Athens based A31 has been named one of the best architectural firms in the world for 2020, taking home a prize at the internationally acclaimed Architzer Awards for their ‘Nonagriam Twins’ design, which is currently being built in Andros.

Set on the mountainside of this Cycladic island, this property features two detached houses. 

‘Residence A’ consists of a living/dining room, kitchen, bathroom, two bedrooms with sea views, a subterranean master bedroom, and an independent guesthouse on a lower level. A stairway links the residence to an existing natural stone cave. While ‘Residence B’ features a living /dining room, kitchen, bathroom, one bedroom with a sea view, and two subterranean ‘en-suite’ bedrooms, accessible through an interior atrium. This house also has an independent guesthouse, a basement, and a swimming pool.

 

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“Modern and rigorous, the design bears clear lines and is organically linked to the natural landscape of Andros. The commitment to fully integrate with the surrounding area, as well as the need to maximize the utilization of the plot’s seamless view due to the land’s topography and position, lead the design team to the creation of open (airy) spaces with large openings without columns or walls,” says A+A.

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The underground abode boasts smart examples of energy-efficient architecture such as geothermal heating and passive design that keep the interior comfortable while minimising the need for heating or cooling in the winter and summer months. 

Focusing on functionality and soundness of engineering, A31 creates spaces that are characterised by a clean-cut layout and reputable construction, tailored to the needs of people as well as the land and its surrounding environment.

You can view the full list of winners of the Architzer A+A Awards for 2020 here.

Architect: Praxitelis Kondylis Design team: Praxitelis Kondylis, Iro Papadopoulou, Stefanos Nasopoulos 3d visualizations: code3dd A31