FIVE HOUSES AT PARNASSUS MOUNT, GREECE.

FIVE HOUSES AT PARNASSUS MOUNT GREECE. (Work Nominated for the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture - Mies van der Rohe Award 2013) Roula Kotsilati & Vangelis Hatzis Position The project is set on Parnassus Mountain the slopes of which are the location of the largest Ski Center of Greece. The site is sloping and is located in a natural stream bed through the firs and with panoramic views to Livadi. Approach -To create a contemporary building following a symbolic relationship between architecture and landscape with the use of natural materials and the connection between living space and nature. -The re-working of traditional forms while remaining strongly rooted in a particular local culture. Concept Each house follows an imaginary axis starting with the plot and direction of the view of Livadi. Soil is ‘lifted’ to the view to form a lean roof that shelters the functions of each house. Description The design of each house is very simple. The structure rises three levels and is capped off with a simple lean roof of asphaltic tiles colored green to harmonize with the landscape. The lower-ground level is the sleeping area bathroom and sauna. Above is the living room and kitchen topped off with another open-plan bedroom. The positioning of the houses to the site offers unobstructed views from the inside through the large openings and allows large private gardens to offer outdoor activities to their inhabitants. Materials Construction is a combination of timber and concrete. All vertical walls are made out of poured in situ reinforced concrete. The two central wood columns support the roof and the third floor which are entirely timber structure. Externally the lower floor is clad in orthogonal rough local stone plinths in a non uniform way. The first and second floors are clad on three elevations in chestnut wooden boards chosen for its durability and low shrinkage. The north façade has no windows to offer privacy and protect from the winds and is completely clad in local stone. The upper sleeping area is entirely glazed to provide views out over the treetops. The external doors and windows are made from special double-mass Swedish timber which is extremely durable and comes from renewable plantations. The floors are lined in gnarled chestnut timber sealed in plant-based oils and wax. The houses provide a cozy retreat when the weather is bad. When it is good each house opens up to the landscape to bring in light at all different levels. Sustainability and ecology in our design: • Building Orientation: Each house follows a north-south axis. Use of large south openings, while north façade has no windows, to offer privacy and protect from the winds. • Internal space zoning: Service zones are placed towards north. Sleeping areas are half inside the earth to take advantage of thermal inertia of the ground. • Natural Ventilation: Adequate cross ventilationton eliminates moisture from indoors. The double height ceiling and the entirely glazed top floor improves stack effect ventilation. • Natural lighting: The use of large windows at the south side of each building improves lighting quality. • Visual comfort: Close relationship between architecture and landscape with the use of natural materials (wood & stone), that are available locally. • Materials and thermal comfort: Wood for external cladding chosen for its high thermal capacity, durability and low shrinkage. Low-e openings, which are extremely durable and come from renewable plantations. Timber flooring sealed in plant-based oils and wax. • Insulation and moisture control:, use of wood products and ecological insulation to moderate humidity. Ventilated façade insulation system is used to control moisture and reduce the need for heating and cooling. • No air-conditioning through appropriate appropriate orientation and passive ventilation Civil Engineer : P. Hatzis Mechanical study : N. Moustakounis Construction Date : 2009 - 2010