Peninsula House, designed by Atelier Bow Wow, reflects a harmonious relationship with its natural surroundings, drawing inspiration from both local Cycladic architecture and Japanese influences. The house features two main volumes connected by outdoor spaces, fostering a seamless flow between the interior and the Mediterranean landscape. A long swimming pool acts as a central element, symbolically linking the various aspects of island life and enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the property creating a luxurious retreat that celebrates both contemporary elegance and the island’s natural beauty.
- Name: Peninsula House
- Bedrooms: 7
- Bathrooms: 8
- Size: 9,149 sq. ft.
- Lot: 15.64 acres
- Designed: 2008
The Peninsula Estate on the western coast of Antiparos, Greece, is a masterpiece of modern island architecture by the renowned Japanese firm Atelier Bow-Wow. The project began in 2006 when Iasson Tsakonas, founder and Managing Director of Oliaros, acquired the land, and in 2008, he selected Atelier Bow-Wow’s design, envisioning it as his future family holiday home. Set against the rugged, untouched terrain of the Cycladic island, the design captures the natural beauty of the Aegean horizon, offering stunning views of the sea and its iconic sunsets. A 75-meter waterline, flowing through indoor and outdoor spaces, connects whitewashed volumes with a fluid stone wall. Its material palette, featuring tinos and pentelikon marble, blue ceramics, and white-colored cement, merges contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship, allowing the home to seamlessly blend into the surrounding landscape.
Inside, the interiors offer a minimalist canvas for owner Iasson Tsakonas’ extensive art collection, reflecting his global perspective and refined taste. Tsakonas, the founder of Oliaros, is an avid art collector whose passion grew during his work in real estate across Azerbaijan and Greece. His collection of contemporary art, ceramics, and heritage Azeri rugs blends effortlessly into the space, creating a home that feels personal yet timeless. Drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese gardens and the work of Greek architect Dimitris Pikionis, the property’s design showcases an elegant fusion of Japanese and Greek architectural influences, embodying the timeless sophistication that defines modern Greek island living.
Atelier Bow-Wow’s collaboration with property developer Oliaros reflects a broader vision for sustainable, design-led development in the Greek islands. Known for working with renowned architects like Sou Fujimoto and Bjarke Ingels, Oliaros emphasizes creating low-impact, contextually aware properties that respect the local culture and environment. The Peninsula Estate exemplifies this approach. Two distinct volumes are connected by a network of open-air terraces and seating areas, with a long swimming pool linking the property. In the words of Yoshiharu Tsukamoto of Atelier Bow-Wow, the Peninsula House is a response to “beautiful, but not gentle nature”. It is a home that doesn’t merely exist on the land but seems to grow from it, offering its inhabitants a profound connection to the rugged beauty of Antiparos. As the Aegean winds sweep across its terraces and the Mediterranean sun casts ever-changing shadows across its walls, the Peninsula House stands as a timeless icon of contemporary Greek island architecture.
- Architect: Atelier Bow Wow
- Builder: Oliaros Development
- Landscape: doxiadis+
- Owner: Iasson Tsakonas (Oliaros Managing Director) and his wife Argyro Pouliovali (ARP).
- Photography: Iwan Baan / Ed Reeve
- Location: Antiparos Island, Greece
