Hug House

The residence with its guesthouse are developed on a land plot within a settlement, on the outskirts of the city of Kos.  The lack of a view, the contact with a busy street and the proximity to a monastery, led to an introvert building development and to the creation of an inner yard with the swimming pool where the entire private life unfolds, shielded, and protected by the surrounding buildings and the greenery. 

The external facades of the buildings have limited openings, while the internal ones have large, continuous glass panes unifying the inside to the outside space. The simple, modern frame converses and collaborates with the stone walls made of local stone, relating to the traditional houses of the region. The all-day relaxation zone in the main residence and the sleeping zone are vertically developed to each other. They constitute distinct volumes in terms of space, function, and form. They are articulated through the lower connecting volume of α corridor. The communal spaces feature a visual and functional continuity with the garden and the swimming pool, while abundant sheltered spaces offer protection from weather conditions. The guesthouse runs vertically to the main residence. The three volumes, all day areas, sleeping zone and guesthouse, define the private outdoor space with the pool which simultaneously they are unified by. Plant species are mainly indigenous Mediterranean. The pre-existing cypresses tree line, along the border with the monastery, has been further enhanced and the citrus orchard has been preserved and further enriched. Oleanders ensure privacy along the street border. Olive trees and cypresses have been planted between aromatic herbs; mulberries on the grass will provide shade and a carob tree will run through the veranda slab opening. The entrance is surrounded by blossom-bearing and exotic plants. The frangipani with its mind-blowing scent, is a memory and a connection with the owner’s childhood house.

Architect: Mastrominas Architecture