Situated in central Athens, Aristides Dallas Architects operates as a bridge between the raw landscapes of the Greek islands and the dense urban fabric of the city. Founded in 2014 on the island of Tinos, the studio laid its conceptual foundation there, but it was through its subsequent expansion in Athens that it evolved into a design powerhouse working across various scales, from Pnoes hotel, to Lap Pool House residence. Each project materializes through a unique approach that balances between a deep contextual sensitivity and the bold geometrical forms the studio is known for. ‘A building should feel like an extension of its surroundings rather than a foreign object placed on top of it,’ founder Aristides Dallas tells designboom as he welcomes us into his multi-level studio in the heart of Exarcheia.

Dallas embraces the contrasts between the studio’s dual presence in Athens and Tinos, drawing inspiration from wild Cycladic terrains as much as from the layered, ever-evolving history of the capital.‘Having one foot in each world constantly shifts my perspective,’ he explains. ‘The city is about negotiating with the built environment, while the islands are about negotiating with nature itself.’ It’s this fluidity between the two that defines the architectural approach of his firm, one that is deeply rooted in place yet unafraid of contemporary expression. Read on as we take a deep dive into the world of Aristides Dallas Architects, the studio’s design philosophy, creative process, and what lies ahead for the firm.

Villa V in Corfu | rendering © Katerina Iakovaki, image courtesy of Aristides Dallas Architects | read more about the project here

inspiration through observation

Aristides Dallas Architects is driven by the ambition to contribute meaningfully to the evolution of contemporary Greek architecture. Structured as a multidisciplinary team, the firm brings together engineers, material scientists, interior designers, stylists, and artists to create projects that are both technically and conceptually rigorous. For Aristides Dallas, inspiration often comes from the unfiltered elements of a place rather than existing architecture. ‘When I walk through Tinos, I see rocks scattered in the fields, stones that have been shaped by time and weather, and I think—how would it be if this became a building?’ he shares with designboom. One evening, while passing through the Tinos port, he noticed large concrete blocks stacked along the waterfront. That moment sparked a concept for a residential project in Crete. ‘You find ideas everywhere—sometimes in the wildness of nature, other times in the built environment.’

This constant oscillation between city and landscape pushes the firm’s design ethos forward. ‘It’s not about copying nature—it’s about understanding its principles and translating them into architecture,’ he reflects. ‘The structured city demands engagement with history and context, while the islands challenge you to respond to the natural terrain. The balance between the two is what makes our work unique.’ 

The Lap Pool House | image courtesy of Aristides Dallas Architects | read more about the project here

interview WITH FOUNDER Aristides Dallas

designboom (DB): Can you tell us more about your background, and when did you found Aristides Dallas Architects? How has the studio evolved since then?

Aristeides Dallas (AD): Architecture has been a central force in my life since my early years. Even during my studies, I was deeply committed to developing a personal voice in architecture, participating in international competitions and working long hours to support myself. I wasn’t waiting for the right moment to appear, I was actively shaping it. My creative foundation was laid during that demanding period, long before I ever opened an office. What later followed was the natural outcome of persistence and vision.

When I decided to establish AD Architects, it was not a matter of convenience—it was a matter of integrity. I moved to the island of Tinos in 2014, where I launched the practice with a clear direction: to undertake only projects I truly believed in. This deliberate selectiveness attracted clients from abroad, who recognized value in our approach. Our first design project, VOLAX, opened the way, followed soon by projects in Mykonos, particularly in the hospitality sector. But the true expansion began with our move to Athens in 2018. Casa Leone, our first project in the city, felt symbolically placed, as it happened to be on Tinos Street in Agia Paraskevi. Since then, we’ve grown steadily and now operate a fully integrated studio in Exarcheia, Athens. This is where our team, our processes, and our reach evolved on a national scale.

wood finishes complement the black and white tones | image by Mariana Bisti

DB: The studio has offices in both Athens and Tinos. How do these locations influence your work and creative process?

