In the heart of the rugged Cretan landscape, a bold new vision of modern Greek architecture is taking shape.
Designed by the Athens-based firm Mykonos Architects, N’arrow House is a striking subterranean residence that merges cutting-edge minimalism with deep respect for the natural terrain.
The project—currently under construction and expected to be completed between 2025 and 2027—is the brainchild of architects Aude Mazelin, Nikolas Alysandratos, and Xara Karatzali. Situated on a hillside and carved into the earth, the home presents a radical reinterpretation of the traditional Mediterranean dwelling. Rather than imitating the curved, organic forms of ancient cave homes, N’arrow House embraces sharp geometry and modern materials while remaining rooted in the landscape.
As its name suggests, the home tapers dramatically to a narrow point, creating a visual arrow embedded into the hillside. This distinctive wedge shape not only defines the home’s architecture but also choreographs the view—drawing the eye from the interior through to the sea beyond.
Constructed from exposed concrete, steel, and expansive glass panels, the house stands in deliberate contrast to the surrounding natural environment. Yet its partial burial into the landscape ensures a minimal visual footprint, while offering significant environmental benefits. The subterranean design provides natural insulation, helping to regulate indoor temperatures in Crete’s hot Mediterranean climate with reduced energy consumption.
Inside, the home’s linear form continues, guiding movement through each space with a sense of clarity and flow. While interior design details remain closely held, the architects hint at a palette of tactile materials and custom lighting that echo the house’s sharp aesthetic—modern yet inviting.
A highlight of the project is its dramatic infinity pool, which extends from the pointed end of the house like a spear into the sky. Hovering over the valley edge, the pool promises uninterrupted panoramic views of the Cretan coastline and the vast Aegean Sea.
While N’arrow House has garnered attention for its innovative design and sensitivity to topography, it also reflects ongoing tensions in sustainable architecture. Critics point to the environmental cost of concrete, but supporters argue the home’s passive cooling system and integration into the hillside help mitigate its ecological impact.
For Mykonos Architects—known for their work across architecture, interiors, and lighting—the project marks a bold statement on how contemporary Greek design can engage ancient landscapes without overpowering them. Once completed, N’arrow House may well stand as a model of how architecture can be at once futuristic, grounded, and unmistakably Greek.
(Source: Mykonos Architects)