Villa Agora | PEOPLE

Living in Greece is a true celebration of senses and emotions, a constant interaction between nature’s beauty and local character, a dialogue between past and present. Summer in Greece means living outdoors.

Villa Agora is the design of a vacation house for a retired couple and their extended family. It is located in the Messinian country side, among olive groves, on a smooth slope with majestic views to a unique nature reserve, called Gialova Lagoon.

The design concept for Villa Agora is to offer its Belgian owners and their family the experience of Greek living, through the perfect balance between inside and outside space, light and shade, built environment and nature.

The dwelling of around 300sqm is shaped in two discrete volumes. The primary volume includes the living space and master bedroom, while the secondary one accommodates three ensuite bedrooms. In between the two volumes lies the outdoor space with its relaxation space, dining areas, planted gardens and the swimming pool. Our design approach evolves around the concept of merging the building in its surrounding nature. Taking advantage of the site’s landform, the build form follows the slope of the site perfectly.

The villa makes use of vernacular materials scheduled to be sourced from local providers, and planting species that are characteristic of the area and thus becomes an ode to its local heritage. The interchange of indoors and outdoors is seamless and creates a highly connected and multi-functional place that offers various opportunities for socializing, relaxation, entertainment, body and mind rejuvenation through the return to a traditional and simpler way of living. 

Villa Agora embraces the feelings of freedom and open space. The living space is fully open to its exterior allowing the constant inside-outside movement. The swimming pool is located on the same level as the two parts of the dwelling, allowing owners and visitors to experience the emotions the space creates.

The architectural design is aligned with the principles of the Messinian traditional architecture and sustainability. Villa Agora is sustainable and energy efficient in its built form, and enhances the local nature through its landscape design.