A Suburban Concrete House With Lots Of Seasonal Charm

With so many concrete houses all over the world you’d think we’ve seen it all but it’s in fact quite the opposite. It’s still easy to be impressed and inspired by all of the amazing structures because each one is unique. Today we’re looking at a suburban family home from Limassol, Cyprus. 

To truly appreciate the scale of the design one has to head towards the back of the site
To truly appreciate the scale of the design one has to head towards the back of the site

What stands out in its case is the beautiful connection that it shares by the neighbors. The plot is surrounded by existing homes and structures which are pretty close together and are also very different from this house in terms of style. That resulted in an interesting relationship where this modern concrete houses stands out but also tries to become seamlessly integrated into its surroundings. 

The indoor living areas are extended outside and transition into the pool and garden area
The indoor living areas are extended outside and transition into the pool and garden area

The house was designed by architect Markella Menikou Chartered. It has a solid and continuous concrete shell complemented by two main accent materials: raw timber and metal. The linear nature of the plot allowed it to be positioned horizontal to the street with this particular side of the house being closed off and framed by a steel and mesh privacy screen. On the opposite side of the house the living areas extend outside towards a beautiful garden. There’s also a swimming pool area, a basement garage and more greenery around them. Deep cantilevers create shade during the day and add depth to the design of the house. 

Lots of seasonal flowers and plants transform the house and the garden throughout the course of a year
Lots of seasonal flowers and plants transform the house and the garden throughout the course of a year
The wall that separates the house from its neighbor is doubled by a barrier of vegetation
The wall that separates the house from its neighbor is doubled by a barrier of vegetation
The simple and modern palette of the mateirals featured on the outside also defines most of the interior
The simple and modern palette of the mateirals featured on the outside also defines most of the interior
The timber panels break up the concrete facades but the contrast is not very noticeable
The timber panels break up the concrete facades but the contrast is not very noticeable

Some of the spaces are difficult to categorize as being only indoor or outdoor areas. They’re both inside and out and this creates a wonderful relationship between this imposing concrete house and all the beautiful greenery and the scenery that surround it. This envelope of concrete and timber also has big glazed sections which strategically conceal or reveal particular areas, controlling the amount of exposure towards the neighbors. 

The interior and especially the social areas look and feel very fluid and have a lot of flexibility in their design
The interior and especially the social areas look and feel very fluid and have a lot of flexibility in their design
The house also includes a series of spaces that are both indoor and outdoor, like this living area for example
The house also includes a series of spaces that are both indoor and outdoor, like this living area for example
Large windows and sliding glass doors and walls allow the transition between the indoor and outdoor to be seamless
Large windows and sliding glass doors and walls allow the transition between the indoor and outdoor to be seamless
The folding timber screens can be opened up, exposing the upstairs bedrooms to the surroundings
The folding timber screens can be opened up, exposing the upstairs bedrooms to the surroundings
The simple and honest materials and finishes used inside create a very pleasant and comfortable decor
The simple and honest materials and finishes used inside create a very pleasant and comfortable decor
This particular space is exposed to the exterior but looks and feels very much like an indoor room
This particular space is exposed to the exterior but looks and feels very much like an indoor room