The Atrium House
Blending Indoor with Outdoor Living
Private
Residential
270 m2
Nafpaktos, Greece
February 2024
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The Atrium House is an elegant family residence situated in the picturesque seaside town of Nafpaktos. Central to the design is a large, open atrium that serves as the heart of the home, providing a communal space where the family gathers throughout the year. This central atrium not only offers privacy from neighboring houses but also shields the interior from the prevalent strong winds in the area. It maximizes natural light and ventilation, ensuring that all areas of the house benefit from direct access to the property’s external spaces.
The first floor is notably recessed, creating a spacious terrace that offers panoramic views of the sea and surrounding mountains. This terrace, which features an outdoor kitchen, is accessible from both inside and outside the house, enhancing its usability and connection with the outdoors.
The surrounding garden is designed with a patchwork approach, organizing various outdoor spaces around the house. The central area includes the swimming pool, the atrium space, and the hard paving that links them. Additional external areas are either planted or covered with permeable paving, providing ample greenery around the property. On the northeast side of the plot, two hard-paved platforms serve distinct functions: one as a playground and the other as a barbecue area. The garage is also located on this side of the plot, keeping vehicles away from the main building and preserving the aesthetic harmony of the space.
Materiality throughout the house follows a cohesive minimalist approach, utilizing earthy tones and textures that complement the local context and architecture. On the ground floor, the same tiling material extends seamlessly from the interior to the exterior, facilitating smooth circulation, particularly during the summer months. Built-in furniture, including the kitchen, is crafted from oak wood, adding a warm and inviting touch to the home.