AD: Having a presence in both Athens and Tinos is a significant advantage, as it constantly shifts my references and sources of inspiration. Spending part of the year immersed in the Cycladic landscape completely changes my perspective. The contrast between Athens and Tinos is literally a creative engine. In the city, I engage with dense urban fabric, layered history, and evolving cultural expectations. On the islands, I’m in constant dialogue with nature, topography, and silence. It’s not about preferring one over the other, but about allowing each context to inform the other. This dual lens lets us approach each project without clichés. Athens sharpens our logic, while the islands refine our intuition. When walking through Tinos, the raw beauty of rocks, light, and wind patterns often spark abstract ideas that later return to the city as spatial strategies.

I remember one night, walking home from the office past the port, where large concrete blocks were stacked. That moment sparked the concept for a project in Crete. For me, inspiration often comes from the raw landscape, from the unfiltered elements of a place rather than its existing architecture. When designing in urban Athens, we must engage with the built environment, but on the islands, the only real context is nature. This duality, the structured city and the wild landscape, keeps our work dynamic.

displaying architecture books and models on warm wooden shelving | image by Kirill Samarits

DB: Given your high focus on residential and hospitality projects, can you tell us more about your philosophy on ‘living’ and ‘dwelling’, and how it shapes your designs?

AD: Designing a home is both one of the simplest and most complex challenges. Every client comes in with a strong vision of how their house should be. In some ways, it’s even more challenging than designing a hotel—hotels follow clear functional guidelines, while homes are deeply personal. Each house we design must be entirely unique because every person is different. This means we are constantly reinventing the wheel. Some clients say, ‘I have a lot of experience with houses, I’ve lived in them all my life.’ And they’re not wrong; they understand what makes them feel comfortable.

I often liken it to acting—slipping into character, understanding the emotional world of the person who will inhabit the space. It’s less about ‘solving a brief’ and more about narrating a life. Homes are always personal. Hotels, by contrast, operate with clarity of function—but we try to inject narrative even there. Designing in architecture is deeply psychological. It requires empathy, curiosity, and the ability to suspend one’s own habits to fully embody someone else’s experience. This is why I believe architecture isn’t just about creating forms, it’s about crafting experiences.

A Touch of New | image courtesy of Aristides Dallas Architects | read more about the project here

DB: Your projects are often characterized by distinct geometric forms, clear and bold material choices, and yet, somehow, a very organic and harmonious coexistence with their surrounding landscape. Where do you draw inspiration from when it comes to forms and shapes? How do you balance organic integration with bold geometry? What materials do you prefer to work with, and how do they contribute to the identity of your buildings?

AD: We always begin with the site. We study how light travels, how winds circulate, how the terrain flows. Every project begins with such an in-depth study of the landscape. Each location provides different clues that guide our design. Balancing bold geometry with organic integration comes down to three key elements: materials, scale, and placement. If a form is too assertive, we tune it back—not to hide it, but to ground it. Choosing materials that reflect the surrounding colors and textures also plays a crucial role. Throughout our projects we’ve found inspiration in everything from cracked mud to volcanic movement or even the momentary architecture of sand towers built by children.

For instance, in the project Tectonic Lodging, we were inspired by the way dried mud cracks, leading us to design a building that feels as if the earth has fractured open to create space. In Santorini, for the Monolithic Village hotel we studied how sand towers form when children play on the beach, which inspired us to experiment with a single material wrapping the entire structure. The inspiration came by observing the way volcanic lava spreads and used that to inform a monolithic design with a singular material palette. It’s not about replicating nature. It’s about understanding its principles, trying to read it, like a language, and interpret it into space.

Pnoes | image courtesy of Aristides Dallas Architects | read more about the project here

DB: Is there a unifying element, or series of elements, that define the identity of Aristides Dallas Architects?

AD: I don’t subscribe to a fixed architectural style that applies across different projects. Instead, our approach is about continuously rediscovering architecture through the unique demands of each site, program, and client. What ties our projects together is not a specific aesthetic but the process—how we engage with context, materials, and form. Each project is a synthesis of landscape, place, and people.

We analyze the topography, local history, climate, and how people will interact with the space. Some projects are inspired by the way wind carves rock formations, while others take clues from historical building techniques or the natural flow of movement. Rather than imposing a predefined aesthetic, we allow the site and its constraints to shape the form. The goal is not to create buildings that are immediately recognizable but to design architecture that feels inevitable, as if it has always belonged to the landscape. We ask: what makes sense here? What forms arise naturally from this place, not despite it? 

