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BEST CYPRIOT VILLA
GOLD: SANTORINI VILLA -
DURO NEACHTAIN DEVELOPMENTS
It is extremely rare to see real innovative design and this
small development of 12 houses about 15 minutes east of Paphos,
was not only deemed terrific value at CYP£125,000 for
a 3 bed house with pool, but also something very special in
terms of its architecture.
Young local architect Andreas Vardas has avoided the somewhat
safer pastiche of holiday homes, with "typical"
features like pitched roofs that have no relevance in this
part of Cyprus. He has drawn from the local vernacular where
possible, carefully adding more contemporary curves and small
windows to frame views of the sea and hill, while avoiding
unnecessary heat build up during the summer months.
The first floor rooms feature higher than expected vaulted
ceilings and two naturally cross ventilating balconies - one
shaded and one in the sun.
The solid Modernist look has been softened by incorporating
slits in balconies and soft low grey walls to the front of
the houses, providing a setback. The villa relate well to
one another, but undoubtedly would benefit from larger plot
sizes to accord more privacy to residents. We look forward
to seeing future brave designs from this bold architect, who
currently is working on another DND project in the mountains.
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BEST EXTERIOR DESIGN
HIGHLY COMMENDED: SANTORINI VILLAS, CYPRUS -
DURO NEACHTAN DEVELOPMENTS
The judges found it difficult to shortlist in this category,
as all entrants did not send in suitable material to help
with the task. It goes without saying that to consider best
exterior design, you need to see good photographs and plans
and most of the information sent to us was either artists'
illustrations or general information that did not pertain
to the category. However, after visiting Santorini Villas
in Cyprus, it has been decided to award a special commendation
for innovative architecture in these Modernist houses designed
by Young Cypriot architect Andreas Vardas.
We were impressed that he has tried to do something different
from the usual run-of-the-mill pastiches that unfortunately
already scatter too many of Cyprus's hillsides like a bas
case of the measles. Drawing on earlier architecture in the
area, Vardas has implemented pleasing curves with well-positioned
windows and good attention to citing the best views from balconies
and terraces. And what was really refreshing was how he has
simply hid the ghastly water tanks that are often perched
on top of the houses though the design of these very affordable
and minimalist homes.
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