Nus: A Sustainable and Harmonious Residential House in Crete

Integrating Nature and Architecture for a Low Energy Footprint

The main inspiration behind the Nus design by Parti Architecture is the integration of buildings into nature. The design team believes in creating humble yet challenging architectural solutions that take into account the sustainability and ecological footprint of our built environment. The goal was to provide a minimalistic approach with natural materials and welcoming volume decisions.

What sets the Nus design apart is its focus on low energy footprint building designs and its seamless integration with the surrounding Cretan nature. The U-shaped residence and underground guest house maximize the southeast exposure of the building, allowing for optimal utilization of the sun's rays throughout the seasonal cycles.

To achieve natural heating and cooling, the design incorporates two solar spaces with fixed shading and rotating blinds, as well as a mass wall. Water surfaces on the south walls, a green roof, and controlled shading roof openings contribute to thermal comfort conditions. The Nus design also utilizes photovoltaic panels, solar water heaters, and a vertical geothermal system to minimize the building's ecological footprint.

The Nus design boasts an interior area of 300 m2 and is situated on a plot area of 4000 m2. Its ongoing construction in Greece, specifically in Crete's Chania region, showcases the commitment to sustainable architecture and design.

Parti Architecture, the mastermind behind Nus, collaborated with Architect Engineer Parti Architecture, Civil Engineer Efthymiou Yannis, and Mechanical Engineer Paterakis Energy to bring this design to life.

The Nus design has already gained recognition for its outstanding creativity and ingenuity. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category in 2021. This prestigious award recognizes designs that incorporate best practices in art, science, design, and technology, contributing to quality of life improvements and making the world a better place.

Through the Nus design, Parti Architecture has successfully created a sustainable and harmonious residential house that seamlessly blends with the Cretan landscape. With its focus on low energy footprint and breathtaking views, Nus sets a new standard for eco-friendly and aesthetically pleasing architecture.