Header: @NAARO – Marcela Spadaro
Lefkada, an island in the Ionian Sea, is not only one of the most beautiful pieces of land in Greece but also a difficult spot for architects to leave their mark. LASSA Architects faced this challenge head-on with their latest project: a family retreat that would become one with the island, all while being surrounded by the most Greek olive trees of all.
The brief
The family who commissioned the house wanted a home that wouldn’t just sit on the landscape but become a part of it, which led the designers to embed portions of the structure into the hillside, reducing the visual impact when looking at it from the sea. The house is comprised of two levels, which follow the natural curve of the mountain and are ingeniously positioned to lessen the overall elevation, blending the house more naturally into its surroundings.
Take the journey inside
Upon entering the home, the design immediately directs your attention outward, towards the ravine and the sea. The interior layout is a journey in itself, with curved lines and paths that invite you to explore the space. One of the coolest features is the elliptical concrete beam that delineates the communal areas of the house, an element that not only provides structural integrity but also creates a division between different functional spaces.
On the upper floor, the family can find their most intimate spaces, the bedrooms, which give them privacy but also the best views of the landscape. The living room and kitchen envisioned as a pavilion, are huge and open on all sides. This openness has two purposes: unobstructed views and natural ventilation. The courtyard is a secluded, shaded garden space framed by beautiful views of the mountain and sky. The elliptical roof, punctuated by two oculi, is surrounded by ancient olive trees. To top it all off, the designers added a column-less pergola that extends the shaded living space outdoors, offering the residents incredible views of the sea on a silver plate.
Colour plays a crucial role in the house’s integration with the landscape, as a palette of neutral tones, alongside various shades of blue, grey, and green, helps the structure blend with its environment. The surrounding garden is dressed in a curated blend of native coastal vegetation, boasting wild olive trees, shrubs, and small aromatic gardens that create a unique sensory experience.
