Xerolithi

Xerolithi is a summer residence on Serifos that reinterprets Cycladic architecture through a contemporary yet deeply contextual approach. Rather than replicating the archetypal image of white cubic volumes scattered across the landscape, the project explores an alternative architectural language rooted in the island's rural heritage and construction traditions.

The central design idea emerged from the dry-stone walls, or xerolithies, that shape the agricultural landscape of the Cyclades. Two undulating stone walls define the primary facades of the house, gradually rising from the terrain and moving independently from one another to create a sequence of enclosed and open spaces. This strategy allowed the residence to blend seamlessly into the hillside while maximizing views toward the Aegean Sea. The elongated layout follows the natural contours of the site, minimizing its visual impact and strengthening its connection to the landscape.

A planted roof extends the surrounding terrain over the building, making the house almost disappear when viewed from above or from a distance. Traditional construction elements are reinterpreted throughout the project, including exposed timber pergolas, bamboo shading systems, and locally crafted stone masonry. The curved structural rhythm of the pergola follows the fluid geometry of the walls, creating a distinctive interplay of light and shadow.

By transforming vernacular references into a contemporary architectural expression, Xerolithi establishes a unique dialogue between landscape, tradition, and modern living.