Contemporary Luxury Villas in Serifos
Nestled on the rugged southern coast of Serifos, Homa is an architectural response to the island’s raw natural beauty and industrial past. Designed by MOLD Architects, this boutique retreat reinterprets traditional Cycladic architecture through a contemporary lens, embedding itself into the landscape rather than imposing upon it. Comprising three independent lodgings, each featuring two bedrooms, a living area, and expansive outdoor spaces, Homa exemplifies a seamless connection between built form and nature.
A Dialogue with the Landscape
Serifos is an island shaped by its geological and industrial history. Once a hub of mining activity, its terrain bears the scars of extraction—openings in the land, carved tunnels, and abandoned structures that hint at a subterranean world beneath the surface. This history inspired MOLD Architects to explore a similar architectural language, crafting a residence that emerges from the ground rather than resting on it.
Homa is conceived as a “second level of habitation”, integrating underground elements into the design. Rather than disrupting the natural topography, the architects embraced the concept of submersion, using two angular volumes that follow the contours of the land. These volumes create flat terraces, housing the living spaces below while maintaining a low visual impact from the coastline.
Subterranean Architecture: Light, Shade, and Natural Shelter
The approach to each lodging is unique. Instead of entering through a conventional doorway, guests descend from the roof, following staircases reminiscent of mining adits. These linear paths gradually reveal the residences, unfolding patios, pools, and living spaces along the way. By subtracting cubic volumes from the main platforms, the design allows light and air to penetrate deep into the interiors, creating naturally shaded areas that remain cool throughout the day.
Despite their underground nature, the lodgings feel bright and open. Large openings frame the sea, capturing panoramic views of the Aegean while allowing cross-ventilation to minimize reliance on artificial cooling. The spatial arrangement ensures privacy between each unit, with slight rotations in orientation preventing direct sightlines from one residence to another.
Sustainable Materials and Local Craftsmanship
The material palette enhances the monolithic character of the architecture. The structural frame is composed of reinforced concrete, with non-loadbearing brick walls coated in earthen pigmented plaster. The result is a warm, earthy beige hue that blends effortlessly with the surrounding landscape. Polished concrete flooring extends from the interiors to the terraces, reinforcing the sense of continuity between inside and outside.
Bespoke furniture is integrated into the architecture itself, with built-in elements crafted from white polished concrete and pine wood joinery. This restrained material selection ensures a timeless aesthetic, drawing focus to the textures and colors of the environment. Large rocks excavated during construction were strategically repositioned within the design, forming sculptural elements that contrast with the clean geometric lines of the architecture.
The Meaning Behind “Homa”
The name Homa is derived from the Greek word for soil, an apt reflection of the project’s deep connection to the earth. More than a name, it encapsulates the philosophy behind the design—one that respects, responds to, and integrates with its natural context. The retreat does not seek to dominate the landscape but rather become an organic extension of it.
The sandy tones of the buildings echo the hues of Vagia Beach, located just below the retreat. This protected bay, with its crystalline waters and untouched beauty, serves as the perfect backdrop to the architectural composition. The interplay of earth, water, and light is ever-present, reinforcing the elemental nature of the project.
Experience Luxury Underground: A Contemporary Cycladic Retreat
Homa Vagia is a testament to contemporary biophilic design, where architecture and nature exist in a harmonious balance. The project is both radical and respectful, challenging conventional notions of what a luxury retreat can be while paying homage to the island’s architectural traditions and industrial past.
For travellers seeking an immersive experience—one that prioritises tranquility, privacy, and a profound connection to the landscape—Homa offers more than just accommodation. It provides a sensory journey, where every element, from the textures underfoot to the shadows cast by the recessed courtyards, is carefully considered to enhance the relationship between inhabitant and environment.
