react architects integrates cycladic morphology into modern architecture on the paros island

architectural practice react architects based in greece designed ‘hug house’ on the island of paros — the small complex is situated next to an environmental park and aims at comprising all the best features of greek architectural traditions. the name comes from the masonry walls, which are ‘hugging’ the two buildings. 

all images © george messaritakis

organizing the space, react team refers to the ‘katoikiés’ style of cycladic architecture and greek monasteries, where the cells are set on the perimeter and the church is in the center. the stone walls are a common solution in balkan architecture, as well as the white plastered walls, which here can only be seen from the courtyard. 

the swimming pool is arranged in the center of the shared area and creates a connection between the two houses. ‘the transformation of the morphological features of cycladic architecture with a view to creating a contemporary architectural language is, together with its integration into the natural landscape, the guiding principle of the design,’ the architects explain their approach.

project info:

architects: react architects – natasha deliyianni, yiorgos spiridonos

collaborating architect: ioannis kouzoumis

structural engineering: christos smyrnis

mechanical & electrical engineering: nikos chrystofyllakis

renderings: andreas androulakakis, tatiana tzanavara

site supervision: react architects – natasha deliyianni, yiorgos spiridonos

site supervision collaborator: ioannis vagias

site area: 11,000 m2

total surface: 150m2

design: 2016 

completion: 2017

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: maria erman | designboom