EVIA_THE THREAD: A Sustainable Countryside House in Euboea
Gem Architects, a leading Greek design firm, has recently completed EVIA_THE THREAD, a captivating single-story country house in the picturesque region of Euboea, Greece. This 2022 project showcases a harmonious blend of modern architecture and the surrounding natural landscape, featuring 7 master bedrooms, an open-plan living room and kitchen, outdoor spaces, and a serene swimming pool.
About EVIA_THE THREAD
Nestled in the picturesque Euboea, Greece, Gem Architects presents a captivating single-story country house, EVIA_THE THREAD. Designed in 2022, this remarkable property boasts 7 master bedrooms, an open-plan living room and kitchen, and a refreshing swimming pool, all seamlessly integrated with the surrounding olive grove.
Embracing the Contours of the Land
Strategically positioned on the plot, the house follows the contour lines, preserving the existing olive trees and ensuring breathtaking views of the horizon. This thoughtful placement allows the dwelling to seamlessly blend with the natural landscape, creating a harmonious balance between the built and the natural environments.
Threads and Knots: The Essence of Design
The central design concept is inspired by the form of a thread and its various “knots” along the way. The linear arrangement of the building volumes incorporates the surrounding space, forming small courtyards with a protected microclimate. This sinuous yet axial placement echoes the winding nature of a thread, creating a unique and visually captivating experience.
Adapting to the Terrain
The house’s four levels are meticulously designed to seamlessly integrate with the natural terrain. The different levels of the interior space adapt to the contours of the land, ensuring a harmonious relationship between the built structure and the natural environment. This approach mitigates the potential contrast between the house’s scale and the surrounding landscape, creating a cohesive and visually appealing composition.
Spaces for Living and Relaxation
The first level of the house features the main living spaces, including a living room, dining room, and kitchen, as well as two bedrooms. The next two levels, connected by small interior staircases, house an additional 4 bedrooms, while a fifth bedroom is located in an independent space with a separate entrance from the courtyard. The lower level boasts a courtyard with a swimming pool, along with a covered area for relaxation.
Materiality and Connectivity
The architectural vocabulary of EVIA_THE THREAD embraces natural materials in their primary form. The white volumes alternate with stone, and wooden pergolas add warmth and texture to the composition. The boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces are blurred, as the living room’s sliding frame seamlessly integrates with the surrounding walls, creating a seamless flow between the interior and the exterior.
Connecting with the Horizon
Strategically positioned on the plot, the overflow swimming pool on the southern edge of the courtyard creates a visual continuity with the blue hues of the sea, offering a captivating connection between the built environment and the distant horizon.
EVIA_THE THREAD is a testament to Gem Architects’ exceptional design prowess, where the interplay of natural materials, thoughtful integration with the terrain, and a unique linear narrative come together to create a truly exceptional country house in the heart of Euboea, Greece.
Photography by Costas Vergas
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