5 modern houses in Greece impress with their modern design

Z House

In an olive grove at the northeastern tip of Corfu, the challenge of creating a residence with a strong natural character, was captured in a design that draws from the external environment and inspires with its simple lines.

The Z House offered the architect Maria Doxa the perfect "canvas" to "paint" a villa with the "colours" of the hills of Corfu and the Ionian Sea. Looking at the Z House from afar, it seems as if it is planted in the olive grove, in a friendly way and with absolute respect to the external environment. One of the first elements that impress the visitor is the swimming pool, its overflow seemingly located right on the edge of the hill, while looking at it from the inside it joins the blue of the Ionian Sea on the horizon.

Another element that is characteristic of the Z House is the particularly large sliding aluminium balcony doors of the first level, which give the sense of integration of the interior with the external environment and enhance to the maximum extent, both the natural lighting of the house and the unparalleled view to the sea. The interior of the house is dominated by simplicity and the straight lines offer the necessary sense of tranquility. Here the materials alternate in a harmonious way. From the sides of the concrete masonry of the upper floor to the scattered wooden surfaces, everything serves the original vision of minimalism and relaxation.

The Z House is a modern detached house that combines comfort with simplicity and modern design with the natural landscape. A high quality building designed with man and his interaction with nature at its core.

Residence in Chalandri

Minimal design, modern aesthetics and strictly straight lines, make up the image of this private residence in Chalandri, with the interior exuding peace and tranquility, achieved through austerity.

The house - architectural creation of the GEM Architects - seems to coexist between two characteristics. On the one hand, the cement plaster on the walls and ceiling in light grey, functions as a constant pattern of the whole construction and on the other hand, the set formed by the fireplace, the furniture and the fixtures in dark earthy tones, provide a sense of solidity, but with an abstract mood.

The overall picture is harmoniously complemented by the frames of simple and elegant aesthetics in the natural colour of anodised aluminium, which take advantage of the large openings and allow the unobstructed entry of natural light into the house. The result is a residence that radiates confidence through comfort and simplicity, while at the same time it manages to combine the urban atmosphere - a strong element of big cities - with an austere layout, without unnecessary additions.

Lap Pool House

The island of Tinos is characterised by its earthy colours, the use of stone and the sloping terrain. The Lap Pool House, a project of the architectural firm Aristides Dallas Architects, takes all the features of the island’s identity and incorporates them in its design.

The austerity that Tinos exudes is evident in the lines of the Lap Pool House, while the building draws inspiration from the rock formations of the external environment. Looking at the house from afar, it seems to blend into the natural landscape, while leaving the mark of the architect's vision. Three large concrete volumes are joined by the exposed concrete roof and the linear pool that protrudes from it catches the eye, visually extending the building towards the sea, like an informal dialogue between earth and water.

We are taken inside the Lap Pool House through the entrance situated in the recess formed by the rock at the highest point of the plot. The simple straight lines extend inside the building, while the concrete masonry of the exterior shell continues inside, creating a sense of continuity and cohesion. The impressively large openings allow light to diffuse freely in the space and the minimal design of the frames subtly underlines the sense of freedom that the building gives.

Olea House

The Olea House has been designed with one word in mind: harmony. The architectural office Façade placed great emphasis on highlighting this element, which is evident in every aspect of the house.

The key issue here was to blur the boundaries between the internal and external environment. This is perfectly achieved through the patio, the semi-open spaces and the impressive inner courtyard. The cement on the exterior surface of the building and the masonry is contrasted with the green spaces and brings balance.

The interior has been unified, with the living room, dining room and kitchen being integrated into a single space that offers functionality and comfort. The particularly large aluminium balcony doors enhance the entry of plenty of natural light into the space, while at the same time contributing to the sense of extroversion, lengthening the boundaries of the building outwards. The simple lines of the Olea House, serve the vision of quality living and highlight the value of the home as a unique oasis of tranquility and personal reflection for those who reside in it.

Penthouse in Maroussi

An apartment building of the 1990s in the northern suburbs of Athens, a rooftop apartment and the need for a total overhaul of the spaces are the main components of the project completed by the architect Eleftherios Ampatzis.

Everything starts from the abundant Athenian light and the wager was to configure the spaces so that it would flow unobstructed throughout the house. In the current design the house acquires the extroversion it needs and the spaces "talk" to each other (living room, dining room and kitchen are in an open space, with the kitchen counter giving a strong emphasis). Thus, several interior walls were demolished and the natural light that bathes the house due to its location can diffuse without obstruction.

The impressive wooden flooring dominates the entire area of the house, as if it embraces and warms the floor. In harmonious continuity with the wooden floor we find furniture - statements, many of which were designed by the architect himself: the bronze chandelier, the large glass globe in the living room's bronze dome, and the circular table - also made of copper - in front of the fireplace, all connected to support the general sense of relaxation and calm.

Finally, a special feature of the house is the unparalleled view of Penteli and Ymittos. The architectural design took advantage of this by showcasing the terrace - through the large openings with sliding doors - and the minimal balcony doors - to which all rooms without exception lead, but also with the use of mirrors that seem to transfer the external environment into the interior of the house through reflections.

Your home the way you want it

The five examples of homes above are a great opportunity to draw inspiration and design your new home. As you will see, the common thread of all the houses we have listed is the functionality of the spaces and the abundant natural light. In the former, both the architectural design and the square footage you have at your disposal play a major role.  In terms of light, it is important to focus on the window openings of the house and to emphasise the right choice of frames, which will allow light to pass unobstructed into the interior.