Notre Ntam' - Lesvos residences

This project is located on the south-western side of the island of Lesvos, on an agricultural greenfield site amongst the olive groves.

The only structures of the area are small agricultural buildings - ntam''. Topographically, the 3.5hectare seaside plot is on an incline and planted with 300 olive trees.

The basic issues of the design were incorporating the residences in the topography of the landscape; low-impact accessibility; developing a dialectic between the two buildings; making use of the unconfined view; incorporating bioclimatic elements; and using natural materials. The design was intended to re-interpret local vernacular references, drawn from from early industrial and rural buildings located in the area. The dominant theme was how to handle an exceptional site with favourable conditions in difficult times.

The residences were situated with an eye to incorporating them in the hillside, placing them below the level of the skyline, in the olive grove, leaving the landscape that surrounds them intact. Of the 3.5 hectares that comprise the plot, 600 sq.m. were covered by hard materials, while the remaining land was left covered by earth, and the old olive grove terraces were recorded and repaired. The residences were placed parallel to the elevation contour lines, between the end of the olive grove and the start of the seaside terrain, functioning as a passage from the land to the sea. Both buildings were designed using the same design principles and comprise variations on a theme, being respectively 150sq.m. and 250sq.m. builds. The two buildings are connected at the level of the roofs, which constitute a conceptual continuity, following the shape of the hill on a lower level. Maintaining the interior and exterior spaces at the same level fosters a sense of cohesion and flow, while also allowing access for the handicapped, who have access to all areas.

The weight-bearing structure is metal and the filling materials stone and light wall-building with external insulation façade. Local materials were used, including Polychnitos stone and natural earths to colour the cement on the roof and the roads.