If you're looking for a truly unique example of subterranean splendor, indulge yourself in this new residential development in Andros, the second-largest island of the Cyclades.
Nestled among Andros' wild mountains, fecund valleys and waterfalls, this complex consists of two detached houses covering around 600m2 in land of 9200m2. “Residence A” consists of a living/dining room, kitchen, bathroom, two bedrooms with sea views, a subterranean master bedroom and an independent guesthouse on a lower level. A stairway links organically the residence to an existing natural stone cave.
“Residence B” consists of a living /dining room, kitchen, bathroom, one bedroom with sea view and two subterranean “en-suite” bedrooms, accessible through an interior atrium. This house also has an independent guesthouse on a lower level. Both houses have a basement and swimming pool.
Modern and rigorous, the design bears clear lines and is organically linked to the natural landscape of Andros. The commitment to fully integrate with the surrounding area, as well as the need to maximize the utilization of the plot's seamless view due to the land's topography and position, lead the design team to the creation of open (airy) spaces with large openings without columns or walls. The roof of the dwelling is made of two flat concrete slabs, which are treated as green–roofs of local and Mediterranean vegetation providing a thermal shield to the house and assist further in the integration of the new building with its environment. As a result, the properties offer high-end aesthetic, privacy and breathtaking vistas over the endless blue.
The underground abode features smart examples of energy-efficient architecture such as geothermal heating and passive design that keep the interior comfortable while minimizing the need for heating or cooling in the winter and summer months. The green roofs are an integral part of this climate-proof, forward thinking construction in this beautiful Cycladic wild environment.
Take in the natural beauty of Andros in Dorian Simplicity...
Α31 gets established in 2003, when Praxitelis Kondylis, a young architect with rich academic qualifications and experience in architectural firms abroad, decides to create his own practice back in Athens.
Soon enough, A31 architecture undertakes design and construction projects, industrial design buildings, as well as interior design ventures starting with Athens and expanding its work elsewhere in Greece and Cyprus. In 2007, the firm gets enriched with the addition of Panagiotis Karras, Civil Engineer, which leads to the formation of Α31 ARCHITECTURE CONSTRUCTION.
A31 is a multi-awarded creative trans-disciplinary group of architects, designers and engineers. Focusing on functionality and soundness of engineering, A31 still creates spaces which are characterized by clean-cut layouts and honest construction, tailored to the needs of people as well as the land.
It has received several awards and distinctions in international competitions, while it has also been exhibited in museums and public spaces in Athens, Barcelona, Bilbao, Budapest, London, Ljubljana, New York, Nicosia etc. Articles and work of A31 has been published both in Greek and international press.
Andros is 2 hours from Athens and is the second largest island in the Cyclades. Andros differs greatly from the Greek islands you already know. Suffused with springs and waterfalls, the island is lush and fertile. It has an area of 380 sq.Km. It is 6 nautical miles from Evia (narrow Kafirea, Kavo D’Oro) and less than a nautical mile from Tinos. The island is about 40km long, 17km wide and is approximately 36 nautical miles from Rafina with which it is connected by regular ferry, including a daily express route. The coastline of Andros is rocky with a total length of approximately 176km.
Andros truly is “the dazzling queen of the Aegean... the most beautiful of all the world.” Andreas Embirikos