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Info:
Project Location: Schoinoussa | Cyclades, Greece
Design Team: Marialena Tsolka, Sotiris Tseronis
The Project
Blending with the Earth: A Visionary Desert Retreat
Seamlessly carved into the arid hillside, this distinctive architectural composition redefines the synergy between design and nature. The project’s organic, terraced layout embraces the rugged terrain, intertwining with the environment using local stone and earthy materials. The result is a structure that feels as though it belongs to the land, topped with a cascade of greenery that includes native plants and palms, further strengthening its integration with the natural surroundings.
The retreat’s layered design invites both comfort and immersion in the landscape. Open-air living spaces are sheltered by elegant, stretched canopies, offering reprieve from the deserted sun while enhancing the feeling of openness. Its minimalistic facade, featuring soft curves and recessed windows, strikes a perfect balance between privacy and uninterrupted views of the horizon. Thoughtful design choices like these allow the retreat to embrace its environment fully while delivering serene living spaces.
Sustainability lies at the heart of this vision. Passive cooling techniques and integrated vegetation foster a self-regulating microclimate, reducing the environmental impact while adding to the beauty of the structure. Locally sourced materials and eco-conscious landscaping further emphasize the project’s commitment to respecting the ecological and cultural essence of the region. This is architecture that doesn’t just exist within nature, it thrives alongside it.
Mourshe Design, the creative force behind this retreat, focuses on establishing an emotional and cognitive dialogue with its audience. Every element—style, color, material, natural light, and even the presence of nature—has been carefully considered to the living experience. The sharp yet graceful architectural lines follow the natural contours of the site, reinforced by a continuous organic stonework ribbon that supports private terraces carved into the hillside. This meticulous attention to detail transforms the fluidity of the natural terrain into a static yet dynamic architectural “movement.”
The experience is further elevated by outdoor relaxation areas oriented towards vast sea vistas, infinity pools, and semi-outdoor spaces that blur the line between interior and exterior living. Together, these features create a unique, high-end residential experience that celebrates luxury, sustainability, and the beauty of the desert landscape. This project is more than just a retreat—it’s a testament to the craft of merging human design with the earth itself.
