Architectural design of a summer residence in Tragaki, Zakynthos, Zakynthos, Greece

During the years 2017-2019, the architectural firm Sophia Emfietzoglou Architect was responsible for the architectural design, construction supervision, and interior design of a summer residence located in Tragaki, Zakynthos. Our aim through architectural design was to create a functional summer residence that provides comfort, while also reflecting a sense of hospitality by blending traditional architectural features with a contemporary aesthetic.

The architectural and construction work of the summer residence involved a specialized study that aimed to fully understand and utilize the given parameters, with a good knowledge of the local climatic conditions and assimilation of the qualitative characteristics of the local traditional architecture. All of these factors formed the basis of the architectural design and were reflected as central axes in the architectural study.

Respect for the natural environment and its seamless integration with the summer residence were key elements of the architectural design. The residence was situated on the edge of a 3,062.48 m2 plot, which was mainly covered by an olive grove. The architectural design aimed to create a cohesive link between the residence and its natural surroundings.

The use of locally-sourced Zakynthos stone has been instrumental in shaping the exterior appearance of the residence’s walls. This design choice has created a seamless transition to the interior, where the stone elements blend in harmony with the overall interior design. By employing this consistent design and style throughout the decoration process, the interior spaces have been configured to draw from the positive features of traditional design elements, which have been fully integrated and updated for a contemporary aesthetic.

The ground floor of the summer residence has been designed to accommodate the living room, the kitchen, one bathroom, and one bedroom. On the first floor, we’ve designed two spacious master bedrooms with integrated bathrooms, providing the summer house residents with privacy and independence to unwind and relax.