Greece

Category:       Vacation Homes
Year:           2023
Architects:     K-Studio
Design Team:    Dimitris Karampatakis, Marivenia Chiotopoulou, Christos Papachristodoulou, Anastasios Chaimalas, Vicky Souti, Adamantia Chelioti, Lina Kantere, and Daphne Dimopoulou
Client:        Private
Photographers: Studio Katrakis

KIKLIO is a private island retreat that blends home intimacy with resort luxuries. Located in the eastern Corinthian Gulf, the island features secluded coves, sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, and pools that make a stunning landscape for exploration and relaxation.

Understanding the island’s terrain was crucial in developing a respectful design for an iconic architectural experience that preserves the island’s ecological integrity. The built elements are efficient and minimally invasive. Structures use local materials like stone and rammed-earth, blending with the landscape and minimising visual impact.

KIKLIO features low-level, crafted buildings spread across the island to highlight its beauty and vantage points. Visitors arrive by boat, and following the road curves they are led to The House, the island’s largest structure.

Situated on the south hill’s peak, the House offers panoramic views. Stone walls and cantilevered roofs blend the building with its surroundings, providing shade without compromising views. Private bedrooms on the eastern side enjoy sunrise, while communal spaces on the western side offer stunning sunsets.

This radial design harmonises built spaces with the island’s terrain.

Within a diverse landscape of a rich ecosystem, the KIKLIO ethos is committed to sustainable regeneration and protection of flora and fauna. An organic garden will provide fresh produce and support composting, while retaining walls and rainwater collection will support plant growth and biodiversity.

KIKLIO aims to be Greece’s first zero-carbon emissions development, featuring a Solar Harvesting Garden and a Micro-Wind Energy Hub, a desalination plant and rainwater collection.

KIKLIO emphasises the seamless connection between internal and external spaces, integrating lessons from the past with the island’s natural environment to create a future-focused sanctuary. KIKLIO maintains a balance between nature, biodiversity, and carefully crafted structures, making it more than an exclusive destination—it becomes a sanctuary.