Watervilla | KKMK Architects

Water Villa is a private villa located near the world famous ‘Sarakiniko’ beach, on Milos Island.

Drawing inspiration from 'Syrmata'—the traditional small structures built at water level for storing fishermen's boats—we have reimagined this concept for a modern luxury summer residence.

Central to the design is the concept that water is not merely a spatial element but the primary landscape, with all activities and functions occurring on its surface.

Due to planning regulations, we had to distribute the enclosed spaces across various points on the site, resulting in a design of individual volumes, each resembling islands floating above the water. This design allows water to flow through the structure, creating natural divisions between different areas, such as separating the bedrooms from the main living spaces. An expansive canopy links these distinct volumes, providing shaded, protected areas that enhance summer living. This structure seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a balanced blend of the two environments. The use of materials and techniques, such as stone walls and forged cement floors, conveys a traditional Cycladic allure in this modern design.

The result is a dynamic spatial experience, reminiscent of traditional 'Syrmata' architecture where seawater interacts with built forms while the direct sea views give the impression that the entire house is floating above water.