Domus Maya House: A Contemporary Reinterpretation of the Cypriot Courtyard Typology

Located in the southeastern suburbs of Nicosia, Cyprus, the Domus Maya House, designed by Studio Kyriakos Miltiadou, is an innovative example of contemporary courtyard house design. Completed in 2024, this residential project is an exploration of traditional Cypriot house typology, reinterpreted to meet the needs of modern living. The design blends the country's architectural heritage with contemporary elements, providing a tranquil living space for a young family of four.

Conceptual Foundation: The Symbiosis of Privacy and Openness

The design of Domus Maya House centers around a rectangular prism and a vertical wall that surrounds and frames the house. These two primary elements work in synergy to create a dynamic space that contrasts the chaotic urban environment with the serenity of private family life. The rectangular prism, measuring 12x10 meters, is carefully sculpted to create voids in its mass, offering a delicate balance between open spaces and solid structures.

The Courtyard: A Heart of the Home

At the core of the house lies a central courtyard, a modern twist on the traditional Cypriot courtyard. The courtyard serves as a welcome space for both guests and family members. It is enclosed by the vertical wall, which acts as a boundary between the house and the busy urban landscape. The inner courtyard is more than just an aesthetic element; it plays a functional role by allowing natural light to flood into the interior and providing natural ventilation to the home.

This space features an olive tree transplanted from a nearby village, serving as a personal touch that brings the family's memories into the home. The integration of this tree within the courtyard exemplifies the house’s connection to Cypriot culture and nature.

Spatial Layout and Design

Domus Maya House is developed across two levels. The ground floor houses the main living spaces, including the living room, kitchen, and a small guest room. The first floor contains the private areas of the house, consisting of two individual bedrooms and a shared bathroom, with an en-suite bedroom offering added privacy for the homeowners.

The sculpted voids between the mass of the building create connections between different spaces, offering unexpected views of the surrounding landscape and enhancing the relationship between the interior and exterior. The design embraces cross-ventilation, ensuring a comfortable living environment even during the hottest months.

Materiality and Aesthetic: Cement, Concrete, and Light

The material palette of Domus Maya House is simple yet impactful. The residence features exposed concrete both inside and out, enhancing the connection between the built form and its natural surroundings. The white external walls reflect the intense Mediterranean light, creating a dynamic interplay between the house’s structure and the environment. These surfaces highlight important moments of family life, casting unique shadows that add to the house’s aesthetic appeal.

The horizontal seating surfaces that extend through both the interior and exterior spaces blur the lines between inside and outside, fostering spontaneous social interactions. These surfaces, made from exposed concrete, serve as both functional elements and aesthetic features that invite inhabitants to engage with their environment.

The Wall: A Symbol of Protection and Exposure

The vertical wall of the house is a key design feature that helps define the overall concept. At 3.5 meters high, it extends across the width of the plot, acting as a boundary between the private world of the house and the surrounding urban chaos. The wall has been carefully crafted with three strategically placed openings that control the views of the exterior. These openings allow the house to remain both private and open, preserving the intimacy of family life while offering selective glimpses of the world beyond.

As the family spends more time in the home, the Cypriot vegetation planted around the house will grow, eroding the monolithic structure and seamlessly integrating nature into the everyday life of the inhabitants.

A House That Blends Tradition with Modernity

The Domus Maya House is a prime example of contemporary courtyard house design, where the traditional elements of Cypriot architecture are reinterpreted in a modern context. The integration of private courtyards, sculpted voids, and strategic use of natural light creates a living environment that feels both expansive and intimate. By combining functional design with cultural references, the house successfully establishes a balance between tradition and innovation, offering a unique space for family living.

All Photographs are works of Creative Photo Room