The second chapter of our Summer House Series turns its attention to projects that reinterpret the identity of the contemporary Greek summer house.

Rather than pursuing spectacle, these residences demonstrate how thoughtful interventions, careful planning, and a deep respect for local traditions can redefine seasonal living.

Across the Cyclades and the Dodecanese, architects are responding to changing lifestyles while remaining rooted in the qualities that have long defined Mediterranean architecture: light, shade, natural materials, and an effortless connection between interior and exterior spaces.

Whether through the sensitive renovation of an existing home, the careful integration of large programs into fragile landscapes, or the creation of flexible living environments that respond to climate and place, each project offers a contemporary reading of regional architecture.

Together, these four houses reveal that innovation does not require abandoning tradition.

Instead, they show how architecture can evolve through restraint, craftsmanship, and a renewed appreciation for the landscapes that continue to shape life in the Greek islands.

The featured projects include three works by Argyro Pouliovali, who has been honored with the prestigious Europe 40 Under 40® Award from The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and the European Centre for Architecture, Art, Design, and Urban Studies.

Another featured project, created by Pantelis Kampouropoulos, has received a 2025 International Architecture Honourable Mention from The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design for its contribution to contemporary architectural excellence.

Papyrella – Argyro Pouliovali, ARP – Architecture Research Practice | Mykonos, Greece

Rather than replacing what already existed, Papyrella demonstrates the value of careful transformation.

Built around a 30-year-old summer house overlooking the Aegean, the renovation embraces the building’s layered history while introducing greater clarity and spatial coherence.

ARP approached the project through a strategy of architectural “acupuncture,” making a series of precise interventions that significantly improved both circulation and the relationship between interior and exterior spaces.

Small fragmented rooms were consolidated into larger, more generous living areas, while terraces were reorganized to create a stronger hierarchy of outdoor experiences.

Equally important was the preservation of the home’s original character. Traditional exterior render, timber ceilings, carved wooden doors, and locally sourced Pelion stone paving were retained wherever possible, complemented by terrazzo flooring and marble from Naxos and Penteli.

Fresh aqua-painted shutters add a subtle contemporary note without compromising the unmistakable Cycladic identity, resulting in a renovation that feels both timeless and renewed.

Avlakia House – Argyro Pouliovali, ARP – Architecture Research Practice | Antiparos, Greece

At first glance, Avlakia House appears remarkably modest. Hidden largely beneath the landscape, the residence demonstrates how architecture can accommodate an extensive program while maintaining a minimal visual presence.

Designed to include a main residence, guest accommodation, generous outdoor living areas, and supporting facilities, the project carefully balances built form with environmental preservation.

Emerging from a stone retaining wall, a sculptural white volume rises above the terrain, its proportions and rhythmic openings responding directly to the movement of the sun while evoking the simplicity of Cycladic architecture.

Traditional craftsmanship and contemporary sustainability work hand in hand throughout the project. Local stone, marble, and terrazzo celebrate regional construction techniques, while planted roofs, natural cross-ventilation, deep shading, and solar energy significantly reduce energy consumption.

The result is a house that feels deeply connected to both its cultural heritage and its natural surroundings.

APS House – Argyro Pouliovali, ARP – Architecture Research Practice | Antiparos, Greece

Designed as a home, studio, and artist residence, APS House explores how simple geometry can create rich spatial experiences.

Composed of five carefully proportioned square volumes arranged across two levels, the residence prioritizes openness, flexibility, and continuous engagement with the surrounding landscape.

Alternating courtyards and covered terraces establish a porous architectural composition that frames views toward Despotikon while protecting the privacy of everyday life. Rather than relying on elaborate forms, the project focuses on proportion, materiality, and the careful orchestration of light and movement between spaces.

Environmental responsibility is equally embedded within the design.

Solar energy, natural cross-ventilation, generous pergolas, and rainwater collection reduce the building’s environmental footprint, while the deliberate decision to omit a swimming pool responds thoughtfully to the growing issue of water scarcity in the Cyclades.

APS House illustrates how contemporary summer living can be both elegant and resource-conscious.

A Single House – Pantelis Kampouropoulos, PANK Architecture | Rhodes, Greece

Located within a residential neighborhood in Rhodes, A Single House demonstrates that the qualities of a successful summer home are equally relevant within an urban setting.

Rather than turning inward, the design carefully balances openness, privacy, and everyday family life.

The residence is organized into two distinct volumes, separating communal functions from the more private family spaces while maintaining constant visual and physical connections with the surrounding gardens.

 This arrangement creates a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living, allowing terraces, courtyards, and interior spaces to operate as a single continuous environment.

The street façade is deliberately restrained, providing privacy without disconnecting the house from its urban context.

Behind this calm exterior, generous openings and carefully planned circulation create bright, flexible interiors that encourage outdoor living throughout the year.

The project reflects a contemporary approach to domestic architecture where functionality, climate responsiveness, and spatial generosity combine to shape a home that feels both welcoming and enduring.