A Geometry of Solids and Voids Carved onto a Cliff- face
nCAVED House, Serifos Island, Greece Mold Architects, Greece
Located on a small, secluded rocky cove in Serifos Island, nCAVED seems to hover just above the sea level. The need to create a protected shelter, at a location with disarming views but one that is openly exposed to strong north winds, led to the decision to drill the slope, instead of arranging a set of spaces in line at ground level. A rectangular grid was applied to the slope to produce a three- dimensional ‘ chessboard’ of solids and
voids. This strict geometry is discontinued with the rotation of the last axis of the grid, which provides the living area with an ampler view. Shifting the axis intensifies the sense of perspective significantly, and thus the imprint of the residence appears minimised at the conceptual end of the ascent.
Longitudinal walls of dry stone create the vertical borders, which lead the visitor’s gaze to the horizon line. In contrast to the sturdy stone walls, the transverse facades are light, made of glass and can open along their entire length. The front is fully open to the east view, while the rear windows frame indoor gardens, enhancing the air flow and letting light into the residence. An in- caved staircase connects the three levels externally and leads to the main
entrance, located at the living room loft.
This smooth descent into the interior slowly reveals the initially hidden spaces of the house, while framing a two- sided view— a visual outlet to the sea during the descent, and to the sky during the ascent.
The in- caved areas are ‘ negative spaces’ that result from severing and removing part of the rock. This rough feeling of a natural cavity was what was intended at, while recreating it with a choice of materials and colour palette. Stone, exposed concrete, wood and metal are used with precision to create coarse inner shells.