Escape the ordinary

The "Oikos Architecture" office by Nikos and Frantseska Tsebelis located in Pyrgos, Santorini, has been in business for the past 30 years specializing in design and construction. Our work is aimed at maintaining and developing further the traditional Greek Cycladic Architectural style, respecting at the same time the nature and needs of the Modern Age. We're also incorporating modern elements using natural materials, contemporary techniques and multi-cultural ideas. Giving emphasis both to exterior and interior design, a variety of forms and shapes are used to create a unique synthesis that best combines with the natural environment.

You can follow our website link to browse through some of our projects: www.tsebelis.com

We're fully aware that we are going through a very tough and tight on time construction season, wherein all of us - engineers, owners, and staff - are working feverishly towards one and the same goal, to have everything ready for the start of the summer season. In order therefore to avoid last minute renovation decisions causing problems in securing the cooperation of competent and well trained staff, and furthermore in order to avoid unnecessary delays in the completion of  any forthcoming projects, we would like to inform you that starting right from the very first days of the new year, 2016, our office will undertake to evaluate any expressed interest by our perspective clients on new projects that will be scheduled to start after the end of the 2016 summer season.

We aim at continuously evolving and organizing the services that we offer to the utmost benefit and satisfaction of our clients. Bearing above in mind, our proposal to anyone who wishes to express interest by putting forward a new project is to complete within the coming 2016 summer season the design part of the project, and to obtain the required licenses. An equally important part of the above process is organizing the necessary work-crews for individual projects, and making the appropriate project management and supervision arrangements in order to keep the work carried out in each project within its scheduled time frame.

Should you be interested in discussing with us your next project needs, please contact us by telephone or e-mail and we’ll be happy to oblige!

Happy holidays!

The traditional Cycladic architecture...up to date!

The traditional Cycladic decoration is based on three key elements: The use of blue, the use of white and in materials that show tradition with sleek and smooth lines. White color is a registered trademark of the Greek Cycladic architecture, having a unique way to reflect the heat rays of the sun and make each home cooler. Another feature of the Cycladic houses is that there is no perfect symmetry in architecture, besides most houses and hotels seem to be built in caves.

But the Cycladic element prevails also inside the house in all its glory. The interior architecture is characterized by balanced traditional elements and materials with modern simple lines.

Oikos Architecture’s work means to maintain and develop the traditional style with respect to the nature and the needs of modern human. The main concern is the creation of a practical space, functional and least loaded. Large furniture with minimal aesthetics harmoniously combined with traditional pieces of natural wood and bright colors. The purpose is to maintain the uniqueness of each residence and apply the delicate aesthetic of Cycladic architecture in a way that matches with each resident’s requirements.

Respecting the traditional architecture and the environment we try to provide the most comfortable, stylish, and functional spaces.

Using natural materials, contemporary techniques and multi-cultural ideas we take great results, offering relaxing times to visitors or residents of the island. Emphasizing both to exterior and interior design, a variety of forms and shapes are used to create a unique synthesis that best combines with the natural environment.

An old stately house in Messaria renovated into a luxurious villa

The old stately house is proudly located in the center of Messaria, the crossroad of Santorini. Messaria village is situated in the center of Santorini and its existence is recorded back to the middle of 17^th century. The original architecture of the village is interesting, a combination of stately houses and domed shape cave houses tunneled into the volcano rock.

The old lavish house renovated and transformed into a luxurious villa, fully harmonized with the natural environment in the picturesque village of Messaria. Architects main concept was to maintain the traditional island architecture and combined it with contemporary design, elegance and modern amenities in a total white scenery with the use of color as a design tool in order to give a touch of uniqueness.

The villa is comprised of four traditional suites, with an inspirational color palette for each villa highlighting the total white background. The two outdoor heated jacuzzis and two spacious patios invite guests to enjoy the energy and lifestyle of authentic Santorini. Suites are crafted with high respect in traditional architecture.

The wide use of natural materials, furniture of exceptional elegance with references to traditional elements (built-in beds and sofas), antiques of historical and sentimental value create a relaxing and sensational ambience indoors and outdoors. The rounded edges inside and outside of the building, the use of concrete preformed into unique forms creating the illusion that the actual dimension is lost and the building is characterized by plasticity and movement, the characteristic morphological feature of all projects of Oikos Architecture.

The color as a design tool

Color is the codification of human nervous system to distinguish the wavelengths of light, incident on the sensor organ of vision.

Color is an integral part in human life as everything surrounds us. Color moves us and expresses our feelings, affects our mood, reveals part of our character and shapes our psychology. Each color has its own "power" and expresses different emotions.

Human's relationship with color dictated by nature, which is the most important color inspiration. The images and influences, natural environment gives us, are so many and so rich that are imprinted in our memory and consciousness and are identified with colors and words. Besides many shades defined with names derived directly from nature, such as the blue of the sea, the red of fire, the vibrant green of leaves, the sand beige or the lemon yellow. So the color palette is the vocabulary of colors in nature.

Color and architecture are integral, indivisible and interrelated concepts through time. Always color in history of architecture was an important element in the building’s form. Especially in the traditional architecture of many cultures polychromy predominated, with colors that usually came from the natural environment of each region.

