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"Mykonos, Distilled\nThe Island's Vernacular Architecture Anchors an Elegant Dwelling\n\"It's modern Mykonian, inspired by vernacular architecture,\" Javier Barba says of a vacation house he designed on the southwest coast of Mykonos, Greece. \"It was necessary to protect the home from the strong winds and orient it to take advantage of the views and the sun, as well as integrate it into the hillside.\"\nThe entrance drive curves past a garden. \"The plantings unite the house with the seacoast,\" Barba notes.\nThe sculptural staircase is illuminated by recessed stair lights and a skylight above. He used Albanian limestone for the flooring throughout much of the house.\nThe western elevation shows \"the contrast between the strength of the stone walls and the gentle, organic white forms,\" the Barcelona-based architect points out.\nNatural light streams in through a skylight in the entrance hall.\nThe soothing palette of cream and white continues in the living area, where comfortable sofas and chairs and Greek art and artifacts are grouped before the fireplace. \"It's an airy atmosphere,\" he says. \"Warm colors accentuate the clean light walls.\"\nA bedroom on the lower level opens onto a terrace. \"The built-in bed and bedside elements create a relaxed feeling,\" Barba remarks.\nThe client, a businessman in Athens, and his family entertain often, so a spacious outdoor living area was important. A window carved into a stone wall \"offers an eastern view of the coastline,\" explains Barba.\nStone retaining walls \"blend the structure into the surrounding landscape,\" says the architect, who used local materials throughout the 6,100-square-foot house. \"It's linked to the sea by all the trees and flowers that, in this climate, seem to spring up almost overnight.\"\nChaise longues on the pool deck provide a spot for enjoying the ocean views. \"It's all about simple comfort and elegance,\" says the architect.\nThe infinity pool \"looks like it is touching the sea,\" Barba says. The stone staircase leads down to the lower level and a private beach beyond."^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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