Modern stone houses in Mani: A contemporary take on local architecture

Located in the heart of Mani, a region celebrated for its stark natural beauty and deep architectural heritage, these modern stone house offer a contemporary interpretation of a place with a strong character and deep cultural roots. Designed in collaboration with the Square One architectural office based in Copenhagen, the project reimagines local architecture through the lens of refined architecture, timeless design, and luxurious living.

The modern stone villas in Mani are not simply buildings—they are lasting experiences. This residential hospitality project celebrates exclusivity, privacy, and connection to the land. It creates tailored living spaces rooted in the culture and topos. Each residence, through its form and materiality, fosters an intimate dialogue with the dramatic landscape of the Peloponnese.

Architectural concept: rooted to the culture and topos

The architectural design of the modern stone villas draws inspiration from the strong character of the Mani landscape. Each villa emerges as a stone volume, paying tribute to the monolithic forms of the region’s traditional tower houses. The use of local stone, rough textures, and clean geometry bridges the gap between past and present, between heritage and innovation.

Moreover, morphological elements like pitched roofs, narrow openings, and tall freestanding walls reinterpret the vernacular idiom. These features offer a bespoke luxury home that respects local traditions while introducing modern design clarity. The custom modern stone villas integrate unique architectural details that ground the experience in authenticity, without compromising comfort or elegance.

Experiencing place through architecture

From the moment visitors approach the vacation houses complex, architecture guides their experience. Entry to the complex is via a carefully designed path, reminiscent of the narrow alleys found in Mani’s mountainous villages. This path follows the natural topography and extends along the longitudinal axis of the plot. Eventually, it culminates in an open-air observatory.

Here, panoramic views over olive groves and the distant sea offer an immersive connection to the land. Notably, this experience is both visual and emotional. The layout of the three vacation residences is purposefully scattered, creating moments of solitude and discovery. Positioned along a communal yet informal path, the villas reflect the organic growth of old settlements. They are not imposed upon the landscape; rather, they rise from it—harmoniously integrated and modestly confident.

Materiality and texture : a dialogue with the land

Local stone dominates the material palette, directly referencing the rugged mountains that surround the site. It is used not only for the primary building volumes but also to define secret courtyards. These walled spaces echo the enclosed gardens of traditional Maniot homes.

Stone walls function as silent backdrops to lush Mediterranean planting—herbs like thyme, oregano, and lavender link the villas to their environment through scent, texture, and color. Natural materials such as wood, forged metal, and earthy plasters further enhance the tactile experience of the space.

Thus, the choice of materials reinforces the project’s commitment to quality and sustainability. These homes are not temporary structures. On the contrary, they represent timeless, sophisticated design made to endure. Every element speaks to lasting value and refined craftsmanship.

Outdoor living: framing the landscape

Outdoor living is central to the experience of these bespoke summer villas. Each summer residence in Mani includes shaded terraces and pergolas that extend interior functions outward. These exclusive living spaces are perfect for rest, gathering, or simply enjoying the landscape.

The swimming pools are more than just luxurious amenities. They serve as focal points in the landscape and offer climatic benefits, such as cooling breezes and reflections that amplify the sensory richness of summer in Mani. Additionally, large openings on the ground level create transparency, visually connecting indoor and outdoor spaces.

Conversely, smaller openings on the upper levels reference the defensive architecture of traditional tower houses. This thoughtful contrast balances symbolism and practicality while grounding the design in local history.

Cultural Legacy and Architectural Poetry

There is a poetic essence woven through the project. The architecture does not imitate; rather, it interprets. The design references the built traditions and cultural legacy of the region. Yiannis Ritsos once described Mani as a “flower made of stone.” This project captures that contradiction—resilience and beauty, ruggedness and grace.

Through refined architecture and bespoke design, the villas bring that poetry to life. They do so not through mimicry but through sensitivity to context, material, and memory. Every detail contributes to an overall narrative of rooted luxury and experiential living.

A lasting connection to the land

These custom design vacation houses in Mani are more than high-end residences. They represent a celebration of place, memory, and the experience of contemporary living. The architecture honors local traditions while pushing design forward through innovation.

By integrating unique architectural details and maintaining a harmonious relationship with the landscape, the project stands as a benchmark of luxury architecture in Greece. It exemplifies how quality projects can achieve both exclusivity and authenticity.

In conclusion, the modern stone villas in Mani are rooted in the culture and topos. Through custom design, tailored living spaces, and lasting materials, the project delivers a luxurious living experience, meaningful, and enduring. It is architecture with character, deeply connected to the land—a refined interpretation of timeless living in harmony with the spirit of place.