When it comes to a private single residence at a secluded area, the architect has to answer the question: “How does this house lie on such a borderless plot in respect to the harmonious surroundings?” The answer is not found in a simple statement, but it is revealed from architectural idea itself.

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Villa Chronostasis is located at the west part of Cyprus, on the verge between a relatively flat coastal piece of land and the hills, overlooking at the Mediterranean Sea. This interesting contradiction triggered the idea of a simple house which would offer open views to both sides. Usually, the sea view side takes all the credits; however, in the case of Villa Chronostasis, the surrounding environment would acquire equal importance at any direction of the view.

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The internal space is organized in a radical continuity and perspicuous transparency, where the top, massive slab covers the entire composition, as if it constitutes part of the surrounding rocks. All the communal facilities accommodate large sliding glazed screens for unobstructed view, while the private facilities maintain a discreet privacy.

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The architectural intention is to maintain the calmness of the natural environment throughout the entire dwelling, internally and externally. The use of pure volumes, almost at their primitive form, comes to underline the importance of the landscape’s abnormalities. The entire floor is covered by sandy cement coating, combined by scattered lighting points, creating a strong contrast to the roof, which is a raw, massive concrete slab.

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The openness of the space reveals the infinite natural environment. Since the house is within a secluded unbuilt area, the dwelling acts as a setup for seating and staring for endless hours. According to Neuroscience and Neuro-architecture, spaces that are designed to trigger human senses, via several architectural manipulations, can be easily imprinted into people’s minds and thus, improve well-being. Some of these are the seamless simplicity, raw materials, lighting, viewing points, close proximity to the natural environment and the echo of the surrounding sounds.

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Chronostasis is the situation where the time between someone’s first impression and perception from the brain is extended. Someone can observe the horizon, see birds flying, touch the bushes around and listen to the waves. The presence of the natural beauty is so intense within the villa that gives the impression that time has stopped.