Location:  Northern Corfu, Greece

Type of Project:  Two Independent Single family residences
Office: decaARCHITECTURE
Project Name:  SKOLIX project
Year of Construction:  N/A

Corfu is the second largest island in the Ionian Sea in Greece.  There, decaARCHITECTURE designed and is currently constructing two independent residences, which don’t remind us of anything we’ve seen before in Greece, or would I dare say throughout the world!?!  (Please correct me if I am wrong!)

Based on a unique design concept, The “SKOLIX” ( /// the ancient Greek term for “worm”)!

The SKOLIX project sets new rules and high standards for the development of the Greek coastline.  Inspired by the worm, decARCHITECTURE team designed this stunning, breathtaking development.

The architecture of “SKOLIX” promotes harmony between human habitation and the natural surrounding of Northern Corfu.  The compassionate design approach integrates with the site; the surrounding rocky coastline, turquoise waters, olive groves, and mountains become part of the unified, interrelated architectural composition.

The design is clearly inspired by nature, sustainable, aiming to meet human needs while preserving the environment so that these needs can meet present and future generations.
The worm-like design of the residence grows out of the earth and unfolds before our eyes like a moving organism crawling towards the cliff.  It flexibly follows the flow of the sloped earth in an adaptive manner despite the concrete construction.  Clearly an organic form of architecture this development personifies the human spirit, transcending the simple act of housing into something which shapes and enhances our lives.

/// architecture + human being + ecological = organic architecture
The two independent residences are private and far away one from another.  House #1 or SKOLIX +58 is located in a plot of land with a surface area of 5760 square meters with a two storey residence of 430 square meters and a pool 20 x 2.5 meters.  A conventional approach was taken in designing the floor plans.  The main living area on the ground floor includes a master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, and views to the pool and the Ionian Sea.  A spacious kitchen, a water closet, the living and dinning room area which seclude the main bedroom from the rest of the bedrooms offering privacy while the communal areas overlook the pool and the sea. 

A covered balcony although open on both sides connects the abovementioned living space with two independent bedrooms which share a bathroom.  The basement includes a fourth and a fifth bedroom which include en-suite bathrooms, where one of the rooms has access to the exterior environment, a pantry, the laundry room, storage room, water closet, and the mechanical room.  Solar panels can be placed on the roof as an optional feature for the supply of hot water.  In a separate area within the same plot a concealed stone guest house with magnificent views of the sea and the skyline will amaze even the most difficult house guest!

House # 2 or otherwise known as SKOLIX +42 is located in a plot of land with a surface area of 4996 square meters with a two storey residence of 257 square meters and a pool 10 x 2.5 meters.  A conventional approach was taken in designing the floor plans of this residence as well; but this house has a part of the ground floor of the residence in the earth just like the “skolix” (worm) would crawl make a little tunnel and come out on the other side!  The main living area on the ground floor includes the master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, and views to the sea.  A spacious kitchen, a water closet, the living and dinning room area once again seclude the main bedroom from the rest of the bedrooms offering a form of privacy. 

While only some of the communal areas overlook the pool and the sea as the house goes beneath the ground level.  A covered balcony although open on both sides connects the abovementioned living space with two independent bedrooms which share a bathroom.  The basement includes the pantry, laundry, storage and mechanical rooms.  Once again, solar panels can be placed on the roof as an optional feature for the supply of hot water.  In a separate area within the same plot a concealed stone guest house has the most magnificent balcony which protrudes from the cliff and looks into the turquoise and crystal clear waters and the rocky coastline! I have to admit that it is truly an amazing design very well conceptualized!

When this construction is viewed from any angle it satisfies the social, physical and spiritual needs of the viewer because of its unique design and location.  Imagine how much more it could offer if one was to live in it!

A few words about decaARCHITECTURE /// a platform of young architects formed it in 2001 in Athens, Greece.  Their practice aims to engage in projects with variation in size, content, and location.  Their work strives at distorting conventions and habits through dual focus // exploration of sensory circumstances; careful study of the programmatic needs. Their work has been exhibited around the world and has received numerous international awards and distinctions.