Architecture

Stunning green-roofed villa blends into Greek hill

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Villa Ypsilon has a total floorspace of 150 sq m (1,614 sq ft)
NAARO
Villa Ypsilon measures 150 sq m (1,614 sq ft)
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Villa Ypsilon's ceiling and wall partitions are very intricate
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Villa Ypsilon's intricate ceiling
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Villa Ypsilon's interior layout aids natural cooling
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NASSA purchased a CNC machine to aid prototyping of complex formwork 
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Villa Ypsilon took seven months to build
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The remote location of the project and a limited budget (it was built for a relative so many fees were wavered) meant that Villa Ypsilon's construction posed a bit of a challenge for LASSA
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Architectural drawing of Villa Ypsilon
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Architectural drawing of Villa Ypsilon
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Architectural drawing of Villa Ypsilon
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Villa Ypsilon's swimming pool
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Villa Ypsilon's green roof can be walked upon to take in the view
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Villa Ypsilon has a total floorspace of 150 sq m (1,614 sq ft)
NAARO
Villa Ypsilon is located atop a hill in an olive orchard 
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Villa Ypsilon's three courtyards offer shade at different times of the day 
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View gallery - 15 images

International firm LASSA Architects did an outstanding job with this home in an olive grove somewhere in Greece's southern Peloponnese. Named Villa Ypsilon on account of its green roof being shaped like the Greek letter Ypsilon – a Y-shape when capitalized – the summer residence blends seamlessly into the hilltop it sits upon, enabling owners to walk up to the top and enjoy the view.

Villa Ypsilon comprises a total floorspace of 150 sq m (1,614 sq ft) spread over an entrance, master bedroom, two additional bedrooms, kitchen, breakfast area, living room, and a couple of bathrooms. Though the projects are totally different, the way it integrates into the landscape brings to mind Scotland's Culardoch Shieling.

Inside, the decor is very clean and white, broken up by detailing like the wooden ceiling. The villa's private areas, such as bedrooms and bathrooms, face the east, while common areas, like living room, kitchen, etc, face the south and provide excellent views thanks to generous glazing.

Each of Villa Ypsilon's three courtyards provides a little shade at different times of the day. Despite the searing summer heat that can occur in that part of the world in summer, the use of concrete, the green roof, and carefully-placed windows that promote ventilation ensure the interior remains sufficiently cool without air conditioning.

Villa Ypsilon measures 150 sq m (1,614 sq ft)
NAARO

The remote location of the project and a limited budget (the home was built for a relative of one of the architects so the fee was lowered, though the price is private) meant that Villa Ypsilon's construction posed a challenge for LASSA Architects.

The firm purchased a CNC cutting machine to aid the prototyping and production of many non-standard elements used in the home, including the concrete shell formwork, wooden ceiling, and some furniture and partitions too, as well as the window frames.

Being able to prefabricate all this stuff off-site resulted in very little off-the-shelf building products being required, meaning a more unique project. It also meant that the total construction time could be sped up to seven months.

Source: LASSA Architects

View gallery - 15 images
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7 comments
Gizmowiz
Beautiful
RossMcNeilage
I guess you are allowed to bends ideas from the Federal Parliament building in Canberra, Australia.
CharlieSeattle
Are the off road motorcyclists on the roof a bother at night?
ljaques
Interesting living room, door/window, patio, and pool. It's a wee bit different than the stuffy Canberra building, though. Let's hope it was a bit cheaper than the $1.1 BILLION they spent in AU, wot? When I see governments (indiscreetly and massively) waste taxpayer money like that, it really irks me.
Douglas Bennett Rogers
This is a very thoughtful high end house. Siting is a big part of the expense.
chase
I like the style... But it needs more greenery on the roof walk way. It reminds me of the 1975, Architect William Morgan Dune House in Atlantic Beach, Florida. The greenery on the roof really sets it into the landscape instead of being a dirt hill cut into the landscape. In my humble opinion anyway.
Gizmowiz
Beautiful and this is how they should build all homes in Tornado alley required by LAW.