Greek architecture firm Mold Architects has created Perma, an exceptional hospitality retreat on Serifos Island, utilizing local stone to integrate five guest residences into the rugged coastal landscape.
Positioned on a slope that faces the small island of Vous, these stone-clad units are thoughtfully arranged across stepped terraces, complete with pools, landscaped roofs, and tranquil water features that enhance the overall aesthetic.
Rather than clearing the hillside, the architects embraced the natural topography by repurposing stone excavated during construction to form both retaining walls and the facade of the residences. The discarded earth was transformed into verdant roofs and terraces, reinforcing the retreat's connection to its surroundings.
"The idea was to use the ground not as something to be moved but as a core material of the project," shared Iliana Kerestetzi, the studio's founder, reflecting on the design philosophy.
Perma offers an alternative to traditional hotel configurations, providing self-contained units designed for privacy and a strong relationship with the outdoors. "We aimed to create a retreat on Serifos that embodies tranquility and allows guests to reconnect with the island's natural beauty," Kerestetzi added.
The retreat comprises four stone volumes housing five residences: three spacious 60-square-meter units and two cozier suites in a shared structure. Each unit features a private outdoor space with a swimming pool, an outdoor kitchen, and dining areas, along with a communal space for meals and events.
Generous glass openings blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, linking bedrooms and living areas to the serene courtyards and terraces facing the sea.
The larger residences include a bedroom, kitchenette, living area, and two bathrooms, while the smaller suites focus on essentials: sleeping, bathing, and cooking.
The interior design intentionally prioritizes simplicity, featuring built-in furnishings and concrete floors that draw focus to the stunning outdoor views.
"The experience is enriched by how each room connects with its surrounding water, shade, and vistas," Kerestetzi explained.
Guests embark on a journey from the entrance, traversing various paths, terraces, and courtyards before reaching their private accommodations. This pathway is designed as a gradual move from the expansive landscape into intimate areas.
Spanning three levels, the arrangement of the buildings harmonizes with the sloping terrain while optimizing views of the Aegean. The architects carefully rotated the structures towards the ocean, ensuring that the natural hillside contours are preserved.
"The building configuration resembles steps along the slope, deliberately oriented towards the sea," stated Kerestetzi.
Exposed concrete beams stretch throughout the site, creating a framework for courtyards, circulation paths, and open-air areas provided with lush greenery.
Reed screens offer filtered sunlight, creating inviting shaded spaces while allowing the breeze from the sea to circulate through the site.
This structural grid not only visually directs attention towards the ocean and hills but also incorporates passive cooling features tailored to the Cycladic climate, including shaded courtyards and landscaped roofs. Rainwater is sustainably harvested for irrigation purposes.
Furthermore, a biological wastewater treatment system has been integrated for efficient water reuse, along with photovoltaic panels to provide clean energy for the retreat.
Founded by Kerestetzi in Athens, Mold Architects specializes in a wide range of projects, including residential, hospitality, and cultural designs.
Previous noteworthy projects from the firm include the NCaved house on Serifos, showcasing a partially submerged structure that harmoniously incorporates green space and open terraces.
Photography by Giorgos Sfakianakis.