This stepped design enhances airflow, comfort, and energy efficiency. Two heated pools—one central with a lounge area and another elevated with panoramic views—offer spaces for relaxation. Built with local materials and passive design strategies, Estia Plakias honors Crete’s heritage while embracing contemporary living. It’s more than a residence—it’s a dialogue between architecture, nature, and community.
The stepped architecture wasn’t merely an aesthetic decision—it was a conscious commitment to work with nature, not against it. This form enhances airflow and provides passive shading, improving comfort and energy efficiency throughout the year.
At the heart of the development lies a heated pool with an integrated lounge area, framed by shaded spaces for relaxation. A second, elevated heated pool offers panoramic views of the Aegean and Plakias village—designed as a tranquil retreat for adults.
Creating in Crete carries a responsibility—to honor the island’s heritage. Local materials and thoughtful strategies such as passive cooling, orientation, and natural shading vare integral to the project. These design choices pay homage to Crete’s traditions while reinterpreting them through a contemporary architectural lens.