A balance between simplicity and complexity

With its sophisticated interplay of materials and projecting geometric volumes, the façade offers a striking first impression of this home in Larnaca on the southern coast of Cyprus, an island celebrated for its history, cultural diversity and splendid sea. The exterior view provides just a hint of the architectural and interior design project curated by PS Architecture & Design. “The client wanted a modern yet unique home that would stand out for its complex and distinctive exterior design elements, resulting in a strong architectural identity,” explains architect Panagiotis Savva. In contrast to the darker tones of the façade, the interiors embrace softer shades, primarily white and light brown, and above all “a design approach that aims to maintain a simple spatial organisation for an enriching and functional living experience”, notes Savva.

Another element that plays an essential role in the design of the home is water, with a centrally-positioned swimming pool that extends around the primary living spaces – the master bedroom, living room and kitchen. This interaction between architecture and nature is central to the design philosophy of the Larnaca-based practice, characterised by clean geometries, formal clarity and functional coherence. The single-storey residence is laid out in the shape of the Greek letter “Π”, forming a natural enclosure that ensures privacy while maintaining a strong connection with the outdoor environment.

The interior is divided into two clearly defined zones. The first is a social area comprising an open-plan living and dining space and an L-shaped kitchen that preserves spatial fluidity. The second, on the opposite side, is a quieter, more secluded area consisting of three bedrooms and a private bathroom. Large openings and uninterrupted sightlines further reinforce the home’s spatial concept, creating a continuous visual connection with the pool and garden areas outside. “This seamless interaction between interior and exterior plays a key role in shaping the overall spatial experience and underscores the contemporary nature of the design,” Savva adds.

The interiors draw inspiration from nature, embodying a refined minimalism expressed through balanced warm and cool tones, tactile materials and elegant detailing. The resulting spaces convey a sense of harmonious, timeless elegance determined more by textures and light than excessive ornamentation. Architectural features such as cantilevered staircases and integrated lighting emphasise the sense of elegance and spatial fluidity that is central to the project’s identity.

The material qualities of the interior are highlighted by the choice of marble-effect porcelain tiles from Ceramica del Conca’s Boutique collection in three colour versions. Amani, a warm stone-effect ceramic surface, was chosen for the floors in the living area and veranda to achieve visual continuity while contrasting elegantly with the natural light. In the bathrooms, the darker Noisette version with sophisticated tones ranging from black to grey and warmer shades is used in combination with Amani to create an elegant and calming atmosphere. Outdoors, selected walls are tiled with Invisible Grey ceramic slabs with irregular, non-directional veining that adds depth and character to the architectural composition. Ceramic materials were chosen for their ability to balance elegance, durability and tactile qualities, “thereby integrating harmoniously into the overall architectural vision”, concludes Savva.