O Lofos, a residence that integrates to the mountain landscape in Greece

Block722 opens the doors of O Lofos, a residence located in Greece that blends with the mountainous landscape, harmoniously coexisting with the views and drawing inspiration from the region’s materials to create a unique refuge.

The O Lofos project, located on a hill between mountains and olive tree valleys, is the result of a deep connection with the landscape of Crete in Greece, inspired by its seasonal changes and its relationship with the natural environment. The design was guided by the vision of creating a house that respected and harmoniously integrated with its surroundings, taking advantage of the views of the sea, mountains, and valleys.

Vista de la piscina y área exterior / View of the pool and exterior area
Fotografía / Photography: Ana Santl

Architects Sotiris Tsergas, Katia Margaritoglou, and Francesca Balfoussia highlighted that the inspiration came from the natural beauty and changing scenery of the place, which included three landscape frames: the mountains in winter, the valleys in spring, and the sea in summer. This concept of integrating the landscape was reflected in the design, which avoids a monolithic structure, opting for several smaller volumes, creating a fluid experience between interior and exterior spaces.

Enmarcando el paisaje / Framing the landscape
Fotografía / Photography: Ana Santl

The clients, a non-Greek couple deeply in love with Crete, wanted a house that could provide comfort year-round, adapting to the varying weather conditions. Requests included a well-equipped kitchen, both indoor and outdoor, a heated seawater pool, home cinema, gym, and a billiard room. The main challenge of this project was to leverage the views without letting the sea dominate the experience, maintaining a balance between the different perspectives of the landscape.

The main architectural challenge was placing the house on an inclined terrain, which required distributing it over several levels to allow for smooth transitions between spaces. It was also important to ensure that each room had optimal views while respecting the topography and the natural landscape frames. The house design, though contemporary, was discreet and respectful of its surroundings.

The materials used were chosen to complement the landscape without overpowering it. Local stones and woods were employed, some treated to create subtle contrasts with the lighter tones of the surroundings. Dark woods, in particular, were used in details such as bespoke furniture, while stones were carefully worked by local craftsmen.

Materialidades / Materials
Fotografía / Photography: Ana Santl

A key aspect of the project was sustainability. The house was designed as a bioclimatic space, with efficient energy use, thick walls for thermal insulation, and a surrounding terrace garden with thousands of native plants. Additionally, natural heat was used to heat the water for the house.

Terraza en conexión con el entorno / Terrace in connection with the landscape
Fotografía / Photography: Ana Santl

Accessing the property, the house can be seen from different angles as one descends the paved path, surrounded by lavender and aromatic herbs. There are two main volumes placed high up, and others are one level below them around the perimeter. The materials used are similar to those existing on the plot, even extending the vegetation from the rock into the roof. This creates the impression of the house being submerged in the hill, blending harmoniously with the surroundings. At the end of the path, a large square leads to the main entrance. A set of steps brings you in front of the door, where the magical view between the two volumes of the house over a water feature and an olive tree floating in the space is revealed.

The materials used are similar to those existing on the plot, even extending the vegetation from the rock into the roof. This creates the impression of the house being submerged in the hill, blending harmoniously with the surroundings.

Adaptación al entorno / Adaptation to the environment
Fotografía / Photography: Ana Santl

The house is built in different levels, following the slope of the land. A central corridor connects all rooms of the house. To the left of the entrance is the master bedroom, and to the right are the living room, dining room, and kitchen in succession. Externally, leaving the living room, the swimming pool is one level below and progresses forward along the entire length of the house.

Habitación. Materialidades y remates visuales / Bedroom. Materials and visual terminations
Fotografía / Photography: Ana Santl

What sets this home apart is that the majority of elements were designed and manufactured specifically for the project. All constructions, both indoors and outdoors, the furniture, and the sculpture by Greek artist Pantelis Chandris incorporated into the living room wall, follow and evolve the original concept of the project.

Cocina / Kitchen
Fotografía / Photography: Ana Santl

Access to the plot is from the top of the hill, and the house is discovered as one walks down the paved path filled with lavender and aromatic herbs. Passing through a water path, you reach the main entrance. In the center of the house is a semi-enclosed area connecting the communal spaces to the master bedroom, offering a stunning view of the pool and a large floating olive tree.

Entrada principal / Main entrance
Fotografía / Photography: Ana Sant

The living area is arranged over three levels due to the uneven and steep landscape, offering intimate spaces with unobstructed ocean views. An impressive 2.8 x 1.5m sculpture by Greek artist Pantelis Chandris is installed on a wall in the center of the space. The kitchen is located on the north side with direct access to the outdoor breakfast area and a magnificent view of the imposing mountains of Thriptis. The master and guest bedrooms are located on the southeast side, providing panoramic views and the desired privacy for the owners and their guests.

Vista del contexto junto con mobiliario y materialidades / View of the context with furniture and materials
Fotografía / Photography: Ana Santl

The project involved the collaboration of skilled local craftsmen. The stonemason worked with great attention to symmetry and precision in creating the stone walls. Similarly, the local carpenter’s expertise in woodworking was crucial to the detailed construction of built-in and freestanding furniture. A traditional weaver applied her techniques to create unique woven elements using non-traditional materials such as paper and leather cords, combining different creative minds to achieve a unique result.