Single-family detached house 117 m², new, Kallithea, Rhodes

In traditional architecture, the compositional logic emerges from an additive approach, where buildings lean on one another, gradually forming a “multi-cellular organism”, a settlement. In the landscape, however, one rarely encounters isolated residences, especially of a vertical nature; only churches and windmills break the horizon in this manner. The main interventions in the landscape involve grain or livestock storage buildings and technical structures, often spread horizontally, delineating boundaries. The retaining walls found in technical works and the light shading structures common in anonymous architecture served as the main conceptual tools in the design. The alignment of walls towards the view becomes the first symbolic and abstract gesture, marking the creation of an artificial boundary and the presence of human intervention. Following the slope, the walls “roll” towards the view, framing it. The placement of the three residences is such that they follow the curvature of the elevation, opening toward the view and descending in an organic layout. The architectural development of Residences A and C is topographic, the exposed concrete walls emerge as traces in the landscape and evolve into retaining walls, defining the enclosed spaces and the outdoor arrangements with a light shading mesh. The composition of spaces is symbolically represented by an inverted greek letter “Π”, a “life pot”. Residence B rises at the foot of the hill; two parallel walls emerge from the ground at an angle, ascending. An artificial rock is formed, leaning towards the view, reminiscent of the local goats standing on the hillside. The outcome is highlighted by the intense Greek light, merging with the landscape to create a unified environment, with distinct characteristics and harmonized spaces of living and vegetation. The arrangement of openings contributes to the feeling of the residence as a spiritual sanctuary, offering ample light, cooling, and a connection to the surrounding natural beauty. Nature unfolds before the user, following the imagined path of light. A unique play of light and shadow is created, offering distinct experiences throughout the day as the position and intensity of the sun change. Location: From Faliraki, then inland to Kalithies, the road leads to the village of Psinthos. Unique features: Walking routes in the nearby Valley of the Butterflies nature reserve pass through sweetgum forest, where thousands of butterflies gather between late May and August. Accessibility: 23km from Rhodes town with a local bus running regularly. Investment potential: The idea of owning a property in the countryside yet still just minutes from the sea is becoming increasingly attractive.