Yianna Bouyioukou, Architect

Cecropia House

Cecropia House sits in a rural area of western Greece, facing the Ionian Sea and its islands. A dramatic rocky mountain rises behind the site and slides into the water, shaping an extreme and powerful natural setting.

An existing water well beside an old shed played a key role in acquiring the property, as it once supported a small vegetable garden. Drawn to the area, the clients sought a holiday home that contrasts sharply with city life and supports off‑grid living, since the site lies far from local utilities.

The design places the building low on the site to screen it from the road above and positions it near the cliff’s edge to maximize views toward the sea and surrounding islands. Two naturally flat areas organize the property: a larger terrace at the top and a lower one closer to the cliff. These platforms run parallel to the contours and significantly reduce the need for extensive excavation.

Local stone forms the back of the house, referencing the materials of the nearby ancient town. This stone volume anchors the building to the hillside and contains all service spaces. Steel defines the remaining structure, finished in silver tones that blend with the surrounding mountains and give the house a timeless character. A gradual stairway follows the site’s natural slope and leads to a central courtyard. From there, circulation moves fluidly from the mountain down toward the sea, mirroring the flow of light and air.

The sustainable strategy concentrates all systems at the top of the property, where flat terrain allows efficient installation. The design weaves together the flat area, the existing well, and the optimal position along the cliff edge. This upper terrace accommodates a horizontal geothermal system and photovoltaic panels integrated into the landscape. A simple carport provides summer parking while minimizing visual impact, and the design routes utilities discreetly along the concrete steps. The project preserves the existing natural landscape without disturbance.

  • Location

    Cecropia, Greece

  • Size

    3,655 sf

  • Program

    Single Family Residence