314 architecture studio designed four independent residences in Vouliagmeni, Greece inspired by the shape of the butterfly using transparency as a bonding element between the exterior and the interior.

-text by the authors

The Butterfly is the new residential project of 314 architecture studio. It is located in Vouliagmeni, Greece, very close to the sea, and it consists of four independent residences, with each one including both a basement and a top floor. As the name suggests, the design is inspired by the shape of the butterfly, whose wings extend from the properties to the garden area, providing shade for the ground floor and sea view for the top floor. In addition, the wings are bent in a way to provide privacy. 

Transparency is used as a bonding element between the exterior and the interior.

U-glass is extensively used, replacing or camouflaging the solid walls to allow the maximum natural light to come through. At the same time, this choice of glass distorts movement, adding to the residents’ privacy and the space’s atmosphere as seen from the outside.

Contrasting materials are used to amplify the residents’ interaction with the structure.   

Specifically, the glossiness of the u-glass is paired with the matt effect of the white cement stucco chosen for the walls, floor, and ceiling.  Moreover, the rocks placed around the properties add an earthy element to the composition, with the bigger ones hiding structural elements and storing glass panels, therefore leaving only the aesthetically necessary things in sight.

Lastly, the landscape is designed to complement the composition.

Artificial lakes reflect the butterfly’s organic shape, the u-glass, and the vegetation, creating a feeling of seclusion and peace. Floating paths pass over the lakes and vegetation to connect the ground floor balconies, offering in this way an alternative, closer to nature route.

Drawings

Facts & Credits
Project Title  The Butterfly
Typology   Residential
Location   Vouliagmeni, Greece
Site area   1957 m2
Architecture office   314 architecture studio
Lead Architect Pavlos Chatziangelidis
Assistant Architects   Giota Chala, Antonis Sarris, Caterina Palantzi, Eleni Zygogianni, Anna Stagaki, Dimitris Panagiotou, Andrianna Triantafyllopoulou, Eirini Bouliou, Dimitra Stergiou, Alexandros Papadopoulos, Iro Dermitzaki, Eleni Palaiologou
Structural study  Foteini Karagianni
Electromechanical study   Stefanos Karagianniss


Check out, also, La Torre de la nostalgia, a sculptural tower in Glyfada by 314 Architecture Studio, here!


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