The way modern movement used the color has played a significant role in the image of contemporary city. The way is not simply decorative but more structural and substantial, color describes masses even different functions and movements through building’s space. Color in Architecture is used as a design tool to highlight the architectural elements, the route, the engraving and signage, the use and gives identity and character.

The water element in architecture

Water, the essential element for the existence and development of life, is directly related to the design as dominant composition feature, revealing architecture’s dynamics.

Water is an extremely useful synthetic tool. Besides improving the quality of the final aesthetic result, contributes to the local microclimate, with an environmentally friendly way, through natural cooling. The water through evaporation absorbs heat from the moving air masses, achieving the natural cooling of the building.

Water has certain features, which with appropriate manipulations, may highlight it into the dominant element of architectural synthesis. Primarily, water is a transparent element which allows passage of light there through and generally can be interposed between the observer and any structural or decorative element, without eliminating the sense of sight.

Additionally, pictorial interest may show the variations of shapes and colors, which occur due to the refraction of the water passing through "filter" light. On the other hand, particular interest has the feature of every water surface to behave as a mirror. This implies the fact, that the architect is able to reproduce the image of all or part of the shell, if the architectural design reasons require it.

The integration of the water element in the architectural design implies some direct effects on the user. At first, water is a natural element and a prerequisite for the development of life. Contact with this specific natural element, inevitably creates a sense of intimacy and psychological comfort. Meanwhile, the water, which can be at rest, intense activity, or even in an intermediate of these two extreme conditions state, is able to create plurality of different emotions. In addition, should not be overlooked the role of each water element as a visual, auditory or a combination of both stimulus.

In conclusion, water may be included in architecture with various ways, offering increased interest and strongly diversified nature final results, always according to current requirements and the limits of designer’s imagination.

When art meets architecture

Perched atop the most stunning volcanic cliffs of Santorini, at the quaint Cycladic village of beautiful Oia with breathtaking panoramic views of the mysterious caldera, the sleeping volcano, and the endless blue Aegean sea.

The villa with spacious patio crafted with respect in traditional architecture and combined with the convenience of modern amenities, elegance and luxury.

Natural materials, warm inviting color palette with ancient greek references outdoors, pure white indoors with a touch of multicultural design given by beautiful textures, fabrics and pieces of art from all over the world, furniture of exceptional elegance with references to traditional elements (built-in beds and sofas) and antiques create a relaxing and sensational ambience ideal for people with vibrant and intense personality, who don’t comport with plain and characterless spaces.

Besides when art meets architecture the result could be nothing less than a unique, exceptional and stunning effect with distinct personality that suit perfectly with the mystical character of Santorini.

Luna Santorini Suites

Luna Santorini Suites is proudly located high on the island's medieval village of Pyrgos, the old capital of Santorini until 1800, offering panoramic views of the island, the Aegean blue, and the famous, all over the world, Santorini sunsets.

The old canava renovated and transformed into a luxurious villa, fully harmonized with the natural environment in the picturesque village of Pyrgos. Architects main concept was to maintain the traditional island architecture and combined it with modern design, comfort, elegance and luxury.

The villa is comprised of two traditional suites, with an outdoor heated jacuzzi and two spacious patios where guests can enjoy undisturbed views of Santorini. Suites are crafted with respect in traditional architecture and combine the warmth of Greek island charm with the convenience of modern amenities.

The skillful use of natural materials, warm inviting color palette, furniture of exceptional elegance with references to traditional elements (built-in beds, table and sofas), antiques of historical and sentimental value and a touch of multicultural design, create a relaxing and sensational ambience indoors and outdoors, ideal for guests wishing feel the unique spirit, eternal beauty and energy of authentic Santorini.

Luna Santorini Suites are designed by Oikos Architecture www.tsebelis.com

Architectural sculptures through space and time

Architecture is considered to be the "mother" of plastic arts. The main goal of architecture is to meet the basic human and spiritual needs, distinguishing the person from his environment, while creating a sense of human scale.

Traditional architecture worldwide, is structured from local materials, defined by the topography and the climatic conditions of each area. Although Santorini belongs to the Cycladic architecture, characterized by simplicity, plasticity and scale, simultaneously takes advantage of the peculiarities of the island and has created a built environment with an unusual freedom of expression through time, creating Santorini’s traditional architecture.

Oikos Architecture’s works combine traditional island architecture with modern design, comfort, functionality, ergonomics and luxury. The source of inspiration is nature, movement and human. Particular interest is given not only to the mass of the building singularly, but also to the aesthetic effect of a project in the specific environment in which will be situated, for this reason pure forms and materials are preferred to be easily understood and familiar to the public.

The mass of total construction breaks in a variety of forms and shapes, creating an interesting synthesis which is the characteristic morphological feature of all projects of Oikos Architecture. The wide use of natural materials and concrete preformed into unique forms, creates a special effect perfectly assimilated by the natural environment.

All edges are rounded inside and outside of the building, thus creating the illusion that the actual dimension is lost and the building is characterized by plasticity and movement, like an organic form that flows through space and time, like a sculpture emerges through the mystical energy and eternal beauty of Santorini.