Photo by Lorenzo Zandri, courtesy of Neiheiser Argyros.
The joint project of principals Ryan Neiheiser and Xristina Argyros, architecture firm Neiheiser Argyros splits time between two home bases: London and Athens.
The initial 1970s building “has been extensively renovated, reconfigured, and extended,” the architects say.
“The house disappears into the olive groves and wild pine forest from the approach road but opens up across two stories to embrace the full extent of the seafront views,” according to Neiheiser Argyros.
“Many of the original modernist details have been recreated and updated but also complemented with playful new additions,” they add.
The kitchen is a mix of pale green, ’70s-style wood, and terrazzo; the fixtures and finishes were sourced from local purveyor Textures and Tiles.
“The house is deliberately ambiguous in its treatment of old and new,” according to the architects, “and un-precious in its deference to the original house, at times revealing the traces of the manipulations and incisions to the original, at other times blending new with old, conflating past and present.”
The archways frame views of the sea.
The material palette of the house is evidenced in the stairway: “The exposed concrete of the structural walls and ceiling are complemented by exposed brick, wood windows, custom terrazzo floors, perforated aluminum cabinets, and built-in upholstered furniture throughout.”
The bedrooms are housed in the tucked-back single-story wing, for privacy, where double doors open onto lush landscaped walkways.
One bath is outfitted with retro wood details and fixtures from Papapolitis.
Elsewhere, a classically Greek light well brings sunlight into the shower.
Another kitchen opens to the land.
The space is done in concrete, brick, and pale pink tile that somehow feels muted and textural.
Nearly every room opens onto the pathways and terraces that surround the house.
Greenery both softens and adds privacy.
The quiet pool, looking out at the sea, is by Stelnic.