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House 1
Near Salmis, Cyprus
Cyprus has had one of the most complex
and multifaceted histories of all Hellenic nations. In designing
this house, the primary concerns were to allude to this historical
complexity and to provide a residence which was a combination
of home and workplace- much like some of the older farm-houses
on the island. To this end, the architects reinterpreted three
building typologies considered appropriate to the owner's lifestyle:
the stoa; the medieval or Byzantine house: and the traditional
Cypriot house (dihoro)- an evolution of the archetypal house
with a front portico and arches, which is itself perhaps an
adaptation of the stoa type. An attempt was made to synthesise
these three types into a harmonious cluster around an open courtyard.
The dihoro establishes a visual relationship with the coastline.
Its formal expression, with ramps leading to the roof, is reminiscent
of boats both ancient and modern. The six cylindrical skylights
over the living space and work space represent the six regions
of Cyprus and symbolise hope for the island's reunification.
Design collaborator:
Maria Georgiou |
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