Villa Irini, Greece
1996–Present

Date
1996–Present

Project Name
Greek House | Villa Irini

Clients
Steve McAdam &
Christina Norton

Category
Living

Villa Irini is composed of a number of buildings, outbuildings and terraces arranged along a route which traces its way up from the water’s edge, through various natural and man-made landscape spaces, to the guest house at the top of site – the most recent addition – all looking back to the gulf of Almiropotamous on the Greek island of Evia (Euboa).

The project has developed over time from 1990 to the present by Fluid directors Steve McAdam and Christina Norton. As befits the Greek way of doing things, all family members have contributed thoughts and ideas from outdoor gyms to enthusiastic planting.

The architectural expression is a hybrid of contemporary, clean lined, lime rendered concrete structures and dry stone walling formed from materials taken from the site.

The villa is positioned some distance away from the sea front to make most of the views, to capitalise on wind movement and to be removed from the taverna which is the treasured centre of life for this small village.

The villa focuses on a series of external ‘rooms’ created in response to the sun’s path and the natural landscape, in particular the retention of mature olive trees.

Villa Irini has been the backdrop of annual summer and Easter vacations providing links to nature, celebrations, contemplation and play.