Fluentus Residences rises from a steep Cycladic hillside
The Fluentus Residences project by The Hive Architects refers to a cave dwelling in Kythnos, Greeceembedded in a steep slope of Cycladic land. The ground is used as the main tool for shaping the building’s form during its operation. The structure develops on the slope, forming a set of low, elongated volumes that seem to emerge from the earth, subtly present in the landscape. The composition is organized into three distinct underground units at different levels on the hillside. A path unfolds along the contour of the grounds, arriving at successive entry points, progressively revealing the residences. This layout allows residents to enjoy unobstructed views and ensures privacy for each unit yards. Roofs are extensions of the ground itself, covered with natural vegetation, further integrating the structure into the ground. The curved form of the retaining walls and roof edges is an element of plasticity in constant dialogue with the curves of the plasterboard retaining structures that are characteristic of the Cycladic terrain.
all visuals by Idaa – Nikos Mathioudakis, courtesy of him The Hive Architects
Hive Architects combines earth concrete with soil
Exposed concrete in warm earth tones is the main material palette, allowing the building to be coherent and ‘integrated’ into its surroundings. The living spaces are arranged along large windows that frame the landscape and create a strong spatial connection between the interior and the view. The transition from indoor spaces to outdoor courtyards is made naturally through covered outdoor spaces and shaded courtyards. Elongated lakes that act as blunt-edged pools extend the water zone to the horizon. The architectural composition developed by The Hive Architects’ design team it makes use of natural materials and aims to minimize the visual impact of the construction on the environment using the principles of “terrain architecture”. This approach interprets the terrain in shaping the structure, rather than imposing a structure on the land, and creates a new relationship between architecture and landscape.
Hive Architects is building Fluentus Residences in Kythnos
the project is embedded in a steep Cycladic slope