We aim for an architecture that feels like it belongs, as if it emerged rather than was placed. In that sense, our philosophy is to use architecture as a social instrument to shape places with empathy, clarity, and care. We believe that buildings must serve people first—and in doing so, they reveal their most honest beauty.

The Lap Pool House | image courtesy of Aristides Dallas Architects

DB: Given the special conditions and unique character of the places you are often designing for, do you engage in collaborations with local craftspeople to bring your projects to fruition? How important is collaboration for you, both within and outside of the studio?

AD: Absolutely. Collaboration is fundamental—not just within our office but throughout the entire construction process. Our studio brings together architects, engineers, material researchers, designers, and stylists. But just as importantly, we engage deeply with local craftspeople. We see artisanal knowledge as a living layer in our architecture. Whether it’s stone masonry, woodworking, or metal detailing, these collaborations enrich the project with depth and soul. We work closely with artisans skilled in traditional techniques, ensuring that each project respects and evolves from local craftsmanship.

Working with craftspeople who are truly passionate about their craft makes all the difference. A skilled artisan doesn’t just execute a design—they refine it, paying attention to every detail.

Terra Fracta | image courtesy of Aristides Dallas Architects | read more about the project here

DB: Can you walk us through the typical design process at Aristides Dallas Architects—from initial concept to final execution?

AD: Our process starts long before we draw the first line. We begin with immersive research: mapping the site, reading its wind flows, light patterns, emblematic views and orientation. But more than that, we try to decode its personality, what it wants to become. From there, we move to strategic modeling—combining 3D digital tools with physical maquettes—to simulate not only the form, but the atmosphere of the project. We always integrate topography, vegetation, and even human movement into these early simulations.

Materiality is never an afterthought. It is tested, not just imagined—sometimes through full-scale mockups built on-site, other times through live material boards that evolve with the design. What defines our process is not only technical rigor, but also emotional clarity: every choice must feel inevitable. It’s a collaborative exercise across disciplines—our architects, engineers, interior stylists, and external makers all contribute from the very first sketches.

Cubic Hotel | image courtesy of Aristides Dallas Architects

DB: What is one of the most challenging projects you’ve undertaken, and what lessons did you learn from it?

AD: A client once requested a ‘wow’ factor. At first, we leaned into that direction pursuing a dramatic design, but as the process evolved, midway through, we stepped back and asked ourselves: Is this the right kind of ‘wow’ for this place? This reflection led us to completely rethink the project, ultimately shifting toward a simpler design that was more in tune with the landscape. We realized that the ‘wow’ had to come from silence, not spectacle. We revised everything, choosing a design that revealed itself slowly through shadows, weight, and tactility. The lesson was clear, the most powerful architecture doesn’t demand attention; it blends in, revealing itself gradually and harmonizing with its surroundings.

The Cliffhanger | image courtesy of Aristides Dallas Architects

DB: If you could design a dream project with no constraints—site, budget, or regulations—what would it be, and why?

AD: I would love to design an entire village or community from scratch—a place where architecture doesn’t just shape individual buildings, but the relationships between them. Streets, courtyards, thresholds, voids, shared moments of shade or openness. That, to me, is the purest form of architecture: creating the framework for how people live together. And doing so in a way that feels timeless, rooted, and yet forward-looking. In some ways, we are already working in that direction—especially through our latest hospitality projects, where we apply these principles across multiple structures and collective environments. At the same time, our ambition is to expand our work internationally. We see design not as a regional dialect, but as a universal language—one that can adapt to different geographies, cultures, and needs without losing depth or specificity. Our method is adaptable as well as our values are transferrable.

We’ve already worked on projects in Cyprus, and we’re actively seeking opportunities to extend this dialogue across borders. We’re open to partnering with international clients and teams who are looking for context-sensitive architecture rooted in material intelligence, spatial storytelling, and strong conceptual clarity. No matter the scale or location, our deeper ambition remains the same: to create spaces that feel inevitable, necessary, and deeply human.

Tectonic Lodging in Rhodes, Greece | image courtesy of Aristides Dallas Architects

DB: Aside from residential and hospitality spaces, are there other typologies—such as cultural, public, or commercial projects—that you would be interested in undertaking?

