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.

Download Press Kit № 142619

Download Press Kit № 142619 Single Family House for Kokosalaki | Architecture by Natalia Kokosalaki to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.

Available Now for Your Next Story

At architecture|newsroom, we understand the pressures and deadlines journalists face. That’s why we offer exclusive access to our curated press kits and high-resolution images, tailored for accredited journalists. These resources are designed to enrich your stories with depth and visual appeal, spotlighting the world's most innovative designs.

Please Note:

• Credit the work's creator and/or photographer.
• Mention architecture|newsroom as your source.
• Share your published pieces with us; we love to celebrate and promote your work on our platform and social media.

Let’s Collaborate: Your stories matter. architecture|newsroom is here to support you with quality, accessible content. Once you are accredited, reach out for the images and content you need. We will provide the specific images and content directly, along with recommendations on works to feature.

Get Accredited Easily: Quick access to our resources requires media accreditation. Apply for media accreditation to join our network and start exploring a wealth of design stories.

Askianos by Natalia Kokosalaki

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Single Family House by Natalia Kokosalaki

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Natalia Kokosalaki Askianos

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Natalia Kokosalaki Single Family House

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Kokosalaki ArchitectureBrand Logo

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Askianos Single Family House Press Releases

Discover our press releases for Askianos available in the following languages: English.

Askianos Single Family House Media Articles

Ready for your features: articles on Askianos in various languages, including Hindi, Chinese (Mandarin), English, Italian, French, Portuguese, Korean, Indonesian, Japanese, Russian, Turkish, Arabic (Standard), Spanish, German and Dutch.

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

Attention press members and journalists: We offer a collection of press releases on Natalia Kokosalaki and their notable work, available for your unrestricted use. Journalists can access 2 press releases immediately, ready for your use.

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

Step into Natalia Kokosalaki Newsroom for a showcase of exemplary design and recognized projects.