Sara's House | Manser Practice | Corfu, Greece

Private seaside sanctuary in Corfu's olive hills

Situated 1000 feet above Corfu's northern coast, Sara's House by Manser Practice is a tranquil and independent retreat designed to harmonize with its rocky slope. Surrounded by mature olive groves and overlooking the Ionian Sea, this four-bedroom house combines architectural modesty, ecological awareness and Mediterranean warmth, creating a timeless sanctuary in nature.

Grounded in the local landscape and constructed from materials quarried on-site, the house emphasizes simplicity and self-sufficiency. Every design decision reflects deep respect for context—climate, topography and traditions—resulting in a distinctive home that is both contemporary and authentically Greek.

Site and architectural integration

The house is carved directly into the hillside, following natural contours. Its olive wood and Corfu stone cladding, quarried right on-site, visually and materially connects the structure to its environment.

All living spaces face south, offering panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and Albanian coastline. Spacious openings connect interior space with shaded terraces, extending living areas outdoors and allowing fresh air to flow freely through naturally cooled interiors.

This flawless connection between architecture and landscape transforms the house into part of the slope rather than a statement on it.

Design strategy and passive cooling

In the Mediterranean climate where summer temperatures often exceed 40°C, passive design was the main priority. Rather than mechanical cooling, Sara's House relies on natural systems:

• Thick stone walls act as thermal mass, absorbing coolness during the day and releasing it at night.

• Polished concrete floors provide a cool surface underfoot.

• Green roof protects the structure from heat, reducing thermal gain and visually connecting the house to surrounding olive groves.

The roof is also designed for rainwater collection, channeling water into an 80-ton reservoir that supplies most of the house's water needs.

Large openings positioned opposite each other enhance cross-ventilation, drawing cool air from the pool and shaded terraces through internal spaces.

Sustainability and self-sufficiency

Building on a remote hilly terrain required a holistic approach to resource management. The house is designed to meet almost all of its energy and water needs on-site:

• Solar water heaters and photovoltaic panels supply approximately 90% of total energy needs.

• Air-source heat pumps complement energy production, with excess power fed back into the grid.

• Reverse osmosis system provides clean drinking water, reducing plastic bottle dependency.

• Vegetable garden supplies fresh produce, while pruned olive branches serve as firewood for the open fireplace in winter.

These sustainable interventions work seamlessly, maintaining comfort with minimal environmental impact.

Material character and atmosphere

Inside, Sara's House embodies tactile simplicity. Exposed stone, olive wood and concrete surfaces form a natural color palette that complements the rocky surroundings. The interplay of light and shadow across these textures creates an atmosphere of calm and authenticity—modern yet deeply rooted in local traditions.

Every view is intentional: sea, sky and olive trees are constant companions in daily life. The result is a house that feels elemental, timeless and completely attuned to its location.

Sara's House by Manser Practice demonstrates the harmony of architecture, landscape and sustainability. Through local materials, passive design and off-grid technologies it shows how modern living can coexist with nature.

Minimalist, efficient and poetic in its modesty, the house offers a model of contemporary Mediterranean architecture—a sanctuary where luxury lies in light, air and the rhythm of earth itself.

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