the mediterranean climate conditions and the south orientation of the plot, the house is designed as a compact structure punctuated by openings that frame the sandy landscape. The house’s principles follows the basic typology of the local vernacular, the new dwelling aims to be part of the landscape and adapt to the climate conditions of a seafront site.

 

The synthesis of the project is based on three archetypical elements: a compact block of aspect ratio 1 : 2 which is typical to the vernaculars of the area, a freestanding wall made of site sand and a light-structured canopy that embrace the monolithic block. This elements compose a new built landscape that magnify or diminish the climate conditions of the site according to the hour of the day.

 

Approaching the house from the north side, the freestanding wall protects the entry patio from the intense wind at the midday and diminish the noise of the main road. This walled threshold acts as a buffer zone between the sandy landscape and the built fabric creating a sense of discovery and safety. This gradual reveal of the building strengthens the unfolding landscape panorama made possible from the canopy that stands vertically to the wall and the building block. This light structured pergola along with the vertical panels block the direct afternoon sun making it possible to accommodate all the outdoor activities: lounging, dining and sunbathing. 

 

The house follows a linear layout of 3 types of spaces and each space succeeds the next from the more public use to the private space of the bedroom. The entrance to the building is placed on the south view.

 

The climate conditions of the site present strong winds from the north side and direct sun from the south. Both the opening arrangement and the physical depth of the construction offer to the spaces a deep protective threshold. These design decisions work together as a climate “filter”. 

 

The project draws from the local material tones of the land it sits on. The exterior and interior walls are covered by rough plaster that is blend with the local sand and the interior furnishing is mainly constructed by local oak wood. The surroundings of the house remain intact with the addition of indigenous river bushes and wild grass. The limited palette of materials reveals the simple geometry of the building and creates a visual continuity between landscape and architecture. Monochrome yet vibrant, monotone yet adaptable, “House in Lampes" changes hues and ambiance during the day responding to the sun, the sand and the sea.

Foteini Kallikouni © 2023

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