Project: Plane House
Architects: K-Studio
Location: Skiathos, Greece
Photographs by: Yiorgos Kordakis
Plane House by K-Studio in Skiathos, Greece
K-Studio have designed the Plane House, a summer home built on the island of Skiathos in Greece. The design of this residence aims to take advantage of the typical Greek summer by merging the internal and external spaces while at the same time keeping the impacts to the surrounding landscape to a minimum.
The name of the Plane House comes from the horizontal planes that have been inserted into the slope in order to avoid block volumes that split and dominate the space. These planes provide areas for sunbathing, sleeping and eating as well as cooling and shading the space beneath them. But one of the most beautiful feature of the plane design is the 270-degree view over the coastline that they provide.
From the architects: “Summer in the Greek islands is all about being outside. The aim of the Plane House is to merge internal and external space, maximising the benefits of both and minimising the impact on the surrounding landscape.
To avoid block volumes that split and dominate space, horizontal planes are inserted into the slope, immediately providing levels for sunbathing, sleeping and eating, as well as vast, open area of shade. They cool and shade the space beneath whilst allowing the flow of sunlight and maintaining the stunning 270 degree view over the coastline. Space between the planes is defined by various flexible panels and glazed screens. Designated cooking, eating and relaxation zones are offset from each other to provide cosiness without sacrificing openness.”
“The pool is strategically placed to enjoy the view but also to create a cooling breeze over the terrace and into the house as the north wind flows uphill and over its surface. Photovoltaic panels power the pool mechanics and grey-water is recycled and used for irrigation, toilet flushing and fire extinguishing. The landscape is respected and continues over the green roof plane, creeps up along the site boundaries and penetrates vertically through the roof as existing trees stand in the space, undisturbed. “
