Against a rugged Greek Island backdrop, K- STUDIO has crafted an emotive and artisanal holiday home which marries traditional architecture with modern island life.
Since 2004, brothers Dimitris and Konstantinos Karampatakis, founders of K-STUDIO have been lauded as ‘leading the new wave of architectural talent’ that has emerged from Greece. Known for their traditionalist approach to crafting homes and hotels that pay homage to the skill and craft of Greek architecture, K-STUDIO fine-tune the art of innovation for a new generation.
Like most projects in K-STUDIO’s portfolio, Villa Mandra on the Island of Mykonos not only embraces the location’s rocky terrain, superior light and enviable Aegean Sea views, it also captures the brothers’ pride in the heritage of Mediterranean craftsmanship. Perched on a ridge in Aleomandra, Mykonos, this six-bedroom summer home sits lightly on the landscape and is almost entirely hidden from view.
A landscaped outlook is in keeping with the local surroundings to ensure sparkling sea views take centre stage.
Inspired by the modest island vernacular, a material palette of raw stone and timber allows the home to blend into its surroundings seamlessly. Two traditional, white-washed buildings accommodate the communal kitchen and living room spaces, with both unfolding around a centrally positioned courtyard and an olive tree.
Juxtaposing this, the home’s private quarters are located further down beyond the pool and are embedded into the hillside to ensure sublime sunset views over the neighbouring island of Delos. All are connected by a harmonious combination of locally sourced timber latticework, chestnut pergolas, smooth lime-washed rendering and jagged stone.
An earthy palette in a variety of muted clays, creams and timber tones highlight the contemporary additions of handcrafted furniture and lighting and evoke a calming respite from the intense climate.
Exuding earthen comfort, the living space features the Extrasoft Sofa by Piero Lissoni for Living Divani, Spanish Chairs by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia and handwoven J16 Stools by Hans J. Wegner.
Statement Scandinavian pieces punctuate the interior, including two grey Extrasoft Sofas by Piero Lissoni for Living Divani – one under the pergola and another in the living space next to a pair of leather Spanish Chairs which are further complemented by Hans J. Wegner’s handwoven J16 Stools. An oak Børge Mogensen J39 Chair for Fredericia makes an appearance in the study complete with a brass w102 Chipperfield desk lamp for Wastberg and the fluid curves of Caroline Walls’ artwork. Attention to lighting is just as thorough – from the iconic silhouettes of Serge Mouille’s “black shapes” to Workstead’s reflective Orbit Sconces which adorn the bedrooms. A state-of-the-art Boffi kitchen offers the home a final, luxurious, stamp of modern functionality.
K-STUDIO have incorporated a deep respect for rest, reflection and exploration in Villa Mandra, celebrating its island heritage through a modern lens, while capturing the distinctive artisanal purity that Greece is known for.
This feature originally appeared in est Magazine issue #37.
The Mantis Wall Lamp by Schottlander for DCW Editions.
The CH22 Lounge Chair by Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen + Son and Caroline Walls artwork.
A brass w102 Chipperfield desk lamp for Wastberg and Børge Mogensen J39 Chair for Fredericia in the study.
A thatched roof courtyard complete with an olive tree defines this summer home.
