“Aura” stands for the intangible atmosphere, feeling, or unique energy a building possesses once it is given a new life.
A new life was given to this semi-detached building, located on a slope with extraordinary views towards the Aegean sea. All interventions were designed in strict accordance with the local design specifications and morphological constraints, paying respect to the island’s local traditional architecture. The new design adheres to those constraints, specifying parameters such as fenestration proportions, materials and textures. A sage green palette replaces the intense blue on all wooden features, aiming for a contemporary refresh that redefines the home through a minimalist, understated approach.
Τhe most substantial alteration focused on the vertical distribution of the plans. While the living spaces – living room and kitchen – were formerly positioned on the middle floor, flanked by bedrooms on the levels above and below, we redistributed the functions to create a direct flow between the enclosed living zones, the semi-covered spaces, and consequently the garden. This reflects our practice’s fundamental approach, in which interior, transitional, and exterior spaces should operate and appear as a cohesive ensemble. The second level houses two smaller bedrooms, while the master bedroom is positioned on the highest floor to take full advantage of its privileged location.
Outdoor elements (paving, pergola, furnishings) are subtly angled toward the open vista. A linear lap pool is integrated, tracing the shape of the plot. New xerophytic planting and gravel surfaces form a design response to the high solar exposure and the island’s drought-prone environment.