Ridge House: a Place to Hide, or to be Embedded in the Terrain

Located on the stunning northwest coast of Antiparos Island in the Cyclades, Ridge House is a luxury residence that encapsulates the perfect harmony between architecture and nature. Designed by the talented team at AREA, Architecture Research Athens, the house was conceived to allow for full outdoor living while offering refuge from the intense heat and strong winds of the region.

The house is perched along a natural ridge in the island's topography, transforming its prominent location into its most distinctive feature. The project begins with a meticulous reading of the landscape, embracing the rock and anchoring itself through a long, curved retaining wall constructed with local stone. This "spine" incorporates a sequence of subterranean spaces, including guest rooms, all facing the sea and discreetly concealed beneath lush green roofs. Furthermore, it extends seaward from this rocky base, forming a "floating pergola" structure that stands out as the sole element entirely distinct from the hillside.

The primary interior of the house, situated beneath this pergola structure, fills the spaces between scattered volumes of various sizes, shapes, and materials. This spatial approach, reminiscent of sculptural elements grouped into independent compositions, follows the fluidity of traditional Cycladic architecture. Here, the traditional boundaries of rooms disappear, thanks to a unified exposed concrete ceiling, free of visible beams, allowing the walls to extend beyond the interior, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Sliding windows retract fully into the walls, further accentuating the fusion between environments.

The house is a celebration of the interplay of "architectural fragments," including autonomously shaped exposed concrete columns and solid marble elements that evoke the historical heritage of ancient Greek villages. Additionally, various outdoor spaces connect the main residence to separate guest rooms, creating a multifaceted living experience. The journey through the house is one of discovery, akin to wandering through a Cycladic village, with surprising views and hybrid forms continually captivating the visitor.

Ridge House is also noteworthy for its commitment to sustainability. Extensive use of thermal mass reduces reliance on mechanical cooling systems, while local materials such as stone, marble, and cane were prioritized throughout the construction. Native flora in its landscaping echoes the island's natural beauty, and a detailed wind study guided the location and programming of the house, balancing the need for shelter and extroversion.

CREDITS

Title: Ridge House
Location: Cyclades, Greece
Area: 850 sqm
Year: 2022
Architects: AREA (Architecture Research Athens)
Photography: Ed Reeve