A spectacular architectural project is taking shape on the Greek island of Amorgos, where Mykonos Architects and French architect Aude Mazelin are designing a stunning villa that harmoniously blends traditional Greek heritage with modern design. The project, known as "The Eye," draws its name from an intriguing circular water feature that graces the villa's terrace and represents a masterful fusion of architectural forms that embrace and enhance the surrounding hillside landscape.
The villa's design draws significant inspiration from the impressive Monastery of Chozoviotissa, incorporating various natural materials, skylights, and expansive mysterious corridors to create a captivating experience for visitors. According to Mykonos Architects, the primary objective was to "design a space that serves as a natural extension of the island's timeless landscape, using minimalist forms that honor the simplicity of life on Amorgos." The architects have specifically referenced Amorgos' heritage, including traditional farms called zevgospita and historic residences known as katikies, which are characterized as both simple and functional in a climate destined to warm in the coming years.
Amorgos remains an isolated island within Greece, and The Eye embodies an autonomous lifestyle where one can enjoy solitude in Olympic calm. The villa incorporates practical elements such as an underground water reservoir, windmills, and small chapels that have the particular characteristic of maintaining coolness during high summer temperatures. According to Grail Awards, "these historical references serve as the foundation for a design that reconciles authenticity with contemporary needs."
The Eye recalls the previously mentioned Monastery of Chozoviotissa, perched like a citadel on Greek cliffs with sober beauty that invites viewers to create a harmonious and respectful connection with the surrounding landscape. "The idea behind The Eye was to evoke the essence of a church or spiritual place without directly reproducing religious form," the architects explained. The client sought a space with a spiritual dimension, which is why the architects oriented the design around two axes: underground qualities and an atypical exterior appearance that creates a form of duality between the ritual ambiance of stone and the relaxed spirit of a Mediterranean villa.
The site itself presents varied topographical challenges, with elevations ranging from 101 to 61 meters and a southwest to northwest slope. A large portion of the villa's terrain features rugged ground covering approximately 90 square meters, integrating the site's natural beauty into the future home's architecture. This rugged relief allowed the firm's architects to develop a stratified terraced landscape where walls support and embrace the location's natural slope.
The architects also took into account Amorgos' powerful winds, especially in summer. While these winds provide some coolness, they require architectural adaptation to maximize their benefits. The building has been oriented to the northwest to offer sheltered spaces as well as breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and Nikouria Island below. While the sun rises behind the mountains of Amorgos, sunsets will be visible from The Eye's terrace in winter and at the beginning and end of summer.
"The natural slope of the site also allowed architects to orient the building facing Keros Island, providing strategic advantage for protection from north winds," which ultimately enabled the creation of a sort of cave house that integrates with the landscape "and doubles the building's surface while preserving the terrain's organic form." Inside, "the living spaces, plastered in white, emerge from the structure through small windows on the north facade ensuring natural ventilation during summer months, thus reducing the need for artificial air conditioning."
By integrating natural materials, respecting the local climate, and drawing inspiration from Amorgos' architectural heritage, the design offers a timeless sanctuary. The exterior spaces combine luxury and nature, offering stunning views of the Aegean Sea, while the building's white volume draws inspiration from the Monastery of Chozoviotissa, reproducing its simple forms and immaculate white appearance. The mineral gray interior of the future Eye villa recalls the austerity of monasteries.
The minimalism of The Eye project creates an atmosphere of calm and spiritual reflection, reflecting the intense light of the Greek sun while offering a striking contrast with the rugged natural landscape. The outdoor spaces have been designed to maximize abundant Mediterranean sunshine while fostering a close connection with the surrounding landscape. Earth and water have been integrated into the design to unify natural elements and create a peaceful and coherent environment.
