The Tetris House project on the Greek island of Antiparos involved the transformation of a long-standing concrete structural frame, which was originally built a decade ago to secure a construction permit, into a completed residence. The design was overseen by Architecture Research Practice — also known as ARP for short.
ARP's architectural approach centered on reusing this existing skeleton, which contributed to a lessened environmental impact and enhanced cost-effectiveness. The design strategy for the Tetris House involved both the careful removal of select portions of the original structure and the insertion of new, geometrically simple volumes to define the living spaces. The resulting home is organized around a central swimming pool, creating a private, inward-facing courtyard that provides seclusion from neighboring properties. The upper level contains the main living area and a primary bedroom. It offers views towards the port and the natural landscape, with rooftop access.
Image Credit: Giulio Ghirardi
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Sustainable Architecture
- The integration of existing structural elements in new designs promotes sustainability and reduces the carbon footprint of construction projects.
- Adaptive Reuse Design
- Repurposing unfinished or dormant structures into functional spaces enables architects to create innovative designs that preserve history and reduce waste.
- Modular Living Spaces
- Utilizing geometric volumes allows for flexibility in housing design, offering customizable living areas that maximize space and utility.
Sectors Adopting This
- Construction
- The trend of reusing existing structures can transform the construction industry by providing cost-effective and environmentally friendly options.
- Real Estate Development
- Developers can capitalize on the adaptive reuse trend to create unique and marketable residential and commercial properties.
- Sustainable Building Materials
- Creating components that facilitate the integration of new designs with existing structures can spur innovation in sustainable building solutions.
