~ Constellations ~

Constellations is a complex of three villas that share a cohesive architectural language, balancing modernist principles with a deep sensitivity to the local landscape. The broader composition of the three plots is conceived as a unified whole—one that accommodates an extensive building program while responding harmoniously to the site's relief and contours. A shared architectural vocabulary ties the villas together, yet each residence retains its own distinct spatial qualities. The result is a rhythmic arrangement that integrates seamlessly with its surroundings.

At the heart of the design is the concept of a stone base, which adapts to the topography and serves as the backbone of the composition. These stone walls, reminiscent of the region’s traditional xerolithies, define the ground floor and anchor the residences to the land. Long axial forms are subtly broken down into segments, ensuring they remain proportionally attuned to local regulations. Between the stone walls, semi-outdoor spaces emerge—sheltered, yet open—framed by white stucco and delicate white pergolas.

To preserve a sense of openness and fluidity, the design prioritizes a predominantly single-story layout, with carefully placed upper-floor volumes. These two-story elements, finished in smooth white stucco, appear to float above the stone base. Their deliberate rotation disrupts the perception of height, ensuring that no elevation presents itself as a monolithic two-story structure. This retreat and offset of the upper volumes also create internal courtyards, protected from the northern winds—some opening toward the view, others embracing a more introverted spatial quality that enhances the interplay between enclosed and open space.

Beyond its sculptural presence, the design carefully orchestrates light and shadow. The interplay of materials—grounded, textural stone below and weightless, white stucco above—further enhances the perception of lightness. As the sun shifts, sharp contrasts give way to soft gradations, revealing the depth and rhythm of the façade.

By weaving together architectural precision and sensitivity to place, Constellations stands as a poetic response to both modernist ideals and the vernacular wisdom of the landscape—a constellation of forms, harmonized with nature.

This retreat and offset of the upper volumes also create internal courtyards, protected from the northern winds—some opening toward the view,

others embracing a more introverted spatial quality that enhances the interplay between enclosed and open space.

Constellations

Architecture: NoDāta Architecture, Christos Gourdoukis & Xenia Papastergiou

3d Renderings: Anuja Joshi

Location: Paros

Date: 2021-2023

Status: Under Construction