AD: Our team is eager to take on projects that engage with collective memory, civic function, and social gathering—whether that’s a cultural center, a public plaza, or an educational facility. These programs are a natural extension of our values: they require sensitivity to both place and people. In Greece, public tenders are often structured in ways that make access difficult for local studios. But we are committed to overcoming those limitations—through partnerships, collaborations, or design competitions that open up space for meaningful impact.

Our approach is not bound to a specific typology. Whether it’s residential, public, or cultural, we apply the same intensity of research, contextual understanding, and formal clarity. We’re always seeking projects that challenge us to rethink conventions and expand the possibilities of what architecture can do.

VOLAX | image courtesy of Aristides Dallas Architects | read more about the project here

DB: What are you working on at the moment? Any exciting plans for the future you can share with us?

AD: Right now, we’re working on several hospitality and residential projects across Greece, including some delicate renovations and hybrid programs that challenge the boundaries between private and shared space. But more importantly, we feel that the studio is entering a phase of redefinition. We want to experiment further, expand our typological scope, and establish creative collaborations abroad. This is not just about scaling up—it’s about deepening our architectural language and applying it to new contexts.

Over the past few years, our work has quietly traveled—through exhibitions, award selections, and word of mouth—reaching audiences beyond Greece. These moments of recognition remind us that architecture has the power to speak many languages, as long as it listens first. They continue to affirm what we believe at our core: Architecture, when grounded in place but open in spirit, can resonate across cultures—wherever it is built. We remain committed to designing with clarity, empathy, and depth—wherever a project takes us. Because in the end, architecture is less about where it starts, and more about how far it can resonate.

Aristides Dallas in his studio | image by Teramok

the Athens-based Aristides Dallas Architects team | image by Kirill Samarits

project info: 

architect: Aristides Dallas Architects | @aristidesdallasarchitects
studio location: Exarcheia, Athens, Greece

The post designboom steps inside aristides dallas architects’ athens studio, where context shapes form appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Terra Fracta, designed by Aristides Dallas Architects, is a residence nestled into the hillside of Antiparos Island, Greece. The home is entirely subterranean, with two distinct sections: the main residence and the guesthouses. Slanted roofs define these sections, forming triangular shapes that rise gently from the earth, creating a sleek silhouette. Local stone and concrete contribute to the raw, natural aesthetic of the building, establishing a strong connection with its surroundings. 

all images by CUUB Studio, courtesy of Aristides Dallas Architects

Terra Fracta steps into the hill to disappear into the landscape

Athens- and Tinos-based Aristides Dallas Architects draws from the natural topography of the site. The northern part of the plot remains undeveloped, preserving the land and keeping the building unobtrusive. Instead of sprawling outward, the structure steps into the hill, with courtyards and floor levels that connect the interior with the land around it, creating a sense of openness and privacy at the same time. The home is oriented to maximize views to the northwest and northeast, offering glimpses of the sea while keeping the focus on the surrounding hills.

Access to the residence is also a unique feature. Visitors approach Terra Fracta via an underground path that cuts through the mountain, leading them to a rear entrance. This path ends with a stunning view of the ocean, creating a surprising connection to the sea from the interior. Everything about the design is about raw, minimal forms that let the landscape take center stage. 

Terra Fracta is nestled into the hillside of Antiparos Island

the home is entirely subterranean, with two distinct sections

slanted roofs form triangular shapes that rise gently from the earth

local stone and concrete contribute to the raw aesthetic of the building

the structure steps into the hill, with courtyards and floor levels that connect the interior with the land around it

project info:

name: Terra Fracta

architect: Aristides Dallas Architects | @aristidesdallasarchitects

location: Antiparos, Greece

project team: Margarita Kyanidou, Aristotelis Samprovalakis, Athina Tsami, Natalia Koronaiou, Artemis Panagiotou, Maria Vlachou, Sofia Theodorou

project architect: Menelaos Giannopoulos

structural study & mechanical study: Kamarinos Engineers

3D Visualization: CUUB Studio | @cuubstudio

civil engineers: Dedes – Roditis & Associates

The post triangular slanted roofs of aristides dallas architects’ residence rise from the earth in greece appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Perched on the sun-drenched island of Tinos, Greece, Pnoes by Aristides Dallas Architects is a design-forward retreat on the Cycladic island. This cluster of villas, equipped with private pools and gardens, channels the primal elements of earth, wind, and water of the island to create a multisensory experience of relaxation and renewal.

