Perched on a hillside, on the southern edge of the Greek island of Lefkada, Villa Apollon looks out towards the sea, calmly nestled among greenery. The project, a modern holiday home, is designed to do exactly what the perfect island retreat should do – provide a haven of relaxation, combining contemporary aesthetics with timeless materials in a sophisticated mix of minimalist architecture and nature. This happens to be the speciality of its author, Athens-based architecture studio Block722.
The structure combines a larger, main volume that houses the main residence, and a secondary structure that contains four guest rooms. The two buildings are connected through a selection of external spaces, as a varied landscape of planted areas, paved terraces and water elements weave together everything in the plot, creating a coherent whole – a retreat that turns its back to city life and opens up towards the Ionian Sea and its green environment.
A studio featured in the 2016 Wallpaper* Architects Directory, Block722 was founded in 2009 by architect Sotiris Tsergas and interior designer Katja Margaritoglou. The two bring together Greek and Scandinavian sensibilities in interpreting contemporary Mediterranean architecture that draws on its context and feels organic, timeless and minimalist. This approach is evident in this project, as Villa Apollon’s low, serene volumes made of natural materials and soft, neutral colour tones become an effortless extension of its green environment.
A ramp guides the visitor down to the home's main entrance. A series of skylights and clear views through the building and across the other side towards the sea instantly offer a sense of place – and drama. A concrete construction is complemented by materials such as iroko and teak wood, stone, and terrazzo, in an interior composition that celebrates the touch. The interior feels gentle and unassuming, with features anchored to the ground and low seating connecting the inhabitant with the land.
From the main house, a series of paved terraces and a winding, natural path lead to a small, secluded rocky beach below – perfect for that all-important plunge.
INFORMATION
-
A new photo book takes you behind the scenes of some of cinema's most beloved films, from 'Fargo' to 'Charlie's Angels'Set decorator Lauri Gaffin captures Hollywood's quieter moments in an arresting new book
-
This sculptural London seafood restaurant was shaped by ‘the emotions of the sea’In Hanover Square, Mazarine pairs a bold, pearlescent interior with modern coastal cuisine led by ‘bistronomy’ pioneer chef Thierry Laborde
-
Nike pushes tech-assisted ways to just do it, from Project Amplify to a Mind Science DepartmentThe sporting giant is seeking new ways of amplifying athletic performance, both physical and mental. We explore the world of Project Amplify and the work of the company’s Mind Science Department
-
Tour an Athens penthouse – its designers’ own ‘house in the sky’This penthouse by Block722 is the architecture studio founders' own home and shows off impeccable detailing and dreamy, airy vibes
-
Explore a refreshed Athens apartment full of quirk and midcentury characterA 1960s Athens apartment is revived by architects Aspassia Mitropapa and Christina Iliopoulou, who elegantly brought its midcentury appeal to the 21st century
-
The Architecture Edit: Wallpaper’s favourite July housesFrom geometric Japanese cottages to restored modernist masterpieces, these are the best residential projects to have crossed the architecture desk this month
-
A new Athens gallery is a celebration of old and new, a stone's throw from the AcropolisNew Athens gallery Melas Martinos by Local Local is a contemporary art space, a stone's throw from the Acropolis, in the Greek capital's Monastiraki neighbourhood
-
A clifftop Rethymno house tells a story, framing views as far as the Libyan SeaThis house in the Rethymno region of Crete, designed by architects Gkotsis Serafimidou, is rich in local and natural materials – an oasis at which to disconnect
-
A retro video game is the unlikely inspiration for this island house in GreeceDesigned by ARP, this island house on Antiparos is a contemporary Cycladic home inspired by Tetris
-
A Costa Navarino house peeks out from amidst olive groves to ocean viewsThis Greek holiday residence designed by K-Studio balances timeless design principles with modernist touches
-
A breezy Greek island retreat lets the outdoors inOpen to the elements, an island retreat in Corfu by Invisible Studio was designed to suit the local climate, using metal mesh screens rather than windows
