North View House
NICOSIA - CYPRUS
COMPLETED 2013
PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL
PHOTO CREDITS - VAKIS ASSOCIATES
This two-storey building is designed to appear as a single storey by placing the first floor atop a stone plinth on the street-facing side, effectively hiding all ground floor activities from view. This intentional design approach helps reduce the visual mass of the building and integrates it more subtly into its surroundings.
On the garden and pool side, extensive shaded glazing creates a horizontal void, seamlessly connecting the interior spaces with the outdoor environment. The large, uninterrupted windows unify the indoor and outdoor areas, providing an open and airy feel while offering unobstructed views of the landscape.
The contrast between the heavy stone base and the continuous glazing makes the curved concrete structure of the first floor appear to float, emphasizing the building’s lightness and elegance.
The elevated site offers unobstructed views of the Pentedaktylos mountains during the day and a spectacular view of the lights of Nicosia town at night, enhancing the living experience with natural beauty.
The layout of the house is organized in a linear plan, ensuring that all rooms share the same stunning views. The space between the guest bedroom and the living room creates a sheltered outdoor sitting area with an open fire, adding warmth and a sense of intimacy to the outdoor experience. This thoughtful arrangement emphasizes the connection between the spaces while maintaining privacy and comfort.
Timber elements, used in ceiling soffits and select interior areas, introduce warmth and balance to the more neutral stone and concrete surfaces. The overall material palette is minimal but intentional, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere.
This design focuses on simple forms, durable materials, and a balanced relationship between solid and open elements, resulting in a comfortable and contemporary family home.