Above the earthy retreats, three whitewashed cubic volumes rise, evoking the timeless vernacular of Cycladic architecture. These pure geometric forms reinterpret Tinos’ medieval settlements, playing with light, shadow, and voids. As wind flows through open passages, it animates the architecture, creating a dialogue with the wild landscape and endless skies.

all images by Kirill Samarits, courtesy of Aristides Dallas Architects, unless stated otherwise

carved into the rock, the bedrooms frame views of the island

Inspired by Tinos’ rugged terrain, the Greek team of Aristides Dallas Architects conceptually carve the villas’ bedrooms into the rock, forming cave-like sanctuaries. These subterranean spaces are shaded and cocooned, offering an atmosphere of introspection saturated with warm, earthy hues and complete with tactile textures. Framed views connect guests to the natural beauty of the island, maintaining an intimate, protected ambiance.

Encircling the villas, reflective pools enhance the connection between architecture and nature. Water softens the minimalist forms, mirroring the hues of the land and sky. Its tranquil presence invites guests to pause, offering moments of introspection and renewal that align with the retreat’s regenerative philosophy.

Richard Gerritsen’s landscape design integrates permaculture principles, weaving biodiversity and sustainability into the Pnoes experience. Guests wander through gardens abundant with Mediterranean herbs, fruit trees, a tea garden, and vegetable plots. Native and heirloom species foster ecological harmony, while polyculture practices and worm hotels enrich the soil. These sensory landscapes connect visitors to the island’s distinct aromas, flavors, and natural rhythms.

Pnoes by Aristides Dallas Architects is a design-forward retreat on Tinos

each of the three villas are equipped with private pools and gardens

channeling the primal elements of earth, wind, and water | image by Panagiotis Voumvakis

a multisensory experience of relaxation and renewal | image by Panagiotis Voumvakis

three whitewashed cubic volumes rise above the earthy retreats | image by Panagiotis Voumvakis

evoking the timeless vernacular of Cycladic architecture | image by Panagiotis Voumvakis

these pure geometric forms reinterpret Tinos’ medieval settlements

playing with light, shadow, and voids

as wind flows through open passages, it animates the architecture

encircling the villas, reflective pools enhance the connection between architecture and nature

project info:

name: PNOES Suites | @pnoes_tinos

architect: Aristides Dallas Architects | @aristidesdallasarchitects

location: Tinos, Greece

project team: Aristides Dallas, Katerina Bali, Rafail Sergios, Ioanna Gargalietou, Vasilis Kekeris, Georgia Salta, Haritina Trikka, Elina Parcharidou, Theodora Bobori

detailed design team: Ioanna Gargalietou, Theodora Bobori, Mario Genovesi, Katerina Striki, Gina Danochristou

interior design: Aristides Dallas Architects

structural engineer: Emmanouil Roditis

E/M engineer: Antonis Apergis

lighting study: CPLD Lighting Design, Christos Papachristos | @cpld4

landscape design: Richard Gerritsen

construction management: Aristides Dallas Architects

furniture & decoration: SET., La Redoute, Kartell, Placed, Zara Home, Veranda, Box Interiors

lighting: Box Interiors, Kafkas, VIOKEF, Zampelis

tiles & sanitary appliances: Plaza Nuova

textiles: Sarlas, Gtrezos

wood works: Sevastianos

window & door frames: Alafropatis Glass, Alumil

photography: Panagiotis Voumvakis | @panagiotisvoumvakis, Kirill Samarits | @kirillsamarits, Alexandros Papageorgiou

The post cubic volumes emerge from tinos’ rugged terrain in ‘pnoes’ hotel by aristides dallas architects appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Greek studio Aristides Dallas Architects reveals its latest residential proposal, Villa V, envisioned as a vacation house stitched into a steep rocky slope of northwest Corfu. The design composition incorporates two opposite tendencies; on the one hand, it develops parallel to the contours, being anchored to the topography in a gentle way through retaining stone walls. On the other hand, it comes up like convergent tectonic plates, opening its living spaces to unobstructed sea views. 

