mediterranean summer hacienda unwraps on an olive grove hill in greece

summer residence by frame architects stands in Peloponnese

Athens-based Frame Architects Studio remodels a summer residence in Greece through an amalgamation of contemporary elements with the local traditional architecture. Located on an olive oil tree-cultivated hill in south Koroni, Peloponnese, the country house is conceived as a retreat with an unobstructed view of the sea and the green Messinian landscape. The former private residence designed in 1992 and owned by German architect Enrich Portmann, gets renovated to meet the needs of summer accommodation after being acquired by a German-Swiss family.

The ‘Mediterranean Hacienda’ merges the interior and exterior spaces through the construction of a central square atrium, organizing all functions of the house around the courtyard. The open space flows between two L-shaped volumes one containing the interior zones and the other an outdoor shaded area. The integration of the landscape with the indoor common areas is furtherly achieved by the arrangement and expansion of large glass openings in the living zone. This asset strengthens the extroversion of the residence while attaining the best optimal views towards the sea and Taygetos Mountain.

all images by George Sfakianakis

gradual transition from natural to built environment

The building complex consists of two units, the main L-shaped unit that forms two levels and includes a central living-kitchen-dining area and two bedrooms, each one with its own bathroom, and the second one that forms a rectangular volume, containing the warehouse and the laundry room. The indoor layout slightly modifies the bedrooms to meet the needs of the residents in terms of function and aesthetics. The private zones acquire an unobstructed view of the green landscape. The initial plan is reassembled to fit two separate bathrooms instead of one, providing convenience to both bedrooms. The aesthetics of the bathrooms follow the minimal lines of the house, combined with the extensive use of micro cement coating.

An important parameter of the architectural study by the greek creative studio, Frame Architects, is the design of the access to the summer residence and the introductory view of the property welcoming the guests. The entrance to the building complex is a gradual process, initiated by a path that wraps around the volume leading to its rear facade. Subsequently, an outdoor corridor defined by the two built units opens up to the semi-outdoor threshold of the residence, completing the transition from the natural environment to the living environment.

over the olive grove hill, the house opens its volume to the surrounding landscape

the Mediterranean Hacienda overlooks the scenic seascape

the discreet lighting of the house highlights the uniqueness of the traditional architecture

all spaces are organized around the central atrium which is formed out of two L-shaped volumes

the expansion of the living room openings allows an unobstructed view of the sea and Taygetos Mountain

all built-in equipment is created using natural materials and finishes, such as wood and mortar cement

the color palette covers a selection of earthy tones like green and beige

the fireplace of the initial design is retained and built-in couches are added next to it

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thee interior design blends contemporary elements with local traditional architecture

the aesthetics of the bathrooms form in minimal design extensively using micro cement coating

an outdoor shower is shaped to give a cooling break during the hot summer days

project info:

name: Mediterranean Hacienda
designer: Frame Architects | @framearchitectsgr

lead designers: Dimitra Bouga, Irini Papalou

location: Koroni, Peloponnese, Greece

photography: George Sfakianakis

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom