VIGLOSTASI RESIDENCE

Block722

Viglostasi House, designed by block722 appears to be a traditional island house overlooking the Mediterranean, perched on sloping cliffs. In reality, it is a private holiday residence located in a secluded and natural area on Syros, one of the Cycladic Islands. The designers, Block 722, an architecture studio based in Athens, cleverly drew inspiration from the traditional typology of small Aegean villages, creating a design reminiscent of the compact, minimalist village structures we often see perched on hillsides, facing the sea.

The homeowners are a family of four who wanted to build their dream retreat, drawing inspiration from different islands and Block722’s other projects on Syros, namely Syros I and Syros II. Their vision of a home inspired by the local, simple forms of the Greek islands found a perfect match in Block722’s approach, with its simple, elegant architectural language, minimalist forms, use of natural materials, and neutral color palette. The family sought a dwelling that would not only accommodate them and their guests but also embody a fun, generous, modest, most importantly, tranquil environment that harmoniously blends with the island’s serene and slow-paced lifestyle, integrating indoor and outdoor activities.

The design process resulted in a 500 m² complex of interconnected indoor spaces, terraces, gardens, and verandas, organized around a circulation network. The main dwelling consists of a master bedroom, a second bedroom, and an open-plan living area. Additionally, the complex features two guest suites and additional accommodation spaces connected through communal areas.

At the heart of the circulation network lies a central courtyard, which unites the various elements of the complex and provides access to the 25-meter-long infinity pool and terrace at the edge of the plot. This courtyard offers uninterrupted views of the horizon and provides secluded areas for exercise and meditation underneath.

The complex cleverly manages the steep terrain of the site by spreading its volumes across different levels, ensuring panoramic views from nearly every point. The thoughtful arrangement of modest stone, wood, and plaster volumes harmonizes the complex with the irregular Aegean landscape. Light, nature-inspired color tones, “terrazzo palladiano” floors, traditional shutters, pergolas, a garden featuring local, endemic species, and a green roof further reinforce this impression.

The structure exudes an elegant sense of luxury, achieved not only through the spacious layout but also with bespoke details like custom-made joineries and the use of natural materials such as marble, travertine, bamboo, and oak.

Every detail of the building offers the residents diverse views, emotions, and qualities to savor, while still preserving the essence of traditional Aegean architecture. The well-utilized terrain of the residential complex, the connection between interior and exterior spaces, the diversity of spatial experiences, and the enchanting vistas ultimately lead to the homeowners’ private coves, providing a serene retreat.

NATURAL STONE

FACADE, GARDEN AND RETAINING WALLS

LOCAL NATURAL STONE

BATHROOM COUNTER

MARBLE