You remember that since May we have been on the Mediterranean wave and we like to immerse ourselves in the spirit of the coastal villas. Vacation August logically brings us back to the topic, but this time we will look at its contemporary interpretation and how Mediterranean architecture is influenced by modernism.
If in our May blog post we had focused on the distinctive and lavish elements typical of this architectural style, as well as on the open spaces – now we want to pay attention to their absolute contrast, which is an integral part of the currents that influenced the Mediterranean in the architectural aspect of modern times.
Straight corners and simple shapes
Project by Savva & Nearchou studio, located in Nicosia, Greece; Source: bigsee.eu
Perhaps a little surprising that an element borrowed from modernism and strongly present in the style of south coast houses is the simplified general view. At the beginning of the 20th century, leading modernists in architecture, such as Le Corbusier, for example, strongly adhered to simpler forms and minimizing decoration. This reinforces the white facades with thick walls, but with a much simpler design and the exclusion of complex fragments and decorations.
Small abstract windows and column lifting
Archipelago House by Nómena, located in Vichayito, Peru; Source: architizer.com
As a total contrast to the large windows connecting the premises with the external environment, small windows with non-standard shapes are very popular here. On the one hand, they provide this clean vision of the façade, but on the other hand, they aim to allow less sun into the home and keep it as a cool and “shady” place. The abstract design gives the feeling of a contemporary reading.
Source: bostoncondoloft.com
The typical column lifting, again recognized as Le Corbusier’s handwriting, is recognized as appropriate in the construction of Mediterranean villas, in part because of the natural features of the places where they are usually created. This contributes to the easy terrace of the house, which is so characteristic of this region.
Source: caandesign.com, located in Porto Heli, Greece
But in the most up-to-date interpretations of Mediterranean construction, you will notice the presence of the best of both “models”. The solution to limit the scorching sun and yet the separation of larger panoramic windows is most often blinds made of dense and natural material such as wood. The lifting of columns is also a preferred element in the design, which, in addition to pleasantly corresponding with right angles and cubic shapes, allows to form this fusion of inside and out.
Project by Vardas Studio, Source: rabel.com
Typical of southern latitudes is the basin and it is often an integral part of the landscape. We looked at several types of pools in our last article in our edna.bg column, which are undoubtedly a suitable addition to the overall Mediterranean villa landscape. Stay tuned for our next topic, which will give guidance in choosing features to implement in your future pool. [:]
