N’Arrow House: Wedge-Shaped Home Embedded into Crete’s Terrain by Mykonos Architects

IntroductionWelcome to N’Arrow House, where modern design meets timeless elegance.

Set in the olive-covered hills of Crete, the N’Arrow House by Mykonos Architects is a design that harmonizes with the landscape rather than imposing upon it. Designed as a rammed-earth structure embedded in the terrain, the house adapts to the site’s slope and narrow shape, turning topographic challenges into creative opportunities. The innovative design of N’Arrow House truly stands out.

Integration with the Terrain

Instead of altering the landscape, the home becomes part of it. Olive groves serve as both surroundings and rooftops, shaping the architectural form of N’Arrow House. The slender, wedge-shaped structure follows the contours of the land and creates a symbiotic relationship with nature, a hallmark of N’Arrow House design.

Design from Regulation

A 15-meter setback regulation led to the project’s defining concept — transforming the narrow plot into a linear architectural form. This spatial limitation became a springboard for innovation, giving the house its signature shape. The regulations shaped N’Arrow House into its unique form.

Layers of Light and Spatial Flow

Divided into three levels, the N’Arrow residence flows gradually downward into the hillside. Three key walls define circulation and privacy: two marking vertical staircases, and one enclosing private rooms. The lowest level hosts a shaded outdoor retreat, while the interior orbits a central circular volume, softened by sculptural metal shading elements, which are integral to N’Arrow House.

Tranquil Underground Interiors

Glass partitions provide separation without disconnection in the second-level sleeping areas. A central sun shaft channels light and air, while angled walls open views and modulate sunlight. The highest floor is a multipurpose zone, where sliding panels redefine functions to maintain the tranquil vibe of N’Arrow House. The pool and vegetation shaft further blend the architecture into its environment.

Material and Environmental Connection

Constructed from rammed earth, N’Arrow minimizes its environmental footprint and celebrates the geology of the land. The material’s thermal mass regulates temperature and humidity, providing natural comfort and a visual continuity with the terrain. These materials are selected to ensure that N’Arrow House echoes its environmental surroundings beautifully.

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