Antiparos Village: A Sustainable Cycladic Retreat by Studio Seilern Architects

Perched on the serene hills surrounding the iconic caves of Antiparos, Antiparos Village is a seasonal residential project that captures the essence of Cycladic architecture while embracing modern sustainability. Designed by Studio Seilern Architects, this thoughtfully composed retreat offers breathtaking panoramic views stretching from the island of Tinos to the southern shores of Sikinos.

The property is organized into three distinct building clusters: a striking white main house and two subterranean guest wings carved directly into the mountainside. This arrangement not only gives the residence its evocative name, Antiparos Village, but also harmonizes with the natural slope of the terrain. Interspersed between these structures, carefully curated landscaping with native trees, shrubs, and terraced gardens creates organic pathways that seamlessly connect the buildings while maintaining a sense of privacy and intimacy.

Main House: Geometry, Light, and Outdoor Living

The main house faces the tranquil blue lagoon between Paros and Antiparos and is composed of overlapping rectilinear volumes, echoing the traditional village architecture of the Greek islands. This architectural form provides natural protection from the wind and harsh sunlight, creating a comfortable microclimate.

A distinctive feature of the main residence is its stacked volume, which forms a sheltered plaza covered by three overlapping pergolas. This versatile outdoor space serves as the heart of the home, accommodating swimming, lounging, and al fresco dining while framing uninterrupted views of the Cycladic seascape.

Subterranean Guest Wings: Hidden Harmony with Nature

Contrasting the main house’s orientation, the two subterranean volumes follow the mountain’s natural contours. Constructed from local rustic stone, these guest wings appear as discreet slits in the hillside. Each wing is strategically positioned: one overlooks the Paros-Antiparos strait, and the other faces an intimate olive tree garden, offering guests privacy and tranquility. Together, the subterranean volumes house five guest bedrooms, which double as private office spaces for the owners.

Materiality and Interior Design: Simple, Natural, and Elegant

Antiparos Village embraces the simplicity and beauty of the windswept island environment. The main house features white limewash walls, while the guest wings showcase cracked stone textures, blending seamlessly with the rugged terrain. Outdoor areas are anchored by cool grey marble tiles, while interiors continue this palette with terrazzo flooring, warm oak cabinetry, and minimalistic shelving.

The restrained color palette, natural materials, and geometric architectural forms focus attention on the surrounding landscape, inviting residents to immerse themselves in the breathtaking views, deep blue waters, and island breeze that define Antiparos.

Sustainable Design: Off-the-Grid Living

As a tribute to the island’s natural resources, Antiparos Village is designed as an off-the-grid residence. The house is powered entirely by solar energy and utilizes groundwater harvested on-site. An intelligent home system optimizes energy usage, storing surplus power in battery arrays to ensure seamless operation. This sustainable approach reflects the project’s commitment to eco-friendly luxury living while minimizing its environmental footprint.

All photographs are works of Louisa Nikolaidou