Marmari House is a great exempt of simplistic design that respects the environment and the existing topography and structure. 

The house overlooks the southern Evian Sea, while being set up on an extremely slopping plot. 

It is impressive that, the existing landscape remains predominantly intact with minor interventions being only the stone low walls, which create internal pathways, acting as the primary circulation system, with ulterior purpose of maintaining the existing topography.

The existing building and the surrounding stone enclosure in the plot balance harmonically with the surrounding landscape.

The reconstruction of the existing building occurs with respect to the original structure. The wooden ceilings and walls grouting are maintained, giving emphasis to the terrain. Openings are modified, in order to accommodate new functions.

Meanwhile, a white box was re-designed, almost like a foreign object, that “lands” on the landscape and balances on the edge, the steepest point of the site, creating a characteristic hovering. The white box accommodates daytime functions in an open-plan space with living, dining areas and the kitchen. 

They are all housed in a single space that is defined through the three large openings. The openings are strictly arranged with respect to the views of the sea, the mountain and, more emphatically, the settlement, which leads to the most active scenery, the port. 

The main access and connection between the old and the new buildings take place through a link. A glass and metal perforated, neck, which plays the role of a gray zone. Its purpose is to make the connection of the past and the present almost invisible.

Arhitecture Design | Gkotsis Serafeimidou Architects

Photography | George Messaritakis

Location | Evia – Greece