L. Eftaxias weekend house
Elefsina, 1939-40
Architect
Aris Konstantinidis (1913-1993)
The country house of politician L. Eftaxias was one
of the first applications of the architectural world theory of the radical
Aris Konstantinidis. This small structure stands in the Attic landscape
as though it had always been there, for it harmonises the modern spirit
of its time with the ethos of the Aegean Sea tradition in an exemplary
fashion.
This weekend home was built on a sloping lot with a fine view of the
sea. It consists of two simple cubes supplemented by semi-outdoor spaces
and a pergola. The ground plan is organised freely and includes a large
single space on two levels, in which are three divans that are also
used as beds, a bathroom and kitchen.
The façades are treated in a spare and robust manner. The only
materials used are the white plaster on the walls and the visible stone
masonry used in landscaping the surrounding area. The total expresses
the equilibrium of a poetic disposition and strict rationalism.
The same spirit prevails in the surrounding area, where the paving,
graded levels, the roofed areas, etc. are created with the elementary
means appropriate to the environment. Thus, landscape and architect
converge in one building.
The human scale, the simplicity of form and the organic relationship
with nature give this cottage a timeless value.
TRANSPORTATION