Stone built villa with swimming pool

This single-storey residence is located within an olive grove adjacent to the church of Agios Antonios, near the eastern edge of Palekastro village. The gently sloping site opens toward Kouremenos Bay, allowing the architecture to frame long views to the east while remaining visually embedded in the landscape.

The house is organized around a protected central courtyard. The western wing hosts the primary living spaces—kitchen, dining, and lounge—while the northern wing accommodates two guest rooms, each with an en-suite bathroom and direct access to shaded outdoor areas. The east side remains open and porous, embracing the morning light and connecting seamlessly to the pool terrace.

Materiality plays a key role in integrating the building into its environment. The exterior façades use local Milatos stone, whose tones and textures blend subtly with the surrounding olive trees and earth. Outdoor built seating and low retaining elements are formed from local porolithos, creating warm, tactile surfaces that age gracefully and are highlighted at night through discreet integrated lighting. These lighting strategies accentuate material textures, guide movement, and create a calm, intimate evening atmosphere.

The design promotes indoor-outdoor living through wide verandas, generous courtyards, and deep overhangs that provide shade throughout the day. A sliding wind-filtering screen—constructed from timber and perforated metal—can be deployed along the eastern side to soften the strong Meltemi winds without blocking views or natural light.

Sustainability principles are embedded in the architectural approach. The building envelope includes high-performance insulation and double-glazed openings, ensuring thermal comfort throughout the year. Passive bioclimatic strategies—orientation, shading, thermal mass, and cross-ventilation—reduce energy demand, while all major spaces are designed for natural ventilation through aligned openings and adjustable louvers.

Rainwater is harvested from the roof and stored in an underground cistern, providing water for irrigation and minimizing reliance on external supply. The overall result is a residence that is both rooted in the Cretan landscape and responsive to its climate, offering a serene, enduring, and environmentally conscious living environment.