Prodromos and Desi Residence by Vardastudio Architects and Designers in Paphos, Cyprus

Project: Prodromos and Desi Residence
Architects: Vardastudio Architects and Designers
Location: Paphos, Cyprus
Area: 4133 sq ft
Photos by: Creative Photo Room

Prodromos and Desi Residence by Vardastudio Architects and Designers

The Prodromos and Desi Residence, designed by Vardastudio Architects and Designers, is an impressive three-level house located on a hillside in Paphos, Cyprus. With four bedrooms and spacious living areas, this residence is a true architectural marvel that uses its unique terrain to provide breathtaking sea views.

The central design concept focuses on vertical spatial organization, maximizing the site's morphology for access, privacy, and views. The kitchen, living room, and dining area all open to a projecting pool and terrace that extends over the cliff edge, offering continuous horizon views.

The use of smooth concrete creates an unexpected composition that appears to defy gravity, with large concrete volumes seemingly floating from the hillside. The residence is partially built into the earth, using the soil for internal insulation and improving the building's ecological efficiency.

With high-quality construction and energy-efficient systems, the Prodromos and Desi Residence is a testament to the potential of sustainable modern architecture.

A three-story house with four bedrooms, entrance on the top level. Car access is from street level, and parking area is located at the upper level, enclosed by vertical louvers. Overhanging terraces and pool overlook the southern view.

The project site is located on a hillside with a sharp drop from street level. While this presents challenges, the topography provides panoramic sea views.

The central concept is vertical spatial organization, using site morphology for access, privacy and views. Access and car parking are on street level; the house unfolds across three levels below, with privacy increasing toward lower levels.

The kitchen, living room and dining area have access to the pool and terrace, both projecting over the cliff edge. Auxiliary functions such as storage and bathrooms are located at the deepest level of each floor plan.

Distinct volumes for each floor, parking, terraces and pool are clearly defined from below, while the facade facing the street presents a subtle one-story building presence. The parking is covered but open, with vertical wooden louvers for shading and security.

Viewed from below, the form appears even more dramatic due to extensive use of smooth concrete. Large concrete volumes seem to float from the hillside, creating an unexpected composition that appears to defy gravity.

The building is partially integrated into the earth, using soil for further internal insulation. Thermal mass from the slope means the house stays cool in summer and warm in winter. Large south-facing windows were essential for maximum views, while the use of louvers and eaves controls passive solar heat according to season.

The building envelope is constructed and insulated at a high level to improve the ecological efficiency of the structure, and all active systems including lighting and appliances were selected for their efficiency.

–Vardastudio Architects and Designers