'paros residence' by studio seilern architects

studio seilern architects designs the private ‘paros residence’

Designed by Studio Seilern Architects, the private ‘Paros Residence’ on the Greek island joins subtle modernism with contemporary and traditional detailing and materials. Organized as a series of linked, standalone rooms around a poolside courtyard, the villa appears to be gradually reaching for the landscape, providing a unique luxury home in its natural Aegean setting. The project was completed in September 2021 and has been enjoyed by its owners for the first time this year.

floating slabs oriented according to the august sun

Rising above an olive grove on the west coast of the island, the orientation of ‘Paros Residence’ was determined by the setting of the August sun; the path of its solar axis terminates at a negative-edge pool cantilevering towards the Aegean Sea. An adjacent pergola mirrors that orientation with its bamboo roof punctured by a single oculus poursing light into a hand-chiseled marble poolside lounge.

The architects (see more here) placed the built volumes on overlapping terrazzo slabs, which give the appearance of floating above ground. Meanwhile, clad in rustic mirrors, the inset base of the pool reflects the Mediterranean sky, transforming it into another floating slab that stretches toward the land.

aerial view of ‘Paros Residence’

layering an intricate mix of minimalist and rich textures

The balance between minimalism and material richness is subtly evoked through textures. Traditional white stucco render and stone walls are hemmed by Greek marble and terrazzo at the apertures. The windows are framed by a densely hammered Aliveri marble, inspired by the decorative stone surround that marks the entrance of Parian churches, while counters and benches feature sandblasted and chiseled stone. The scale of the aggregate displays a calculated variation between different terrazzo surfaces, creating a subtle but vital gradation; a simple arrangement of raw materials offering layers of intricacy.

These careful adjustments provide complexity without overloading the ‘Paros Residence’, allowing the landscape to imbue the house with a unique formal energy appropriate for its coastal context.

perspective view