Alcyon Residences, Kantza
Aerial View
The design of this new complex in Kantza, comprising three independent residences, is an architectural response to the challenges and opportunities presented by a steeply sloping, corner plot. The core conceptual gesture focuses on harmoniously integrating the building into the natural topography while ensuring high levels of privacy, independence, and quality of life for each property. Architecturally, the structure is defined by a clear material and volumetric duality: a solid, grounded base supporting a clean, lightweight upper structure.
The stepped layout follows the slope of the terrain, articulating into three distinct residential typologies:
The Base : Ground Floor and Basement Residence
This residence forms the foundation of the building and is constructed from robust exposed concrete. Designed to sit heavily on the site, this lower volume embeds itself into the earth, seamlessly integrating with the landscape to form the sturdy base upon which the rest of the structure rests. It offers a grounded living experience that transitions smoothly outdoors, where the exclusive garden and private pool create a secluded oasis.
The Upper Residences : First and Second Floor
Sitting atop the concrete base is the upper part of the building, conceived as a monolithic, prismatic volume finished in crisp white render.
- The First Floor Residence achieves an optimal balance between elevation and connection to nature. By taking advantage of the steep terrain, it enjoys its own exclusive-use garden, combining the security and views of an upper floor with direct access to outdoor greenery.
- The Second Floor Residence serves as the architectural crown atop the prismatic volume, functioning as an extroverted space that unifies two levels while maximizing unobstructed views through its integrated roof terrace.
Vertical Circulation and Urban Integration
A defining element of the overall composition is the vertical circulation core. Constructed from exposed concrete and glass, it emerges as an architectural "neck." This vertical element serves a crucial spatial purpose: it creates a deliberate setback that distances the new residential volumes from the neighboring buildings on the western boundary, while simultaneously acting as a visual and functional link to the adjacent urban fabric. As the remaining sides of the corner plot are completely free and unobstructed, this gesture allows the main living spaces to breathe and orient themselves optimally.
Bioclimatic Design and Energy Efficiency
The monolithic white volume is strategically designed to optimize energy efficiency through passive solar principles. By placing the narrowest side of the prism on the West (alongside the circulation core), the building minimizes its exposure to the harsh afternoon sun, significantly reducing cooling loads during the hot summer months. The volume opens up generously to the South, featuring a large facade of expansive glass curtain walls. This smart southern orientation allows abundant natural daylight to flood the interiors while maximizing passive solar heat gain during the winter, resulting in a highly sustainable, energy-efficient, and comfortable living environment.
The "Alcyon" Concept
Surrounded by Alkyonidon street, the project was aptly named Alcyon Residences, inspired by the "Alcyon days"—a period of bright, calm, and sunny winter weather in Greece. This concept drives the building's bioclimatic strategy: the monolithic white volume opens up generously to the South with expansive glass curtain walls to capture the winter sun (passive solar heat gain), while its narrowest side faces West to minimize exposure to the harsh summer afternoon heat.
To physically manifest this identity in the landscape, a carefully curated cluster of almond trees is planted along the eastern boundary of the plot. Blooming with delicate pink flowers precisely during the winter Halcyon days, these trees act as a living symbol of the project's namesake. Their winter blossoming provides a striking, ephemeral contrast against the crisp white render and the brutalist texture of the exposed concrete, firmly rooting the architecture in both its environment and its poetic narrative.
CREDITS
Design: Degree Zero Architects
Design Lead: Dimitris Kolonis, Zetta Kotsioni
Design Team: Markos Priovolos, Olga Oikonomou, Kleopatra Vergini, Virginia Lazarou