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The Void House in Filothei from Gem Architects

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The Filothei House from Greek architecture firm Gem Architects is a three story cube of concrete carved out in a zig zag shape to reveal covered exterior terraces that pull powerful shadows deep into the building.

Together – all the apertures contribute to the contrast of solid and void, light and shade. The play of Mediterranean sunlight creates a rich shadow-scape, a bold modern pattern that recollects Hellenic traditions.

Shadow patterns were a key element of ancient Greek Architecture. Black lava stone decks intensify the shadows in the recessed spaces.

At night, the reverse play of light and shade is equally compelling.

The changing light-scape as evening draws in is apparent in this noble space. From the architects, “Together, the captured daily movement of light, the seasonal blossoming and fading of florae, and the very gradual aging of wood, stone, concrete and metal all make of this house a vessel for witnessing the passage of time.”

The rich carving of light continues indoors with a huge raised ceiling that brings a rich and powerful light from outside in.

As the outside light fades into dusk, equally deeply carved-out interior spaces in the ceiling serve apparently infinite light.

The elegant drawing room is actually quite compact.

To the right of the living room a central elevator and stairway bring a shot of color into the interior.

The cube is tightly organized and appears to be bigger than it is.

A cool filtered light flows over the stone in the bathrooms, for a peaceful effect.

Thin wooden louvers create a continually evolving dialogue of light and shadow for privacy, and cross ventilation for bio-friendly climatic design.

While the terraces terraced spaces create buffering zones from the sun and rain, a planted roof garden insulates the house from heat and cold.