Located within the sloping landscape of Syros, Horizon House by ONUS Architecture Studio is a pioneering net-zero energy residence showcasing the integration of minimal architectural design with regenerative strategies. This tranquil abode blends seamlessly with the Cycladic terrain. The house emerges as a part of the landscape while setting a benchmark for living with minimal environmental disruption.
Horizon House Technical Information
- Architects1-3: ONUS Architecture Studio
- Location: Syros, Greece
- Gross Area: 230 m2 | 2,476 Sq. Ft.
- Project Years: 2025
- Images: © ONUS Architecture Studio
Horizon House exemplifies the synthesis of architectural sensitivity and ecological responsibility, creating a habitat that is both sheltered and connected to its environment.
– ONUS Architects
Horizon House Photographs
Design Intent and Philosophical Underpinnings
The core of Horizon House’s design revolves around a regenerative approach, emphasizing a balance between architecture and the broader ecological system. The residence functions not as an isolated structure but as a pivotal element in the island’s natural processes, fostering energy autonomy. Through the use of micro wind turbines and geothermal systems, the project detaches itself from the grid while efficiently harnessing the natural resources available on the island.
Embodying ideals of regeneration, the design infuses sustainable practices with restorative aims, prioritizing natural stability over consumption. This creates a self-sustaining ecological balance that underscores ONUS Architecture Studio’s dedication to blending architecture with environmental stewardship. The residence not only serves as a sanctuary but also as a proactive participant in the island’s ecological network.
Horizon House Functional Organization
Horizon House exhibits a site-responsive design, partially embedding itself in the terrain to minimize visual impact while further integrating with the landscape. Its architectural form is dictated by the natural slope, allowing for a design that both respects and enhances its surroundings. This semi-subterranean approach enables optimal thermal performance, crafting a living space that harmonizes with the seasonal rhythms of Syros.
An axis laid parallel to the horizon organizes the space linearly, optimizing solar exposure and offering panoramic seaward views. Internally, a thoughtful layout ensures a seamless transition to outdoor environments, utilizing courtyards and terraces as extensions of indoor living areas. This fluid boundary between interior and exterior allows the residence to remain in constant dialogue with the natural elements around it.
Materiality and Construction Techniques
The material palette of Horizon House is deeply tied to its locale, featuring local stone for structural and aesthetic purposes, and employing reclaimed wood and raw concrete. This choice not only reduces the carbon footprint but also strengthens the aesthetic continuity with the surroundings, lending the building a sense of origin and permanence within its environment.
Bioclimatic strategies, such as deep-set openings and operable windows, enhance natural ventilation and lighting. These passive systems reduce the reliance on artificial climate control, as thermal mass and strategic air movement maintain consistent indoor temperatures, showcasing a refined synthesis of traditional Cycladic construction techniques with modern ecological sensibilities.
Contextual and Cultural Significance
Horizon House’s respectful integration into the Cycladic landscape serves as a testament to architectural prowess in harmonizing built forms with the natural terrain. The residence’s engagement with the island’s cultural and natural milieu underlines its role as a participant in the local heritage.
The house’s landscape design amplifies its ecological and social contributions, using native vegetation to promote biodiversity, stabilize soil, and enhance water retention. By allowing architecture to act as a facilitator of environmental interaction, ONUS Architecture Studio perfectly encapsulates the philosophy of architecture as an agent of symbiosis, embedding cultural resonance within meaningful ecological engagement.
Horizon House Plans
Horizon House Image Gallery
About ONUS Architecture Studio
ONUS Architecture Studio, established in Athens, Greece, is a pioneering firm founded on principles of sustainable and regenerative design. Since its inception, the studio has integrated circular construction methods, passive house standards, and ecosystem-based approaches across its projects. Known for their commitment to material clarity and environmental performance, ONUS creates architecture that actively contributes to both natural and social environments.
Credits and Additional Notes
- Lead Architect: Margarita Kyanidou
- Project Team: Christina Ntalli, Aikaterini Korka, Anna Andreadi
- Landscape Design: ONUS Architecture Studio
