On an elevated site by a coastal road on the island of Rhodes in Greece, Villa F stands out as an example of striking contemporary architecture. A 2011 project by the German practice Hornung & Jacobi Architecture, this 220 sq.m. luxury holiday home owes more to the concept of traditional island architecture than immediately meets the eye.

Surrounded by a pre-existing wall of natural stone, the sea view dominates the design concept with the lightweight cantilevered master bedroom enjoying an enviable visual connection to the seascape through the frameless glazing. The decorative voids on the terrace offer a view of the pool below adjoining the outdoor living space. The minimal interior with built in furniture references the carpentry of local homes. The structure follows that natural topography of the location with the guest quarters on a lower level, becoming part of the natural landscape and avoiding unnecessary intervention on the sloping site.

Sustainability and ease of maintenance has been incorporated into the design, photovoltaic panels provide the building with energy and evaporation from the pool enhance the cooling system. As a sometimes short term weekend destination, an innovative rapid cooling system was installed through a mechanically controlled opening in the roof connecting to the underground garage.