Ridge House, by AREA, Architecture Research Athens, masterfully blends outdoor living with protection from the intense local climate. Its strategic position along a natural ridge transforms the challenge of its prominent location into a unique opportunity, embedding the house into the landscape. The design draws inspiration from the surrounding environment, featuring a long, curved retaining wall built from local stone, which anchors the house to the rock.
- Name: Ridge House
- Bedrooms: 5
- Bathrooms: 6
- Size: 9,149 sq. ft.
- Lot: 3.45 acres
- Built: 2022
Ridge House redefines the concept of year-round island living on the rugged northwest coast of Antiparos in the Cyclades. Perched along a natural ridge, the house leverages its prominent location to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The design starts with a careful reading of the terrain, where the house clings to the rock, anchored by a long, curved retaining wall constructed of local stone. This wall, described as the “spine” of the structure, houses a series of subterranean spaces, including guest quarters that offer unobstructed views of the Aegean Sea while being discreetly concealed under planted roofs. The house’s design thoughtfully balances exposure to the natural elements with the need for shelter, creating an inviting outdoor living experience that is further enhanced by a “floating” pergola structure extending towards the sea.
Inside, Ridge House continues to impress with its fluid interpretation of traditional Cycladic architecture. The main living areas are tucked beneath the pergola, occupying spaces between scattered wall volumes of various shapes, sizes, and materials. The house breaks away from conventional room divisions, with a unified exposed concrete ceiling allowing walls to seamlessly transition into pergolas. Sliding windows that fully retract into wall volumes blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow throughout the space. This architectural approach not only pays homage to the traditional building techniques of the region but also introduces modern elements that enhance the overall aesthetic and functionality of the home.
Ridge House also sets a high standard for sustainability, incorporating extensive thermal mass to reduce the reliance on mechanical cooling systems. The use of local materials like stone, marble, and cane adds an authentic touch, while the landscaping features native flora that reflects the island’s natural beauty. A detailed wind study informed the placement and design of the house, ensuring that it meets the dual needs of providing shelter from the harsh elements while maintaining an open, outward-facing orientation. This thoughtful integration of architecture, landscape, and sustainability makes Ridge House a remarkable example of modern island living.
- Architect: AREA, Architecture Research Athens
- Photography: Ed Reeve
- Location: Antiparos Island, Greece
