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H_88: “The Midnight Stars”, Corfu, Greece

The studio is undertaking the refurbishment of a summer house situated on a cliff on the western side of Corfu Island in Greece. Nestled amidst olive trees and surrounded by the sea, the property boasts a stunning location, perched on the edge of the cliff akin to a lighthouse, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Ionian Pelagos. Aptly named “The Midnight Stars,” the property enjoys tranquility, with the absence of artificial light at night providing an unparalleled view of the star-filled sky.

The primary objective of this refurbishment project was to infuse Corfu’s vernacular architecture with a more contemporary design language. A key element in the redesign was the introduction of the arch, which became the defining feature of the design. By deconstructing traditional typologies and employing a repetitive arch element, a minimalist contemporary form was achieved. Spanning an area of 6,000 square meters, the building encompasses a total of 300 square meters, with the studio carefully preserving the natural environment.

The main entrance, located on the ground floor, opens into an expansive open-plan space characterized by a series of arches, creating an outward-facing area with a monolithic composition. This space houses the living room, kitchen, and dining area, with existing columns clad in mirrored panels in triangular forms, rendering them lightweight and transparent while reflecting the surrounding landscape. Natural materials such as white cement plastered floors and walls, reminiscent of a weathered stone wall, were utilized throughout the interior.

Outside, the patio and swimming pool feature uncoated concrete finishes. Adjacent to the swimming pool are the master bedroom and a guest room, each designed with curved ceilings to complement the contemporary aesthetic.

On the upper level, a more enclosed volume provides privacy for the rest areas while ensuring optimal orientation for appreciating the stunning sunset views from the bedrooms.

project info

Architectural Office: 314 Architecture Studio
Location: Corfu, Greece 
Area: 6000.00 sq.m.
Structural Engineer: Foteini Karagianni
Mechanical Engineer: SKV Consulting -Stefanos Karagiannis
Year of completion: under construction
Type: Hospitality