The rear of this holiday home on the Greek island of Kea is partially embedded in a steep hillside, while the front is entirely lined with full-height windows that look out towards the Aegean Sea.
Athens-based studio En Route Architects designed the Parallel House for a secluded site surrounded by nature on the Cycladic island.

The plot's sloping topography informed the design of a building that is submerged in the earth on one side and is oriented parallel to the sea to make the most of the views.
The building comprises a sequence of indoor and outdoor spaces that are arranged linearly so they all look out on one side towards the landscape and the sea.

The robust, monolithic form is constructed from exposed concrete and was designed as a modern interpretation of a traditional stone dwelling. "The Parallel House was built as a strong yet minimal contrast to its surrounding landscape," explained the studio led by architects Katerina Kourkoula and Hannes Livers Gutberlet.
"Through this contrast and the embedding of hidden principles, the focus is laid upon the maximum experience of the landscape itself."

A patio at one end of the house is flanked by sliding doors leading inside. From here, there is an uninterrupted view along the front edge of the building.

All of the property's service functions are accommodated along the rear elevation to enable unobstructed movement and views between the rooms and the outdoor areas.

In between the dining space and...