KHI’s private residence is situated on a gentle slope within an olive grove in the southern part of the Peloponnese island in Greece. The design features a continuous ripple wall that flows across the site, with each wing of the building surrounding multiple inner courtyards.
The X-shaped layout divides the property into four independent blocks. The eastern courtyard benefits from excellent views and provides shaded areas throughout the day, enhancing comfort and usability.
Lead architect Theo Sarantoglou Lalis explained that the project transforms an initially opposing relationship into a complementary one: the courtyard offers a tranquil space for relaxation and meditation, while the west wing and expansive roof provide residents with panoramic sea views.
The concrete ripple effect on the continuous exterior wall adds a spiritual dimension, with the intensity of the ripples diminishing along the wall’s length. Sunlight casts dynamic shadow patterns on the textured surface, while faint shadows of surrounding trees subtly enhance the wall’s visual rhythm.
The project was led by architect Theo Sarantoglou Lalis, based in London and Brussels, in collaboration with Dora Sweijd from LASSA Architects. The design restricts the height of the private residence to remain below the olive groves, while rooftop terraces offer uninterrupted panoramic sea views. The ripple wall’s height gradually decreases with the terrain, reaching just 1.2 meters next to each wing. Excavated soil was reused to form a transitional cone shape, creating a seamless integration with the surrounding agricultural landscape.
The west wing houses public spaces, including a vast open area facing the sea and a southern terrace. Each room features an inner courtyard and terrace. The design’s avoidance of sharp corners and use of continuous walls maximize spatial openness. The curved walls allow natural light and the sky’s colors to flood the interiors, fostering a harmonious connection between indoor and outdoor environments.
Architect Theo Sarantoglou Lalis shared, “The project was commissioned by a couple of art collectors, who drew inspiration from numerous gallery and monastery courtyard designs in shaping the spatial concept.”
The construction was carried out by a local contractor under the digital guidance of LASSA Architects, in close collaboration with a polystyrene product manufacturer. Several components, including concrete molds for the ripple walls, custom ceiling lighting, landscape sculptures, and bespoke furniture, were prefabricated off-site using electronic hot wire cutting techniques.
These lightweight prefabricated elements simplified transportation and accelerated construction. After concrete pouring, molds were fragmented and repurposed as insulation for walls and ceilings, significantly reducing the project’s carbon footprint. The design also incorporated substantial amounts of local concrete, stone, and terrazzo materials.
Technical drawings
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
Project Information
Architectural Design: LASSA Architects
Area: 200 m²
Project Year: 2021
Photographer: NAARO
Manufacturers: Alumet, Four Seasons Klimaengineering, RIZAKOS
Lead Architect: Theo Sarantoglou Lalis
Founder: Dora Sweijd
Project Architects: Jonathan Cheng, Nikolas Klimentidis, Jocelyn Arnold, Raz Keltsh
Local Architect: V. Kosmopoulos
Structural Engineer: Metep L. Babilis
Mechanical Engineer: D. Mantas
General Contractor: V. Spyropoulos
City: Methoni
Country: Greece
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