Askianos

Single Family House for Kokosalaki | Architecture

Askianos was intended as a family home for summer holidays on the Greek island of Crete. Research into local history and architectural language, along with meticulous site analysis allowed for the project to be developed for its context. A main staircase splits the volumes in two and leads the eye to the mediterranean sea and the summer sunset. Materials and elements of Cretan vernacular architecture meet minimal design, integrating the home into the landscape, and welcoming both indoor and outdoor living.

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Askianos by Natalia Kokosalaki

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Single Family House by Natalia Kokosalaki

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Natalia Kokosalaki Askianos

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Natalia Kokosalaki Single Family House

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Askianos Single Family House Press Releases

Press resources for Askianos are offered in several languages: English.

Askianos Single Family House Media Articles

Ready-to-feature articles on Askianos are available in these languages: Hindi, Chinese (Mandarin), English, Turkish, Arabic (Standard), Korean, Indonesian, Japanese, Russian, Italian, French, Portuguese, Spanish, German and Dutch, for your convenience.

Unique Properties

Askianos was designed for a family to use as a summer house in southern Crete. The home is split into two volumes by a staircase leading the view towards the summer sunset over the sea, whilst the masses are embedded into the landscape. Traditional elements and materials of Cretan architecture come together with clean minimal design, blending the building with the landscape, inviting both indoor and outdoor living.

Tags

Summer house, Crete, Greece, Traditional, Minimal, Slow living

Production Technology

Environmental and site analysis dictated the orientation of the house in relationship to the prime views and the position of the sun. Local stone and ocher were used in the construction, and all built in furniture was built by local craftsmen. In keeping with the traditional Cretan architecture the windows, doors, and shutters are all made of wood.

Design Challenge

Integrating the design into a small plot of land and respecting the natural topology, especially a large rock face on the side of the hill, which, by law, was considered a local landmark that had to remain untouched. From a social perspective, we had to ensure the design of the home would respect the local and historical design language.

Project Duration

The home was completed in 2021 in Listaros, Crete.

Operation Flow

Circulation has been guided to frame prime views from the plot, and the home has been fully integrated in its natural environment on the hillside. The outdoor shower has been carved into the rocks, and the pool is built into the rock, too, inviting a tactile connection to the natural environment.

Research

Type: Environmental analysis. Objectives: To orient and integrate the design into the site. Methodology: Solar and wind analysis using computational tools, view selection and framing from site visit. Data Tools Used: Energy Plus weather data for analysis and solar paths; historical wind data; site visits and research on local architecture. Participants: Full office team. Result: Environmental analysis optimized the design, historical research allowed for selection of construction materials and methods. Effect: The design respects the local architectural language, integrating it fully in its environment, and promoting local artists and craftsmen.

Inspiration

Traditional Cretan architecture and a respect for the natural environment inspired us to design a home fully integrated into the Cretan hills. Local materials such as stone and ocher are used extensively throughout the design, and local craftsmen and artists have left their mark in the home. From the built in furniture to the fabrics and textiles, to the masonry stone and hand made ceramic tiles, Askianos is what pure Cretan living is all about.

Image Credits

Photographer: George Messaritakis

Project Overview

Askianos Single Family House has been a Silver winner in the Architecture, Building and Structure Design award category in the year 2022 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.

Silver Recognition

Natalia Kokosalaki was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2023, a testament to excellence of their work Askianos Single Family House.

Natalia Kokosalaki Press Releases

Discover Natalia Kokosalaki's journey through our press releases, available for all press members and journalists to use without restrictions. Now available: Immediate access to 1 press releases for journalists.

Introducing Askianos: A Stunning Example of Traditional Cretan Architecture

Natalia Kokosalaki's Askianos is a 306 square meter single-family house completed in 2021 in Listaros, Crete, blending traditional Cretan architecture with modern minimalism, offering a unique indoor-outdoor living experience.

Natalia Kokosalaki Newsroom

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