all renderings © Katerina Iakovaki

a staggered composition unfolding over three levels

Villa V by Aristides Dallas Architects (see more here) develops in three levels, following the inclination of the ground, with the middle one hosting the common spaces. A pair of thick slabs in a 45 degree angle stands on the stone walls, forming the composition center, facing the nearby rock island. The bedrooms, meanwhile, are arranged around the composition center maintaining a functional and morphological relation with it. These are expressed as gaps on the stone walls, keeping a discreet presence and allow the nature to surround them

Villa V by Aristides Dallas Architects in Corfu

Residents and visitors can approach the house through an open staircase at the back, leading to the common space. From the middle level of the entrance, one’s look goes through the living room and the kitchen, and reach the sea. A small stair leads to the living room and eventually to the first pair of bedrooms. The common spaces unify with the big terrace through a continuous glass façade. Alternatively, a small stair leads up to the master bedroom through a small internal bridge. Crossing the living room and the kitchen, the passage to the second pair of bedrooms is revealed. ‘The project is in its core a landscape configuration with a variety of outbreaks. It integrates in the landscape, being opposed to it at the same time, in a sensitive balance,’ concludes the studio.

entrance to the house against the rocky landscape

the middle level hosts the common living spaces of Villa V

project info:

name: Villa V
location: Corfu, Greece

architecture studio: Aristides Dallas Architects | @aristidesdallasarchitects

lead architect: Menelaos Giannopoulos

team: Antonis Avgerinou, Theodora Bobori, Gerasimos Dimitrellos, Maria Laskou, Spyridon Loukidis, Artemis Panagiotou, Aristotelis Samprovalakis, Dimitris Statiris, Ioannis Vlachos, Aleksandra Zarani
structural study : Dedes – Roditis & Associates Engineers
mechanical study: Antonios Apergis
3D visualization: Katerina Iakovaki

status: permit
year: 2022 – 2023

The post villa V by aristides dallas emerges like tectonic plates from corfu’s rocky landscape appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

situated in a hilly suburb of limassol (lemesos), cyprus, ‘casa 55’ by aristides dallas architects draws from its site’s rocky conditions and vast, overarching views towards land and sea. marking the greek studio’s first international effort, the concrete residence develops through the overlapping of angles and the juxtaposition of triangular shapes. embracing the strict geometry of the site, the house is grounded in a natural limestone podium. part of the island’s existing landscape, this massive pedestal gets hollowed out to define indoor volume, resembling a modern cave.

images by katerina iakovaki architectural visualisation, all courtesy of aristides dallas architects

casa 55 emerges from the rocky landscape of cyprus

‘the design process has focused on conceptual clarity, atmospheric spatial experiences and sensorial materiality: it is a manifesto that embodies the core values of our practice,’ notes aristides dallas architects on the design of ‘casa 55’. the practice, with offices both in athens and tinos island, developed its first international project with attention to the unique characteristics of the surrounding terrain. the home features a series of overlapping angles and a field of view that spans 55 degrees (hence its name). slight rotations in the orientation allow each level to have a specific focus.

‘casa 55’ twists and turns to expose and maximize the potential views, developing an articulate spatial system.

spaces evolve constantly through the building: they are compressed and excavated, then airy and boundary-less.

the distinction between indoor and outdoor becomes immaterial and seamless, while an architectural promenade unravels all throughout the residence. a massive presence in the landscape, the natural limestone podium gets hollowed out to define interior spaces. at the same time, the expressive materiality of the concrete slabs and the slender pilotis contribute to enhance the floating quality of the structure.

casa 55 rests on a rocky landscape

the home’s natural limestone podium encloses interior spaces

the concrete slabs and slender pilotis enhance casa 55’s floating quality

spaces evolve constantly through the building

the residence develops through the overlapping of angles

project info:

name: casa 55

architect: aristides dallas architects | @aristidesdallasarchitects

design team: aristides dallas, katerina bali, thodoris sioutis, menelaos giannopoulos, anthony bakarat, yiannis vlaxos
structural study: emmanouil roditis, irini michail

location: limassol, cyprus

type: residential- urban

status: permit
year: 2021

3D visualisation: katerina iakovaki architectural visualisation

The post concrete slabs twist and turn to frame views in aristides dallas architects’ casa 55 in cyprus appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

