Building an underground or earth-sheltered house remains always a challenge as to maintain the surrounding landscape morphology. This type of houses is now widespread through the Greek region becoming almost a trend recently on sites where the natural landscape is protected for its historical value and natural beauty by law. Architecturally, one would describe this kind of intervention as limited and soft, “as if the land embraces the human construction after all”.
The experience of living under the earth becomes even more interesting in the Cycladic landscape. Here, the inhabitant can feel protected from the blinding sun of the Aegean Sea as well as its strong winds. The openings are limited, to its -only visible- main façade and sometimes are found on internal patios that offer natural light and fresh air. This feature allows the light and air to penetrate any space becoming the filter that can introduce external stimulations into the interior. On Oikema, there has been created a continuous juxtaposition of these kind of spaces, that together with the introduction of several vertical movements, add to the fluidity of the overall synthesis.
The residence is structured on 4 levels, starting from the level of pedestrian and vehicular access, which introduces the visitor either to the master bedroom with private access from the outside or inside, or through a vertical trench-staircase to the main entrance of the residence and to the main level that collects all the common uses of the residence (living rooms, kitchens, gathering areas, etc.). On the central level, the swimming pool was also placed with the large living and dining areas structured around it. From there one can – via a staircase on the outside or via an elevator on the inside – go to the lower level of the guest bedrooms, which are entered through a bright corridor with a continuous skylight. The highest level of the residence has been configured as a wellness area (spa, gym) which offers an unlimited view from the North and the main town of the island, to the South and the endless blue of the Aegean Sea.
