stone walls and reflecting pools shape renovated residential complex in crete by VAstudio

stone walls and serene pools define VASTUDIO’s cretan residence

VAstudio’s Threshold is a residential complex in Pazinos, near Chania, Crete, designed to amplify the latent qualities of an existing structure. Its stone walls, vaulted ceilings, and interplay with light create a home where daily living is infused with memories. The renovated complex is organized into three interconnected volumes, each anchored by a reflecting pool, and designed to guide circulation as a series of contemplative thresholds that frame views, mark time, and structure spatial experience.

images courtesy of VAstudio

curved geometries shape light and recall the original building

Set within a village defined by olive groves, terraces, and dry stone walls, Threshold engages with its landscape through materiality, which includes locally sourced stone, timber, and lime plaster, and spatial gestures. Vaulted ceilings, preserved and highlighted throughout the interiors, act as spatial anchors with their curved geometries shaping light and acoustics while recalling the layered history of the original building. 

Pools reflect the sky and olive groves, structuring the composition of the site, while skylights and carefully positioned apertures animate surfaces, casting shifting patterns across stone, plaster, and timber throughout the day. Pathways, level changes, and framed views transform movement into a reflective experience, where thresholds act as pauses in the journey through the home.

The Greek architects at VAstudio restored the existing stonework, timber beams, and vaults, while modern systems were integrated discreetly, and wherever possible, materials were reused to maintain continuity and reduce environmental impact. The resulting residence accommodates contemporary living while preserving the historic essence of its architecture. 

VAstudio’s Threshold is a residential complex near Chania, Crete

stone walls, vaulted ceilings, and interplay with light create a home where daily living is infused with memories

existing structure, part of the complex in Pazinos

the renovated complex is organized into three interconnected volumes

each volume is anchored by a reflecting pool

set within a village defined by olive groves, terraces, and dry stone walls

Threshold engages with its landscape through materiality

VAstudio restored the existing stonework, timber beams, and vaults

pathways, level changes, and framed views transform movement into a reflective experience

vaulted ceilings, preserved and highlighted throughout the interiors, act as spatial anchors

curved geometries shape light and acoustics

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recalling the layered history of the original building

skylights and carefully positioned apertures animate surfaces

casting shifting patterns across stone, plaster, and timber throughout the day

thresholds act as pauses in the journey through the home

materials were reused to maintain continuity and reduce environmental impact

the resulting residence accommodates contemporary living

preserving the historic essence of its architecture

designed to guide circulation as a series of contemplative thresholds

project info:

name: Threshold
architect: VAstudio | @vastudio_architecture
location: Pazinos, Chania, Crete, Greece

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edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom