Inspired by Cretan nature, this project by Alx draws its personality and grace from its surroundings.
Set amidst the beautiful countryside of Agia Chania, Greece, the concept aims to blend into the existing landscape and complement the context. The design approach reflects the materiality of a traditional winery and its role as an integral part of rural heritage while adding a contemporary touch.
The volumes form a hierarchy within the existing landscape which establishes a dialogue with the environment. The main multi-purpose building, the agricultural outbuildings and the front residence form a clear demarcation around the courtyard – the heart of the complex.
Once entered the central courtyard through the passage of the main building, the visitor is alerted to the coherence of the space and its configuration. Guided by buildings and monolithic stone walls, the view opens onto the park, which highlights the undeveloped landscape.
The main building includes a wine production area, a wine tasting area, several rooms and other facilities, explains Alx.
The dominant horizontal character of the project is aggravated by various paths, adding a secondary vertical layer in the sequence of elements. It creates connections between mixed-use housing without dramatically interrupting the flow of gardens that flow into the spaces between buildings.
An in-depth approach to detail, context and material qualities reinforces the contemporary character of the architectural language. The use of locally sourced stone and wood as primary materials blends into the current earth tones.
Alx‘s primary focus is on data-driven design methods that implement and evaluate the physical properties of design output. His work explores the endless possibilities of complex nonlinear geometric manipulation through coding, evolutionary solvers, physical computing, robotic programming, and manufacturing.
