Pieris Architects’ Casa Incognita blends stone and white plaster
Located along the Peloponnese coastline near Porto Heli, Greece, opposite the island of Spetses, Casa Incognita by Pieris Architects is a private residence designed as an extension of its surrounding terrain. The project responds to the site’s hybrid character, a mainland setting with strong cultural and spatial ties to the nearby island, through a language that combines robustness and refinement, enclosure and openness.
The house is embedded into the natural slope of the site, minimizing its visual impact while preserving the existing topography. Its architectural expression reflects dual identities: the grounded materiality of stonework associated with rural mainland structures and the white plaster surfaces characteristic of island architecture. The lower level is built from rough river stone, anchoring the residence to its immediate context, while the upper volume employs textured white plaster, referencing the luminous facades of Cycladic and Saronic settlements. Despite its two-story structure, the residence maintains a discreet presence, integrated into the hillside.
Casa Incognita sits along the Peloponnese coastline near Porto Heli | all images courtesy of Pieris Architects
Casa Incognita’s layered form opens toward sea and landscape
The spatial arrangement is defined by openness toward the sea and layered connections with the landscape. The ground floor functions as the social heart of the house, with an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area. Large glazed openings extend views across the water and establish continuity between interior spaces, the swimming pool, and outdoor lounge areas. A second aperture opens to an internal courtyard, offering a quieter, enclosed atmosphere. Auxiliary functions are integrated into the slope, maintaining the clarity of the built form. The upper level contains three en-suite bedrooms, each oriented toward natural light and views of the surrounding environment. A sculptural wooden staircase links the two levels and provides a vertical transition within the home. A separate guest wing is positioned along a garden pathway, accommodating two additional bedrooms and a shared bathroom. This configuration allows for guest privacy while maintaining proximity to the main living areas.
Casa Incognita by Pieris Architects Studio demonstrates an architectural approach that prioritizes restraint, contextual awareness, and integration with the landscape. Through its material palette, spatial sequence, and dialogue with topography, the residence articulates a balanced response to its coastal location between mainland and island.
designed by Pieris Architects, the house extends naturally from the terrain
the residence looks across the water toward the island of Spetses
stone and white plaster express contrasting yet complementary architectural languages
the house is embedded into the slope to reduce visual impact
a sheltered courtyard provides a quiet counterpoint
despite two stories, the house maintains a discreet presence
glazed openings connect interiors with pool and lounge areas
the design references both rural barns and island dwellings
a guest wing, reached through a garden path, offers privacy
Casa Incognita balances architecture and landscape with contextual restraint
open-plan living, dining, and kitchen spaces flow together
project info:
name: Casa Incognita
architect: Pieris Architects | @pieris.architects
location: Peloponnese, Porto Heli, Greece
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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom
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