On the Greek island of Zakynthos, we realised a newly built holiday home embedded in nature and overlooking the Ionian Sea. Like a long, white ribbon, the villa falls into place without offending the rocky surroundings. In fact, special natural elements such as the olive grove helped dictate the location of the house. The complex relationship with the rugged nature was decisive in realising the pared-down architectural concept. The incorporation of level differences on the site served not only the architecture and living comfort, but also the water control during the wet winters in this region.
2022
zakynthos - greece
zakynthos - greece
Furthermore, we recovered stones from the site, which were used by local craftsmen in the construction of the house. Slow living and outdoor living are at the heart of this property. In this region, a charming, authentic port allows you to taste local delicacies from the sea and back home a swimming pool, an outdoor pavilion and space for indoor and outdoor cooking guarantee cosy family moments.
Simplicity here goes hand in hand with a genuine hotel feel that makes life at a pleasant distance from the civilized world yet comfortable and qualitative. Inside, the long and vast character of the house guarantees that walking around the house takes time. Space for strolling has been literally and figuratively created, without losing the link with outdoor life. This is ensured, for example, by the choice of materials, such as polished concrete that provides a consistent foundation for both the interior and exterior, iroko bespoke furniture that graces the house as an echo of the warm red floor, solid washbasins and kitchen worktops in local white natural stone.
But the villa also bestows its occupants with daily little moments of happiness that were very consciously created, such as the rising sun peeking through the curtains and the sea view from the shower. Behold and live (together), these are the two main pursuits during a stay at this property. With a view of shimmering water that reveals a new scripture every day, life here is simple, pure and always fascinating.
Architect: Spyros Bonikos & Associates
Photos: Piet-Albert Goethals
Landscaping: Più
Photos: Piet-Albert Goethals
Landscaping: Più
