The green, wild Cretan landscape and the richness and heritage of traditional crafts define this new, thoroughly contemporary residential design by Block722. Sat on the northern foothills of Thrypti mountain within the Greek island’s eastern side, the project is a commission by a private client. It called for a 400 sqm home on a slope, including two guestrooms and generous outdoors areas.

The main home is divided into two low buildings linked by a semi-enclosed area with a water feature. The design merges natural materials that are often used in the local vernacular, such as wood and stone. At the same time, the atmosphere is distinctly contemporary, blending Block722’s inherent Scandinavian sensibility and organic minimalism with Japanese architecture influences.

“We collaborated with local craftsmen, from carpenters to stonemasons, to mosaic and marble specialists. These people had their own techniques and tools, and as we spent time with them, we had the opportunity to see the process through their expertise and technical training. During the collaboration, we conducted a study that served as our guide, and then followed a time-consuming work by these individuals.”

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Sotiris Tsergas, Block722 x Designboom