This Cretan retreat takes its cues from craft and landscape
Block722 reveals ‘O Lofos’, an idyllic retreat on the hilly, eastern side of the island of Crete in Greece
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

This Cretan retreat takes its cues from its context in more ways than one. Set in the northern foothills of Thrypti mountain on the Greek island's eastern side, the house was designed by Athens architecture and design studio Block722, which worked with the angled site’s orientation and views to best position the residence. Large openings draw the long, green and blue vistas in, while local craft plays a key role in putting together an interior that feels, textured, layered and luxurious – but at the same time forms a minimalist architecture born from context and nature.
Titled ‘O Lofos’ (meaning ‘The Hill'), the house is a holiday retreat for a private client. The project is the perfect balance of inside and outside, shaped and defined by the sweeping, external views of the mountains, plains and the Mediterranean Sea, and the indoor spaces and their domestic, laid-back but at the same time highly sophisticated atmosphere. Negotiating the site’s steep slope was a challenge turned advantage, as the architecture team, led by studio co-founders Sotiris Tsergas and Katja Margaritoglou developed the house almost as a private viewing platform.
The house, spanning a generous 280 sq m, is broken down into smaller volumes, reading as a little cluster of low structures made of stone, connected to the ground. Inside, stone, terrazzo, marble, wood and plaster make for a pared-down, organic-feeling interior that cocoons and directs the eye to the views. Clean, almost austere lines are softened by the natural materials and harmonious composition. A craft-rich approach means that the team worked with local artisans and traditional techniques to create not only building elements but also pieces of furniture and fixtures for the home.
Stepped levels outside form a complex of terraces and pathways culminating in the swimming pool terrace, which offers the feeling of floating above the landscape. ‘The design seeks to enhance slow living, taking its cues from the island's lifestyle,' the architects say.
INFORMATION
block722.com (opens in new tab)
Ellie Stathaki is the Architecture Editor at Wallpaper*. She trained as an architect at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece and studied architectural history at the Bartlett in London. Now an established journalist, she has been a member of the Wallpaper* team since 2006, visiting buildings across the globe and interviewing leading architects such as Tadao Ando and Rem Koolhaas. Ellie has also taken part in judging panels, moderated events, curated shows and contributed in books, such as The Contemporary House (Thames & Hudson, 2018) and Glenn Sestig Architecture Diary (2020).
-
These London spas are utterly relaxing urban escapes
These London spas offer transformative treatments in awe-inspiring spaces for total relaxation in the midst of the big city
By Mary Cleary • Published
-
Max Richter: ‘Visual art culture is wide open in a way that classical music, unfortunately, sort of isn't’
Hot on the heels of Max Richter’s new album, ‘Sleep: Tranquility Base’, and recently opened multi-arts haven in rural Oxfordshire, we speak to the acclaimed composer about creating a sonic antidote to complex times
By Harriet Lloyd-Smith • Published
-
Discover all the Rolex watches released at Watches and Wonders 2023
Rolex unveils bold new additions to its iconic watch families
By Hannah Silver • Published
-
Spain’s Casa Primitiva is ruled by simplicity
The pared-back Casa Primitiva by Hanghar fits in perfectly in its semi-rural Spanish context
By TF Chan • Published
-
Veil House balances openness and seclusion in Winnipeg
A large steel screen shields Veil House, a striking private residence in Winnipeg, Canada, designed by local practice 5468796 Architecture
By Ellie Stathaki • Published
-
The finest brutalist architecture in London and beyond
For some of the world's finest brutalist architecture in London and beyond, scroll below. Can’t get enough of brutalism? Neither can we.
By Jonathan Bell • Published
-
Khanna Schultz’s House in Michigan is an exercise in balancing contrasts
House in Michigan by Khanna Schultz was conceived to fulfil contrasting needs – and does so with poise and efficiency
By Ellie Stathaki • Published
-
Ian Chee’s Singapore apartment blends past and present
Architect Ian Chee welcomes us into his Singapore apartment, where past and present cohabit in perfect equilibrium
By Daven Wu • Published
-
Modernist architecture: inspiration from across the globe
Modernist architecture has had a tremendous influence on today’s built environment, making these midcentury marvels some of the most closely studied 20th-century buildings; check back soon for new additions to our list
By Ellie Stathaki • Published
-
Minimalist architecture: homes that inspire calm
These examples of minimalist architecture place life in the foreground – clutter is demoted; joy promoted
By Ellie Stathaki • Published
-
The Social Athens makes waves in the Greek capital
The Social Athens by OOAK architects opens, featuring a distinctive wavy façade and an interior that balances social life and seclusion
By Ellie Stathaki • Published