In the area of Kato Daratso, Chania, on a plot cultivated with olive trees, an underground residence was designed for tourist use, aiming for a discreet integration into the natural landscape and the existing built environment. The property is located outside the town plan, in direct proximity to the settlement of “Kato Daratso,” and is surrounded by small-scale residences and tourist accommodations. The design approach follows this scale, reducing the visual presence of the building and blending it into the landscape.
The site’s topography presents a gentle slope towards the east and a localized elevation difference at its central point, where the residence is placed. The building volume develops linearly, in direct relation to the terrain’s morphology. The main entrance is located at the center of the floor plan, providing direct access to the living areas, while two bedroom wings are arranged at either end.