Residential House Viglostasi by block722 on Syros, Greece

Project: Viglostasi Residence Architects: block722 Location: Syros, Greece Area: 5,381 sq ft Year: 2023 Photography: Ana Santl, George Pappas

Residential House Viglostasi by block722

We present the residential house Viglostasi – an engaging blend of temporal traditions and modern elegance, located on the stunning Cycladic island of Syros, Greece. Created by the creative forces of the architecture studio Block722 from Athens, this private vacation home recreates the charm of a cozy Aegean village rising above the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The total area is 500 sq m, and the house represents an artful combination of low rectangular volumes carefully arranged around tranquil gardens and terraces. The architecture combines interior and exterior spaces, offering panoramic views from all directions. The blend of natural materials, minimalist forms, and soft luxurious style makes the residential house Viglostasi a cozy haven where one can enjoy tranquility and admire the beauty of the Greek landscape.

From a distance, the residential house Viglostasi resembles a traditional island settlement rising on rocky slopes above the Mediterranean Sea. However, it is a private vacation home hidden in a secluded natural area of the Cycladic island of Syros. Its creators, the architecture studio Block722 from Athens, created a unique character for the house inspired by the typology of small Aegean villages – minimalist configurations of low volumes, often located on slopes and oriented towards the sea.

The project was commissioned by a family of four who were looking to build their dream home on Syros after exploring different islands and drawing inspiration from previous Block722 projects on Syros – the residential complex Syros I and Syros II.

The client brief called for a house inspired by simple forms of Greek village architecture. This fully aligned with Block722's signature style – unpretentious, soft architecture, minimalist forms, natural materials, and a neutral palette. The family also wanted a spacious yet modest and peaceful place for living, guests, and relaxation, maximizing the slow inward/outward-oriented style of the island.

The result was a complex of low rectangular volumes totaling 500 sq m, arranged around a network of paths connecting enclosed spaces and various terraces, gardens, and patios on the site. The main house includes a master bedroom and a second bedroom, as well as a spacious open living area. Two guest bedrooms provide additional sleeping areas linked to the main house through shared amenities and views. The central external 'square' unites all elements and serves as the core of movement, leading to a 25-meter infinity pool with an endless edge and a relaxation terrace at the lower end of the plot. It offers unobstructed views to the horizon, while beneath it lies a sports area and a yoga terrace ensuring privacy for physical activities and meditation.

Distribution of the house across different levels allows it to cope with the steep slope of the plot. This also provides views of the panorama from almost any point. The spacing between the low stone, wooden, and stucco volumes makes the complex harmonious with the overall Greek landscape. Light, nature-inspired color tones, floors from terracotta Palladino, traditional blinds and palmettes, a garden of local plant species, and a green roof enhance this feeling.

At the same time, a soft luxury is felt. This is achieved not only by the spaciousness of space but also by unique details (such as furniture) and materials used, including Olympus marble, travertine, bamboo, and oak.

All of this perfectly matches the client's vision of a house reminiscent of traditional Aegean structures, offering various views, sensations, and qualities of space for play and pleasure. It maximizes the significant size of the plot, ensuring a smooth blend of interior and exterior spaces, creating spatial narratives and framing views along the way; ultimately leading to a private beach for personal swimming and yacht parking.

–block722