On the Horizon by K-STUDIO

from est Magazine Issue #37 | The Global Issue

The Detail | Table Lamps

ON THE HORIZON

INTERIOR DESIGN K-STUDIO | PHOTOGRAPHY Claus Brechenmacher and Reiner Baumann | WORDS Megan Rawson

Against a rugged Greek Island backdrop, K-STUDIO has crafted an emotive and artisanal holiday home which marries traditional architecture with modern island life.

Since 2004, brothers Dimitris and Konstantinos Karampatakis, founders of K-Studio, have been lauded as ‘leading the new wave of architectural talent’ that has emerged from Greece. Known for their traditionalist approach to crafting homes and hotels that pay homage to the skill and craft of Greek architecture, K-Studio fine-tune the art of innovation for a new generation.

**A thatched roof courtyard complete with an olive tree defines this summer home.**

Like most projects in K-Studio’s portfolio, Villa Mandra on the Island of Mykonos not only embraces the location’s rocky terrain, superior light and enviable Aegean Sea views, it also captures the brothers’ pride in the heritage of Mediterranean craftsmanship. Perched on a ridge in Aleomandra, Mykonos, this six-bedroom summer home sits lightly on the landscape and is almost entirely hidden from view.

**An innovative and streamlined Boffi k14 kitchen ensures the latest technology is coupled with humble materials including timber and stone.**

Inspired by the modest island vernacular, a material palette of raw stone and timber allows the home to blend into its surroundings seamlessly. Two traditional, white-washed buildings accommodate the communal kitchen and living room spaces, with both unfolding around a centrally positioned courtyard and an olive tree.

**A landscaped outlook is in keeping with the local surroundings to ensure sparkling sea views take centre stage.**

Juxtaposing this, the home’s private quarters are located further down beyond the pool and are embedded into the hillside to ensure sublime sunset views over the neighbouring island of Delos. All are connected by a harmonious combination of locally sourced timber latticework, chestnut pergolas, smooth lime-washed rendering and jagged stone.

**Exuding earthen comfort, the living space features the Extrasoft Sofa by Piero Lissoni for Living Divani, Spanish Chairs by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia and handwoven J16 Stools by Hans J. Wegner.**

Statement Scandinavian pieces punctuate the interior, including two grey Extrasoft Sofas by Piero Lissoni for Living Divani - one under the pergola and another in the living space next to a pair of leather Spanish Chairs which are further complemented by Hans J. Wegner’s handwoven J16 Stools. An oak Børge Mogensen J39 Chair makes an appearance in the study complete with a brass w102 Chipperfield desk lamp and the fluid curves of Caroline Walls’ artwork. Attention to lighting is just as thorough - from the iconic silhouettes of Serge Mouille’s “black shapes” to Workstead’s reflective Orbit Scones which adorn the bedrooms. A stateof-the-art Boffi kitchen offers the home a final, luxurious, stamp of modern functionality.

**The confidently calm bedroom features the Workstead Orbit Sconce and December Chair in leather by Jasper Morrison and Wataru Kumano for Nikari.**

An earthy palette in a variety of muted clays, creams and timber tones highlight the contemporary additions of handcrafted furniture and lighting and evoke a calming respite from the intense climate.

K-Studio have incorporated a deep respect for rest, reflection and exploration in Villa Mandra, celebrating its island heritage through a modern lens, while capturing the distinctive artisanal purity that Greece is known for.