Big open spaces + floating elements characterize KJ house by EKKY studio architects in Limassol, Cyprus

KJ’ is a magnificent, open plan house overlooking the city of Limassol, the sea and the horizon. EKKY Studio Architects were taken by how clearly one can observe the ships coming to dock in the port; the seaside life and the majestic hills surrounding the plot. Spaces are divided along the views, facing South, allowing natural sunlight in and filtering it where needed.

It is located in a new, prime location; on a slightly sloped topography allowing the architects to create a play with height differences in the interior and exterior spaces. The height differences of the plot and the natural contours of the site were essential to the design methodology to allow the house to blend in. ‘KJ’ aims to be a precedent for future developments of the area and also design ahead, keeping in mind that future developments may obstruct its views.

The concept of the building is focused around the vertical and horizontal axis in plan which provides unhampered views towards Limassol city and the nearby hills. The longer horizontal axis of the plot is setting and framing images from within the main uses of both floors towards the sea.

“Green pocket like gardens attached to the house, bring nature and the sense of openness to the interior”.

The sloping morphology of the site allowed the creation of floating elements vital to the concept in achieving the ‘infinity’ features of the final result. Features such as the double height entrance, the living and dining spaces, the over float ‘infinity’ pool and floating elements of the kitchen and covered verandas.

The functions of the ground floor are allocated in two volumes; the horizontal space of the living and dining areas formed in an open-plan design; and the perpendicular volume of the kitchen which is 4 steps lower to keep the privacy of the space.

The first floor is totally private including all the bedrooms that are pushed towards the view leaving the space in the back free for circulation with views in the opposite direction to the hills. The double height ceiling of the living space, dining area and garden gives the sense of aery openness to the circulation routes connecting all of the above uses.

The house concept is completed by the pavilion; a space that houses the entertainment facilities of the development with the gym, pool table and an office. The pavilion is sinked into the ground and acts independently from the main house with a light floating green roof.

“Few and carefully selected materials are used in such a way complimenting the simplicity of the design and the minimal aesthetic of the house”.

The chosen materials finishes create authentic textures that are pleasing to both the eye and touch. Subtle compositions of the materials, with touches of wood and light grey textures of the interior colors provide warmer, human focused spaces.

Pale naturally pigmented colors are creating a warm and light atmosphere. Materials such as wood, white walls and multiple concrete textures; in a minimal attitude allow the architecture of the house to have it’s say in the interior and exterior without being dominated by the, and not dominating the views.

Facts & Credits:

Project title: KJ house, Typology: Residential, Location: Limassol – Cyprus, Client: Private, Architectural Design: EKKY Studio Architects, Architects: Elina Kritikou – Kenzo Yamashita, Design Team: Petros Stavrakis – Katerina Pavlou, Area: 884 sq.m., Design Year: 2020, Stage: Building Permit, Text description: EKKY Studio Architects, 3d renders: Hedra Visuals