mediterranean · 2024

Villa Elara

Mykonos, Greece

Carved into the Mykonian hillside, this residence channels the island's whitewashed vernacular through a distinctly modern lens. Courtyards, natural stone, and carefully framed Aegean views create a home that belongs to its landscape.

Villa Elara — Villa in Mykonos, Greece

Villa Elara began with the land itself — a steep, sun-baked hillside overlooking the Aegean, where centuries-old stone terraces had already written the rules of the site. Rather than impose a foreign geometry, we chose to listen.

The design unfolds across three staggered volumes, each rotated slightly to follow the contour of the terrain and capture a different quality of light throughout the day. Morning sun floods the primary suite; afternoon warmth pools in the courtyard; and at dusk, the living spaces frame the horizon in gold.

Every material was sourced within a 50-kilometer radius — local limestone for the walls, Tinian marble for the interiors, and aged oak for the millwork. The palette feels timeless because it is: these are the same materials the island has used for thousands of years.

Features

  • Three interconnected volumes following natural terrain
  • Central courtyard with 12-meter infinity pool
  • Floor-to-ceiling glass walls with automated shading
  • Open-air rooftop terrace with panoramic Aegean views
  • Passive cooling through cross-ventilation design
  • Custom stone-carved soaking tub in primary suite

Materials

Mykonian Limestone

Exterior cladding & retaining walls

Tinian Marble

Interior floors & wet areas

Aged White Oak

Millwork, cabinetry & ceilings

Blackened Steel

Window frames & railings