Five houses at Parnassus Mountain

Parnassus Mountain is a wild landscape with steep peaks, hidden valleys and sweeping vistas, which hosts the largest Ski Center in Greece and the archaeological site of Delphi. Delphi was the site of the Delphic oracle, the most important oracle in the classical Greek world, and a major site for the worship of the god Apollo. The five vacation houses are located near a natural rocky stream, amongst fir and chestnut trees. The challenge here was to make an environmentally responsive architecture that integrates into its natural surrounding.

Like a grownup tree, each house rises three storeys and is cupped off with a timber lean roof covered with green asphaltic tiles. Living areas are on the upper two levels, visually and physically connected to take advantage of unobstructed mountain views while bedrooms, bathrooms and sauna are on the first level. The choice of materials reflects the colours of nature, with local stone and chestnut timber cladding that comes from renewable plantations, sealed in plantbased oils and beeswax.

Carefully oriented openings offer natural cross ventilation, while the entirely glazed upper level enhances stack effect and the sense of being out amongst the treetops. An energy fireplace that allows heat to be ducted to the whole house maximizes passive heating. Excellent insulation is achieved by half-sinking the sleeping area into the ground, while the use of concrete and timber in construction keeps the houses thermally stable. Rainwater is collected and re-used for the irrigation of gardens, which are also encouraging outdoor social life and activities.