GAIA
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GAIA
RESIDENCE IN MEGANISI, LEFKASGaia (n.) Γαῖα (Gaia Ancient Greek: [ɡâi̯.a] or [ɡâj.ja]), earth as a goddess, from Greek Gaia, spouse of Uranus, mother of the Titans.
In ancient Greek mythology, Gaia represents the Earth, embodying the nurturing spirit and interconnectedness of all life. This primordial goddess symbolizes not only the physical realm but also the intrinsic relationship between humanity and nature.
Inspired by this idea, our project “Gaia” Residence, designed to blend harmoniously within its context, aims to establish a dialogue between built and natural environment. The warm terracotta tones of the building resonate with the landscape, creating a space that evokes the feeling of being cradled within the earth, as if carved from the land itself.
Meganisi Island, known for its vibrant landscapes and pristine waters, provided the perfect setting for our project "Gaia". Perched atop a ridge and surrounded by century-old olive trees, the residence offers a serene retreat with expansive views of the Ionian Sea and Pindos Mountain range. Originally conceived by Nomen Architects, this two-storey villa underwent a complete transformation, preserving only its concrete structure.
Responding to the irregular geometry of the building, defined by tangent rectangles, the design introduces an extensive wooden pergola, that serves as a unifying element, a feature that evokes the sense of an expansive canopy floating above a podium, rising from the earth.
Despite the seemingly contradictory character of the chosen materials against the lush green backdrop, the villa exudes a warm and inviting ambiance. Terracotta hues and rustic textures - handmade terrazzo, marble, and wood - uniformly applied to walls, floors, and ceilings, come together to establish an ideal environment for a summer residence.
The villa features five distinct bedrooms, large seating and dining areas and a hammam, seamlessly blending private sanctuaries with shared living spaces. Nestled in the embrace of nature, the exterior space, spread across three levels, integrates with the topography. Its focal point lies in the middle tier, where the swimming pool, remote yet inviting, connects the upper and lower levels. Surrounded by vibrant greenery, the upper-level offers occupants panoramic views of the Elia peninsula, while the lower level, cradled by the terrain, offers a secluded retreat.
Named after the Earth goddess Gaia, this residence is designed to foster a deep connection between its occupants and the natural environment. The project seeks to renegotiate the traditional notions of luxury, embracing a philosophy grounded in the use of raw materials and simplicity, engaging in a subtle dialogue with its surroundings.
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Location: Meganisi, Lefkas
Status: Completed, 2023Ateno Team:
Elias Theodorakis, Yiorgos FiorentinosCollaborators:
Architect: Spiros Giotakis
Structural Engineer & Supervisor: Angelos Kourtis
MEP Engineer: Ioannis Mavrokefalos
Contractor: My Ionian Group
Photographer:
Yiorgis YerolymbosClient: Polydeykis S.A.
Informal views on structure & form