all other images by panagiotis voymvakis unless stated otherwise

seeking for the minimum intervention possible in the overall landscape, aristides dallas architects has developed a contemporary yet critically traditional house that harmonically integrates a concrete cube with the existing stone mass. the residence takes its cues from the traditional architecture of the dovecotes of tinos – the fortress-like stone structures that can be found around the island. ‘the residence introduces a contemporary architectural vocabulary, in a harmonic mixture of the traditional and modernistic features of the greek countryside,’ explains the studio.image by evelyn foskolou

set between the existing old structure and the new one, the horizontal opening forms a point of cessation on the external envelope. it also develops a transparent zone, provides plenty of natural light for the spaces inside and frames views of the horizon. at the same time, a big square opening breaks out of the stone structure in front of the sitting-room. this opening operates as a screen which sets the view free while forming a small berm (outdoor sitting-room) at the yard. ‘this is the point of bonding the “inside” with the “outside”,’ says aristides dallas.image by george messaritakisimage by evelyn foskolou

image by george messaritakis

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project info:

name: a touch of new, triantaros

architect: aristides dallas architects

team: aristides dallas, konstantinos stathopoulos, katerina bali

structural engineer: theodoros chrisovergis

E/M engineer: evangelos tentis

construction: aegean construction

location: tinos, greece

The post aristides dallas architects adds concrete cube to the existing stonework of this greek house appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

‘volax is perhaps, the most “authentic” location in tinos; blatantly special and distinct, in a way that makes it, unique in cyclades – or even the world,’ explains aristides dallas architects. ‘so, designing a building as a continuation or a complementary part of the overall grand picture of volax, is a real challenge.’ each of the three volumes of the house has been freely set in the space, in an almost anarchic way, as if it has fallen from the sky. ‘in other words, as exactly it has happened to volax volcanic spherical rocks,’ adds the studio.

the concrete volume on the northern side of the residence creates a ‘limit’ that artificially protects the space from northern winds. the choice to use non-painted concrete makes the house seem also like a rock. on the other hand, when the colorful concrete aggregates emerge to the surface, it will be totally integrated with the landscape. at the same time, the volume’s oblong shape gives prominence to the surrounding rocks and enhances their sphericity.

the three volumes of the house enclose the main living functions, while a secluded open patio marks the center of the project. on the side of the patio, the hard envelope of the concrete volume is replaced with floor-to-ceiling glazing, allowing the interior to become one with the exterior. ‘in this way, the limitations of the “inside” and the “outside” become less and less apparent, while the interior space extends until the rock cluster, in the back of the land towards the village,’ aristides dallas concludes.

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project info:

name: a house between the rocks, volax

architect: aristides dallas architects

lead architect: aristides dallas

structural engineering: theodoros chrysovergis

E/M engineering: myron kinigalakis

construction: aegean construction

location: tinos, greece

The post aristides dallas architects sets three-volume house between the rocks of tinos island appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

video by mariana bisti

aristides dallas architects has drawn from the greek island’s landscape of cavities and ledges to develop the ‘lap pool house’ as a building that adapts to its surrounding topography. at the same time, the home remains distinctly apparent thanks to its materiality, which comprises mainly of concrete and makes the project appear like a crack at the natural terrain. the different areas of the residence balance between exposure and introversion depending on their function, while an elongated swimming pool introduces a sense of fluidity.

the linear swimming pool extends towards the edge of the hill where the house is located, adding a sense of fluidity to the rocky surroundings. the pool also functions to subtly divide the building in two, separating a bedroom suite from the rest of the house. a semi-outdoor terrace connects the two volumes, sheltered from the elements thanks to a single concrete slab that tops the entire building. only the two bedrooms extend beyond the roof, and receive ample natural light thanks to a series of skylights.

project info:

name: lap pool house

architect: aristides dallas architects

location: tinos, greece

team: aristides dallas, konstantinos stathopoulos, afroditi michail

structural engineer: theodoros chrysovergis, emmanouil roditis

E/M engineer: evangelos tentis

construction: aegean construction

The post aristides dallas architects inserts ‘lap pool house’ into the rugged landscape of tinos island appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.