FIVE HOUSES AT PARNASSUS MOUNT, GREECE - Sustainable Architecture.Nominated for the European Union Prize, Mies Van Der Rohe Award 2013.
Architects : Roula
Kotsilati & Vangelis Hatzis
Position:
The project is set on Parnassus Mountain, the slopes of
which are the location of the largest SkiCenter of Greece.
The site is sloping and
is located in a natural stream bed, through
the firs and
with panoramic views to Livadi.
Approach:To create a contemporary building following a symbolic relationship
between architecture and landscape, with the use of natural materials and the
connection between living space and nature. The re-working of traditional forms, while remaining strongly rooted in a
particular local culture.
Concept:Each house follows an imaginary axis starting with the plot and direction
of the view of Livadi. Soil is ‘lifted’ to the view to form a lean roof that
shelters the functions of each
house.
Description
The design of each house is very simple. The structure rises three
levels and is capped off with a simple lean roof of asphaltic tiles, colored green to harmonize with the
landscape. The lower-ground level is the sleeping area, bathroom and sauna. Above
is the living room and kitchen, topped off with another open-plan bedroom.
The positioning of the houses to the site offers unobstructed views from
the inside through the large openings and allows large private gardens to offer
outdoor activities to their inhabitants.
Materials:
Construction is a combination of timber and concrete. All vertical walls
are made out
of poured in situ reinforced concrete. The two central wood columns support the
roof and the third floor, which are entirely timber structure. Externally the
lower floor is clad in orthogonal rough local stone plinths, in a non uniform
way. The
first and second floors are clad, on three elevations, in chestnut wooden boards,
chosen for its durability and low shrinkage. The north façade has no windows, to
offer privacy and protect from the winds, and is completely clad in local
stone. The upper sleeping area is entirely glazed to provide views out over the
treetops. The external doors and windows are made from special double-mass Swedish
timber, which is extremely durable and comes from renewable plantations.
The floors are lined in gnarled chestnut timber,sealed in plant-based oils and wax. The houses provide
a cozy retreat when the weather is bad. When it is good, each house opens up to
the landscape to bring in lightat all different levels.Sustainability and ecology in our design:
- Building Orientation: Each house follows a north-south axis. Use of large south openings, while north façade has no windows, to offer
privacy and protect from the winds.
- Internal space zoning: Service zones are placed towards north. Sleeping areas are half
inside the earth to take advantage of thermal inertia of the ground.
- Natural Ventilation:Adequate cross ventilationton eliminates moisture from
indoors. The double height ceiling and the entirely glazed top floor
improves stack effect ventilation.
- Natural lighting: The use of large windows at the south side of each building improves
lighting quality.
- Visual comfort: Close relationship
between architecture and landscape with the use of natural materials (wood
& stone),that are available
locally.
- Materials and thermal comfort: Wood
for external cladding chosen for its high thermal
capacity, durability and low shrinkage. Low-e openings, which are
extremely durable and come from renewable plantations.Timber flooringsealed in plant-based oils and wax.
- Insulation and moisture control:, use of wood products and
ecological insulation to moderate humidity. Ventilated façade insulation
system is used to control moisture and reduce the need for heating and
cooling.
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