Summer Residence in Imerovigli by Kapsimalis Architects
Cycladic Cool
Summer is in full swing and our thoughts turn to holidays. What better place is there to enjoy the sun than in a pristine villa perched on the cliffs of Santorini, with stunning views of the sparkling sea and multiple plunge pools to temper the blistering heat? Santorini-based Kapsimalis Architects has created just such a villa.
The architects combined their intimate understanding of the local vernacular and a cool, contemporary aesthetic to create a house full of visual interest. The house is carved into the steep cliffs with womb-like rooms on multiple levels linked by sculptural staircases. The juxtaposition of the curved walls and arched ceilings against the straight angles of the stairs, platforms and windows create internal vistas every bit as captivating as the extraordinary views outside. The rooms are sparsely furnished, but the carefully chosen pieces all make strong sculptural statements with their geometric shapes and bright colours against the white-washed walls and floors.
It may be hard to believe but this is a holiday residence where you may be tempted to spend as much time indoors as outside.
Links
Product Inspiration
Furnish minimalist spaces with bold geometrical shapes to create strong visual statements. Try the Rift sofa from Moroso, Nest bar stool from Missana and the Side Table B from BD Barcelona Design.
Keep lighting low and subdued with the Ray wall lamp from Mater, the Core table lamp from New Works and the Carrie portable LED light from Menu for the outdoor spaces.
Use accessories to add splashes of colour and visual interest. Try the Heirloom vase from Moustache, the Echasse bowl fromMenu and the Blockwork desk organiser from Lyon Beton.
Also in Architecture
Kamikatsu Zero Waste Centre by Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP
Sustainable design is all the rage, but it is rare to see projects which embrace sustainability as whole heartedly as the Kamikatsu Zero Waste Centre. Perhaps that's because what is at stake here is not just environmental credentials.
Villa B by Powerhouse Company and Liaigre
Prestige and wealth often go hand in hand with ostentations displays, but true class is best conveyed with utmost discretion. A case in point is Villa B, designed by the architects at Powerhouse Company and interior designers at Liaigre.
Federal House by Edition Office
Black has been regarded as the colour of choice for style-makers and design aficionados alike but few architects have dared to design an entirely black home. As this rather cool house shows, they have nothing to fear and a lot of serenity to gain.