Mediterranean summer hacienda unwraps on a mountainous setting in Mani Penisula, Greece

On a rugged and remote plot, in Mani Peninsula, Monastery House emerges as a dreamy residence for those who appreciate tranquility and love the spectacular mountain views. ETSI Architects’ main concept behind the design was to create a holiday retreat, for an extended, multigenerational family that blends into its natural environment, while offering a comfortable and serene place to its habitants.

As the team describes, “Our task was to create a space for the family to come together whilst also making room for them each to have individual space within the complex. Due to the remote and rather wild location of the house, security was an important issue to our clients. A meditation room was also a request– a space where they could practice their Buddhist beliefs. The aim was to build a home that looked like it belonged in such a rugged and remote setting, and blended well with the natural environment. It was also important to create a space that felt homely and secure.

We envisioned a building that was very much like the many monasteries that can be found throughout Greece. A walled compound that would have separate structures inside, offering the clients both the individual space and security they were searching for.

We designed the inner compound to provide an openness that you probably wouldn’t expect if you were looking from the outside walls, with each separate area being accessed only via external walkways. A feature that is only possible in the Greek climate”.

“Adapting the design to the client’s needs, the team combined the architectural style of local traditional stone buildings with modern, minimalist aesthetics”.

The bedrooms and the kitchen feature a contemporary design, while the living and meditation areas are informed by the character and original features of the area. The design offers the perfect balance between the openness of the walkways and the feeling of safety of the surrounding walls.

The fusing of styles enabled the architects to create a clear and coherent design aesthetic throughout the project that responds to the clients’ request for a space to call home.

Facts & Credits:

Project title: Monastery House, Typology: Holiday residence, Location: Pyrgos – Mani – Greece, Architecture study – Supervision & Construction: ETSI Architects, Study team: Eleni Tsigarida – Vangelis Sideris, Structural design: Nota Tsigarida, Semi study: Alexander Bliziotis, Completion year: 2022, Text description: ETSI Architects, Photography: Panagiotis Voumvakis