Stone house – Greece
The residential home Monolith House, consists of two stone houses, is organised around two towers, placed in the plot so as to also allow a dynamic arrangement of the outdoor spaces and the entrances to the houses, and to define additional outdoor spaces. The modern tower-houses are designed to be in close connection with the natural landscape – just as is the case with the traditional Greek Mani architecture, which became an integral part of the place that gave birth to it.
Designed by Desypri & Misiaris Architects, the main composition is expressed in the form of the towers, their extensions which make up the rest of the complex do not exist independently within the plot, but rather are brought together into a whole – echoing the established architectural forms of the region, but in so doing also providing a modern interpretation of those same traditional typologies.
The houses are designed so that one can live ‘inside’ and ‘outside’, with equally dynamic spaces provided both indoors and outdoors.
Pergolas, secluded corners for quiet and meditation, living spaces, infinity pools blurring the boundaries of the horizon and the sky – all combine to create the external backdrop for the houses themselves.
The interior follows the architectural line of the two buildings, inspired by the simple tradition, the imposing landscape of Mani, as well as the materials found on this land. The purpose was to create, inside the stone volumes, spaces that give a warm character with a positive sense of hospitality, which always reminds you that you are “there”, in this place. To feel part of a different Doric life. Most of the furniture was designed exclusively by Interior Design Laboratorium, emphasising the sense of uniqueness and a timeless design line that aims to bring the landscape into dialogue with the design. The forms were kept simple and all the custom designed furniture bear references to a simplified classicism.
