Inside Out: Private Garden
Volos, Greece
A planted courtyard for everyday living.
Type |
Housing |
|---|---|
Location |
Volos, Greece |
Scale |
TBC |
Client |
Private |
Architects |
NYN Architects |
|---|---|
Status |
In progress |
RIBA Stages |
0-7 |
Landscape |
Venia Tsatsaki, Lily Bakratsa |
View towards the dining area and the back garden © NYN Architects
The narrative
Blurring the boundaries
The ambition for the Pefkakia project was to transform a previously underutilized outdoor area into a seamless extension of the home — a living garden that connects everyday life with the landscape. The clients envisioned an outdoor space where an open kitchen, swimming pool, and planted surroundings would come together to create a continuous experience between inside and out.
Our approach centered on blurring the boundaries between architecture and nature. We framed views from the new building with layered planting, introduced texture and seasonality through carefully selected species, and organized the garden to support both quiet relaxation and social gatherings. The result is a green threshold: a space that feels immersive and alive, where opening a window means stepping directly into the landscape.
Our approach
An extension of the house
Our design approach was rooted in the idea of dissolving the boundary between interior and exterior space. We worked closely with the clients to create a garden that would be experienced not only when stepping outside, but also from within the new building. The planting design was carefully composed to frame views, provide texture and seasonal interest, and create a sense of enclosure without heaviness. Pathways, planting beds, and open zones were laid out to support everyday rituals and leisure, whether it’s preparing a meal in the outdoor kitchen or enjoying a swim. The garden was designed as an extension of the home — both visually and experientially.
The outcome
A place to reconnect with nature
The completed garden offers a rich, layered environment that integrates seamlessly with the architecture. The space now functions as an “outdoor room,” where the sights, scents, and sounds of the landscape are present throughout the day. Lush planting surrounds the new kitchen and pool area, softening built elements and creating a sense of immersion in nature. The garden has become a backdrop for daily life — a place to gather, rest, and reconnect with the outdoors from the comfort of home.