Float n’ flow, residence in Sivota, Lefkada

The 200m2 summer residence overlooks a verdant and very steep slope of Sivota bay in Lefkada.

It is being developed in two levels, with the flow moving from top to bottom. The upper level includes the entrance and the main residence, while the vertical motion transfers us to the guest rooms and the pool along with the external living areas.

After observing the property and the surrounding areas, we identify that the land is developed almost vertically towards the sea, offering an unobstructed view. As a result, the horizon and the special topography led us to explore the notions of floating and integration.

These two notions are being answered individually and distinctively on the two levels of the residence, with regard to the motion axis and the design style that they follow. Additionally, we researched for the intercept, where these two approaches meet and converge towards one harmonious whole.

Starting from the bottom towards up, we notice the guest rooms area. Their organic shape, on a interior and exterior floor plan level, aligns with the land’s curves following their flow, while the extensive use of the local stone contributes to the harmonious integration with the ground.  Additionally, it acts as a “base”, receiving and supporting the white volume of the main residence.

This strict orthogonal shape makes it look like it floats above the planted hill, offering a 360 view towards the horizon. The meeting point of these two operations is being created through the higher white volume. The π shaped volume, in the entrance area, has a two fold meaning: It creates a visual escape through its transparency, and allows the ground to flow, reaching the lower level through the patio. It is becoming a commonplace, as it visually and functionally connects the two levels of the building, through the metallic external staircase.

These two different approaches of floating and integrating, meet and complete one another, coexisting in a single architectural whole.

Project: Residence

Project type:  New building

Location: Sivota, Lefkada

Interior area: 200 m2

Exterior area: 3200 m2

Year of study: 2021

Estimated year of construction: under construction

Architectural Study: Parti Architecture

Structural design: Arcons development

Mechanical study: Arcons development

Construction: Arcons development

Exterior design and lighting: Parti Architecture

Editing and architectural rendering: Parti Architecture

Float n’ flow, residence in Sivota, Lefkada, sketch

The horizon and the special topography led us to explore the notions of floating and integration. These two notions are being answered individually and distinctively on the two levels of the residence, with regard to the motion axis and the design style that they follow. Additionally, we researched for the intercept, where these two approaches meet and converge towards one harmonious whole.

PLANS
  • Float n’ flow, residence in Sivota, Lefkada, plan, guest rooms level
  • Float n’ flow, residence in Sivota, Lefkada, plan, main house level
  • Float n’ flow, residence in Sivota, Lefkada, masterplan