Longhouse II is the primary house dwelling of a family, designed and built in the rural area of Chios Island, Greece. The design is based on the archetypical structure of the farmhouse, found in the island. This structure, a long rectangular volume which adapts to the ground wisely and economically, has been adapted to address the current, modern needs of the family of four, while integrating modern structural and sustainable building technologies and methods. A focal point of architectural design is the double-height internal atrium inside the house, which organizes and spreads circulation, views and spaces. Longhouse II is designed as a long rectangular volume, which is well situated on the ground by following its topography. Basic spaces are positioned on the main level, while basement is designed on the lower level, and the kids’ bedrooms are situated on the mezzanine. Auxiliary spaces are organized in a row at the back, freeing in this way, the main spaces like the living room and the open kitchen, to the most privileged side of the plot, opening towards the sun and the view to the sea. Longhouse II was constructed by reinforced concrete on the basement and steel structure on top of it. Contemporary materials of dry wall and insulation system were used in order to maximize the energy efficiency of the house. Local red stone was used in the exterior landscape, while the existing retaining walls were maintained and conserved.
Chios, 2016