K Studio Blends Villa Mandra with the Stunning Mykonos Hills

Cycladic Tradition Informs K Studio’s Villa Mandra

Name:
Villa Mandra
Location:
Mykonos, Greece
Architects:
K Studio
Photography:
Claus Brechenmacher & Reiner Baumann
Words:
Caroline Meeusen

Hidden in the beautiful brown hills of Mykonos, Greece, lies Villa Mandra, a stunning six-bedroom holiday home designed by the Greek K Studio. The house sits on the ridge of the hill of Aleomandra—hence the name—and has an amazing view over the sea. Its proximity to the hill and the fact that the house blends in with its natural surroundings mean that Villa Mandra is almost completely hidden from view, providing the ultimate privacy. The villa is built for a young and dynamic couple, “upon the idea of slow, laid-back summer living, encouraging mindful connection with family and friends, and the freedom to exist peacefully in nature,” K Studio notes.

Not function but emotion determines form here, making every space a place to rest, reflect, and explore. The owners and guests needed to be able to enjoy every room from the outside in. Therefore, K Studio had to consider the intense climate of Greece and provide shade and protection. “Inspired by the humble complexity of the traditional island vernacular, we reduced the architecture to two small, traditionally-whitewashed volumes and a third of stone dug from the site, built around a large ‘courtyard’ living area which is covered by an expansive but lightweight chestnut pergola,” the studio says. The house opens up to the garden and surroundings through an open layout and sheltered pergola. Connected to the living room and kitchen, the courtyard serves as the center of the house. This efficient layout and the simple architectural exterior “streamlines daily life,” according to K Studio.

Celebrating the gorgeous surroundings, the home is shrouded in earthy tones and natural materials perfectly in line with the brown, beige, and green tones and wood and lime-wash stone found in that environment. “Un-nostalgic architecture bridges heritage and locality with contemporary life,” the studio adds. Villa Mandra is fully inspired and defined by Cycladic tradition, which is known for its unique and charming architecture with minimalistic aesthetics and yet daring touches.