Kalamia, Corinth, Greece

Athens-based Ivana Lukovic designs a rural, stone house in Peloponnese following the local architectural norms and using local materials, to create a relaxing home for a family of five.

The plot is located in the small village of Kalamia, near Corinth, within an olive grove, overlooking the Gulf of Corinth.

The morphology of the place — the slope with its 6m height difference from the top to the bottom, led to the decision of creating the house with a humble, stone stable-like appearance from the street side that discreetly fits into the neighborhood, while developing into the prominent, two levels construction from the garden.

Entrance level is approached by a ramp and represents a public area of the building.

It relates through the large openings to the outdoor observation platform suitable for stargazing and experiencing distant views of the sea.

Additional openings were created on the roof, South-West, and North-East side of the building to improve natural light and ventilation. Communication with the garden is established by a cantilevered, concrete staircase.

At the lower level, slab perforations in the interior corridor create a cave-like atmosphere of a private area.

Bedrooms and guest suite, along with bathrooms suggest the monastic feel of the space, thanks to the basic, bespoke furnishing.

Direct garden access from these places is enabled by two courtyards that have the role of contemplation places.

Natural materials, like a reclaimed local stone that was supplemented with new, cement mortar and washed wood are inspired by the industrial feel of the traditional stone stables characteristic of the Peloponnese rural area.

Applied in a contemporary manner, together with natural light they are contributing to the richness of textures.

It is important to emphasize that the entire 140m2 of habitable, custom-made space, is built with restricted means, without compromising the initial architectural proposal.

Built according to contemporary sustainable standards and located in a healthy environment, this house has been playing a major role in the 2020 pandemic situation, providing its inhabitants both safety and comfort.

Project: Peloponnese Rural House
Architects: Ivana Lucovic Architectural Studio
Photographers: Athina Souli