triangular slanted roofs of aristides dallas architects' residence rise from the earth in greece

hillside retreat by aristides dallas architects in antiparos, greece

Terra Fracta, designed by Aristides Dallas Architects, is a residence nestled into the hillside of Antiparos Island, Greece. The home is entirely subterranean, with two distinct sections: the main residence and the guesthouses. Slanted roofs define these sections, forming triangular shapes that rise gently from the earth, creating a sleek silhouette. Local stone and concrete contribute to the raw, natural aesthetic of the building, establishing a strong connection with its surroundings. 

all images by CUUB Studio, courtesy of Aristides Dallas Architects

Terra Fracta steps into the hill to disappear into the landscape

Athens- and Tinos-based Aristides Dallas Architects draws from the natural topography of the site. The northern part of the plot remains undeveloped, preserving the land and keeping the building unobtrusive. Instead of sprawling outward, the structure steps into the hill, with courtyards and floor levels that connect the interior with the land around it, creating a sense of openness and privacy at the same time. The home is oriented to maximize views to the northwest and northeast, offering glimpses of the sea while keeping the focus on the surrounding hills.

Access to the residence is also a unique feature. Visitors approach Terra Fracta via an underground path that cuts through the mountain, leading them to a rear entrance. This path ends with a stunning view of the ocean, creating a surprising connection to the sea from the interior. Everything about the design is about raw, minimal forms that let the landscape take center stage. 

Terra Fracta is nestled into the hillside of Antiparos Island

the home is entirely subterranean, with two distinct sections

slanted roofs form triangular shapes that rise gently from the earth

the structure steps into the hill, with courtyards and floor levels that connect the interior with the land around it

project info:

name: Terra Fracta

architect: Aristides Dallas Architects | @aristidesdallasarchitects

location: Antiparos, Greece

project team: Margarita Kyanidou, Aristotelis Samprovalakis, Athina Tsami, Natalia Koronaiou, Artemis Panagiotou, Maria Vlachou, Sofia Theodorou

project architect: Menelaos Giannopoulos

structural study & mechanical study: Kamarinos Engineers

3D Visualization: CUUB Studio | @cuubstudio

civil engineers: Dedes – Roditis & Associates