gnb architects' latest villa unfolds like a ribbon toward the aegean sea in mykonos

a peek at the ribbon villa by gnb architects

Unfolding like a viper towards the Aegean Sea in Mykonos, the Ribbon villa by gnb architects emerges as an unusual structural choreography without the slightest imprint on the natural landscape. The studio combined the project’s strange plot geometry and wild Greek surroundings to visualize a concrete dwelling where rock and wind are the only supporting elements, deeming everything else completely unnecessary. ‘These elements are in a constant, harmonious interaction and unfold linearly along the plot, swirling, arguing, kissing, sinking into the earth and emerging again, until they finally end up in the sea,’ writes gnb architects. 

all visuals © Spyros Boukas, courtesy gnb architects

a concrete line gently unrolling toward the sea in mykonos

Seemingly unrolling itself from a hill, the Ribbon Villa’s entire construction system appears to be resting lightly atop the plot of land’s rocky bed. This continuous linear development creates what the team at gnb architects calls, a kind of functional purity, making boundaries disappear almost entirely. Material-wise, the Athens-based practice envisioned the ribbon-like body made of concrete, coated in a white pigment as a reference to the Aegean landscape. Punctuating the smooth twists and folds are carved, linear patterns evoking the wear and tear of time. ‘The same simplicity is followed in the interior as the objects are the absolute essentials, looking like they are resting on the space as well,‘ concludes gnb architects. 

the Ribbon villa seemingly unfolds itself toward the sea in Mykonos

gnb architects envisioned the dwelling to be resting gently atop the rock bed

simplicity in the design and color palette

the white coating references the surrounding landscape

creating a harmonious blend at the Ribbon villa

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project info:

name: Ribbon villa 

location: Mykonos, Greece

architecture, interiors, structural engineering: gnb architects | @gnb.architects

gnb team: Andreas Giovanos, Maria Vlachou, Ioanna Tzorva, Charis Paraskevopoulos

3D visualization: Spyros Boukas | @spyros_boukas