The proposed building structure is intended to function as a small tourist complex of rented furnished apartments, mainly during the summer. The new building is accommodated in a privileged, relatively flat, corner plot, just one hundred metres from the coast, in the seaside area of Ormos Prinos in Thassos.

The complex develops on two levels and consists of six typical apartments, which are placed side by side in a row, forming a single and strictly rectangular building volume. The rectangular shaped proposed building is placed towards the least privileged northeast side of the plot and is arranged parallel to it, while it develops almost all along its length. This layout of the building achieves the favourable orientation of the typical flats as they open to the southwest side of the site, overlooking the sea, while at the same time protecting all open-air areas of the complex against the strong northeast winds blowing during the summer months. At the same time, a limit is created in relation to the passing municipal road and the adjacent opposite plot, which is intended for the erection of a school.

In addition to the new building, much attention has also been paid to shaping the surrounding area of the complex. The entrance to the surrounding area, which is bounded by fencing, is made from the southeastern side along which an outdoor car park is located. In addition to the fencing, it is proposed to plant tall shrubs around the plot, in order to ensure privacy for visitors. In front of the new building, alongside the southwest side, a large swimming pool is placed, while beside the pool and directly opposite the building, there are sun beds for the outdoor rest of the vacationers. The planting of the surrounding area is also complemented by a series of tall trees facing the southeast side of the plot for natural shading and cooling.

Access to all apartments is on the northeastern side of the building. The entrance to the three ground floor apartments is directly from the paved path that passes along the entire northeast side of the building. Correspondingly, three external staircases provide independent entry into each of the typical apartments occupying the upper floor of the building. The entrance doors and the three external staircases are the only architectural elements that shape the northeastern facade of the building, in a conscious attempt of a minimalist morphological approach.

Each typical apartment is designed to provide comfortable staying for two adults. The main objective of the architectural design was to adequately serve the basic functional needs, to optimize the use of available space and to achieve faster and more economical construction due to the limited budget. It was therefore considered appropriate to adopt a standardisation of dimensions wherever possible. Typical dimensions of 3.00m x 3.60m are used for bedrooms and living rooms, 1.50m x 3.60m for bathrooms as well as standard dimensions of 1.20m x 1.20m and 0.60m x 0.80m for windows and 1.20m x 2.20m for balcony doors.

The uniform and rectangular volume of the building, the selection of the appropriate architectural type, the simple form and the avoidance of unnecessary architectural elements, the use of the right openings in the appropriate positions, the favourable orientation, the use of verandas and balconies for outdoor living where necessary, the standardisation of dimensions, the repetition of structural elements and the adoption of prefabrication, are all part of a rational approach to architectural design.

Location: Prinos, Thassos, Greece

Architectural Design: Panagiotis Zakkas, Architect

Project Year: 2019