Project Name: Aimasia Residence

Location: Mykonos, Greece

Design Team: A31 Architecture

Project Area: 850㎡

Completion Year: 2024

Photography: Mike Kelley

Lead Architect: Praxitelis Kondylis

Lighting Design: ASlight | lighting design

Landscape Design: ARCHETOPO / LANDSCAPE URBANISM

Structural Engineer: Giannis Psarras

MEP Engineer: George Kavoulakos, TEKEM S.A. Consulting Engineers

Project Management: Panagiotis Karras | A31 CONSTRUCTION

Feature：

Project - Greek architecture studio A31 Architecture has completed a sculptural residence on Mykonos that pays homage to the island's ancient agricultural heritage through its defining 62-meter granite wall.

Named Aimasia Residence after the Greek word for dry-stone walls traditionally used by farmers, this 850-square-metre dwelling is thoughtfully embedded into a 14,000-square-metre plot near the iconic Elia beach. The project's standout feature is its spine-like wall crafted from local Mykonian granite, which elegantly traces the natural contours of the landscape while serving as the architectural anchor for the entire composition.

Led by architect Praxitelis Kondylis, the design demonstrates a masterful balance between contemporary luxury and environmental sensitivity. The residence opens dramatically to the south, capturing sweeping views of the Aegean Sea, while its eastern orientation frames an impressive granite hill dotted with UNESCO-listed dry-stone walls – creating a poetic dialogue between past and present.

The project's commitment to sustainability is evident in its extensive green roofing system, which allows the structure to seamlessly merge with its surroundings. This approach not only preserves the natural landscape but also contributes to the building's thermal efficiency. The architects employed cast-in-situ concrete with low-carbon cement, creating bright surfaces that establish a striking contrast against the rugged terrain.

Interior spaces flow between intimate and expansive areas, with carefully positioned openings that optimize cross-ventilation and natural lighting. The materiality of local granite, white-plastered walls, and native plantings creates a sophisticated palette that respects the Cycladic architectural vernacular while pushing it into contemporary territory.

Aimasia Residence represents a thoughtful exploration of how modern architecture can honor historical building techniques while addressing contemporary needs for sustainability and luxury living in the Mediterranean context.

Design Team - A31 Architecture, established in 2003 in Athens, has emerged as a prominent multidisciplinary practice that seamlessly integrates architecture, interior design, and construction management. Founded by architect Praxitelis Kondylis and later joined by civil engineer Panagiotis Karras in 2007, the firm has garnered international recognition through their contextually sensitive and functionally sophisticated approach to design.

The practice's portfolio spans from intimate residential projects to expansive cultural complexes, with a particular emphasis on human-centric spatial solutions and sustainable building practices. Their work is characterized by considered layouts, compelling narratives, and honest construction methodologies, as evidenced by their award-winning projects including the Latypi Residence and Aimasia Residence in Mykonos.

Under the leadership of Kondylis and Karras, A31 has developed a comprehensive service model that encompasses the entire project lifecycle, from conceptual design through to construction delivery. Their integrated approach has earned them numerous accolades, including recognition from the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture and Architizer A+ Awards, while their work has been extensively featured in international publications across Europe and America.

The firm's commitment to innovation, collaborative design thinking, and sustainable architecture has positioned them as a leading voice in contemporary Mediterranean architecture.