Project: Prodromos and Desi Residence
Architects: Varda Studio
Location: Paphos, Cyprus
Area: 4,133 sq ft
Photographs by: Creative Photo Room
Prodromos and Desi Residence by Varda Studio
Varda Studio have designed a contemporary dwelling in the coastal city of Paphos in Cyprus. This three-story home is embedded within a steep incline that opens it up to stunning panoramic views. The building takes advantage of the site’s morphology having street access from its top level and spectacular views from the main living areas. The concrete structure also protects the residents’ privacy from the bottom.
The project site is located on a hillside with a steep drop down from road level. Aside from the challenge, the topography affords panoramic views to the sea.
The central concept is the configuration of spaces vertically, taking advantage of the morphology of the site for access, privacy and views. Car access and parking is from street level, with the house unraveling in three levels below, with privacy increasing towards the bottom.
The kitchen, living and dining spaces have access to a swimming pool and terrace, both of which cantilever out of the cliff to the horizon. Secondary functions like storage and bathrooms are located at the deepest part of the plan at each level.
The individual volumes of each storey, the parking, the verandas and the swimming pool are outlined clearly from below, whilst from the street the residence has a discreet presence of a single storey. The parking is covered but open, with vertical timber louvers for shading and security.
Looking at the residence from below, the form seems even more dramatic thanks to the extensive use of fair-face concrete. Large concrete building volumes appear to float from the hill side, creating an unexpected composition that appears to defy gravity.
