Amathus Villa
LIMASSOL - CYPRUS
PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL
3D IMAGES BY VICTOR HADJIKYRIACOU
The design of this private home embraces the complexity of blending diverse architectural influences—classical, modern, and historic—alongside site-specific considerations, planning restrictions, sustainability goals, and the site’s significant heritage. The result is a concept that harmonizes these seemingly conflicting elements into a cohesive, forward-thinking solution.
The layout is a linear sequence of spaces, designed to run the full length of the site, each space carefully positioned to take full advantage of the breath-taking sea views from all three levels. The northern elevation of the house is crafted from machined-cut local stone, maintaining classical proportions that reference the eroded stonework of the neighbouring Amathus archaeological site, thus grounding the design in its historical context.
To the south, the house opens up expansively, with large floor-to-ceiling windows offering uninterrupted sea views. The seamless connection to the outdoors is framed by a Mediterranean garden, which provides shading and acts as a natural extension of the interior. This integration of outdoor space with the interior emphasizes the home’s relationship with its surroundings, particularly the infinity pool that visually merges with the horizon.
The design incorporates passive bioclimatic strategies that ensure comfort year-round with minimal energy use. The house is oriented southward, allowing for optimal solar exposure while strategically placed sunshades provide relief from the intense midday sun. The fresh southwesterly winds are harnessed to cool the house, while the cool evening air from the north flows through, keeping the house naturally ventilated. These solutions, combined with the passive heating provided by the sun during the winter, create a space that is both environmentally conscious and comfortable throughout the year, minimizing reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems.
This house is a thoughtful response to its context, balancing modern needs with respect for the site’s historic and natural attributes, all while achieving an energy-efficient and sustainable architectural solution.
