three monolithic volumes by not a number architects reinterpret greek stone house typology

Treelithon Reimagines the Rural Stone House in Chalkidiki

Treelithon by Not a Number Architects reinterprets the archetype of the rural stone house of Chalkidiki, Greece, as a composition of three interconnected dwellings. Set on a long, narrow plot with a gentle slope and a mature landscape of pine and olive trees, the project was developed as a family holiday retreat, with part of the accommodation operating as short-term rental units to support the viability of the property. The architecture establishes a relationship between domestic use, hospitality, and the surrounding landscape while exploring the potential of traditional stone construction within a contemporary context.

The design responds directly to the site’s constraints, including its elongated proportions, the presence of mature trees to be preserved, and local building regulations requiring the built volumes to remain connected rather than fully detached. The resulting Z-shaped configuration follows the geometry of the plot, creating distance and privacy between the three dwellings while maintaining a continuous relationship with the existing vegetation.

Treelithon reinterprets the typology of the Greek rural stone house | all images by Alex Shoots Buildings

Three Levels of Living Unfold Across a Z-Shaped Retreat

The design team at Not a Number Architects organizes the composition around two landscape anchors positioned at opposite ends of the site. A small pine canopy provides a covered outdoor retreat for the family, while a long swimming pool defines the area intended for guests. The elongated arrangement also references the architectural idea of a trilithon, with two upright, monolithic edge volumes supporting a central horizontal element. This configuration establishes a unified architectural form while allowing each dwelling to develop its own spatial organization.

The three units extend across one, two, and three levels, creating a range of spatial conditions from horizontal, single-story living to vertically stacked arrangements. Each dwelling has a distinct entrance sequence, spatial rhythm, and set of framed views toward the garden. Outdoor terraces extend the living areas into the landscape, forming transitional zones between the interiors and the surrounding vegetation. Shaded by timber pergolas or protected by mature trees, these spaces accommodate gathering, dining, contemplation, and privacy. Their arrangement strengthens the linear organization of the project while allowing for connections between the three households without compromising their independence.

The sloping terrain is integrated into the circulation strategy through subtle grading interventions that form a network of paths across the site. Some routes are paved, while others use stepping stones, creating a sequence of movements through the landscape and between the three dwellings.

a long swimming pool positioned at one edge for the guests

Stone, Concrete, and Timber Form a Tactile Material Palette

Material selection and construction methods reinforce the project’s relationship with its rural setting. The structure is defined by load-bearing perimeter walls constructed from locally sourced stone, giving the three volumes a monolithic character. Carefully positioned openings puncture these walls to frame views of the vegetation, control daylight, and support passive cross-ventilation.

Timber is used throughout the architecture, from window frames to long-span pergolas and operable sliding panels. These elements allow the occupants to adjust solar exposure, airflow, privacy, and views according to changing seasons and patterns of use. The resulting system introduces a degree of flexibility into the otherwise solid architectural volumes.

Inside, the material palette combines stone, terrazzo, concrete, and timber. Stone walls are either left exposed or finished with white render, creating variations in texture and light across the interiors. Floors are finished in terrazzo containing subtly colored pebbles, establishing a visual continuity with the surrounding landscape. In-situ concrete slabs remain exposed, expressing the structural system while providing thermal mass. Timber furniture, staircases, and doors introduce warmth and craftsmanship, balancing the mineral character of the stone, terrazzo, and concrete surfaces.

the dwellings unfold over one, two, and three levels, offering a gradient of spatial experiences

the terrain itself becomes an active design element

local building regulations required the built volumes to remain attached rather than fully detached

the structure relies on load-bearing perimeter walls made from locally sourced stone

the monolithic volumes are deliberately and strategically perforated with openings that frame the vegetation

stone walls appear either exposed or white-rendered

carefully positioned openings frame vegetation and support passive cross-ventilation

the in-situ concrete slabs are left exposed, celebrating structural honesty

framed perspectives toward the garden

outdoor terraces extend the architecture into the landscape

timber furniture, staircases, and doors introduce warmth and craft

timber pergolas provide shade across the outdoor terraces

project info:

name: Treelithon
architects: Not a Number Architects | @notanumberarchitects

lead architects: Ermis Adamantidis, Dominiki Dadatsi

location: Chalkidiki, Greece

plot area: 2600 sqm

usable floor area: 200sqm

photographer: Alex Shoots Buildings | @alex.shoots.buildings

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. See more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: Christina Vergopoulou | designboom

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