Villa Ypsilon by LASSA Architects: A Seamless Fusion of Architecture and Landscape

  • Project: Villa Ypsilon
  • Architect: LASSA Architects
  • Location: Greece, Finikounda
  • Year: 2017
  • Area: 150 m2
  • Photography: NAARO

Nestled in the olive groves of Finikounda in southern Peloponnese, Villa Ypsilon by LASSA Architects redefines sustainable summer living. Designed by architects Theo Sarantoglou Lalis and Dora Sweijd of the London and Brussels-based LASSA Architects, this 1,614 sq ft residence stands out for its innovative Y-shaped green roof that merges fluidly with the terrain—blurring the line between architecture and nature.

Architecture that Echoes the Landscape

Perched atop a hillside, the villa captures panoramic views of the Schiza and Sapientza islands to the south and the mountainous horizon to the east. The building’s height is deliberately restrained, aligning with the top of surrounding olive trees to preserve visual harmony with the landscape.

The most striking feature, the green roof, is not only a visual gesture but a functional extension of the terrain. Its bifurcating form defines three separate courtyards, each designed to respond to the shifting path of the sun and optimize microclimates throughout the day.

Thoughtful Interior Zoning and Circulation

The layout of Villa Ypsilon is organized into two main wings:

  • A private zone housing three bedrooms and two bathrooms, each oriented to capture the morning light and eastern views.

  • A communal area featuring a spacious kitchen and living room that opens directly to all three courtyards, creating a continuous indoor-outdoor experience.

Circulation is designed as a promenade, guiding movement through interior spaces, around the home, and even across the roof. This seamless flow supports both intimate relaxation and social interaction.

Low-Impact Design and Efficient Construction

Sustainability was central to the design strategy. The villa’s concrete shell and planted roof create a natural thermal buffer, while cross-ventilation eliminates the need for mechanical cooling. Local materials like terrazzo, marble, and concrete were chosen not only for their aesthetics but also for their environmental efficiency and availability.

Construction was streamlined through off-site prefabrication and self-assembly methods. Given the site’s remote location and tight budget, LASSA Architects adopted a hands-on approach by purchasing a CNC machine. This enabled the precise fabrication of:

  • Concrete formworks

  • Acoustic ceiling structures

  • Custom windows

  • Built-in furniture

  • Landscape and pool molds

According to Theo Sarantoglou Lalis, this prototyping-led approach minimized reliance on commercial products and allowed for full creative control, completing the build in just seven months.

Aerial view of Villa Ypsilon by LASSA Architects, integrated into the Greek hillside.
Photography © NAARO
Curved concrete roof and swimming pool at Villa Ypsilon by LASSA Architects in Finikounda, Greece.
Photography © NAARO
Villa Ypsilon kitchen interior with full-height glass wall overlooking pool and olive trees.
Photography © NAARO
Bright minimalist living space of Villa Ypsilon by LASSA Architects with panoramic sea view.
Photography © NAARO
Courtyard detail and curved concrete roof of Villa Ypsilon by LASSA Architects in Greece.
Photography © NAARO
Custom white bookshelf and ceiling detail in Villa Ypsilon by LASSA Architects.
Photography © NAARO
Parametric ribbed wooden ceiling detail of Villa Ypsilon by LASSA Architects.
Photography © NAARO
Perforated wall lighting effect in hallway of Villa Ypsilon by LASSA Architects.
Photography © NAARO
Architectural integration of pool and curved green roof at Villa Ypsilon by LASSA Architects.
Photography © NAARO
Distant aerial view showing Villa Ypsilon’s olive grove surroundings in Finikounda.
Photography © NAARO
Close-up of wooden ceiling formwork used in Villa Ypsilon’s curved structure.
Photography © NAARO
Construction phase of Villa Ypsilon with visible wooden formwork for concrete pouring.
Photography © NAARO
Detail of irregular oval-shaped windows at Villa Ypsilon by LASSA Architects.
Photography © NAARO
Architectural circulation diagram showing pedestrian and vehicular movement at Villa Ypsilon by LASSA Architects.
Ground floor plan layout of Villa Ypsilon by LASSA Architects showing room organization and spatial flow.
Architectural section showing the profile, interior layout, and structure of Villa Ypsilon by LASSA Architects.
Solar exposure and shadow diagram of Villa Ypsilon by LASSA Architects across different times of day.

Posted by LASSA Architects

LASSA Architects is a design-led practice founded in 2009 by Theo Sarantoglou Lalis and Dora Sweijd. Based in London, Brussels, and Greece, the studio blends architecture, technology, and academic research. Known for its experimental use of geometry and digital fabrication, LASSA emphasizes innovation through constraint. The founders also teach at the Architectural Association in London, reinforcing the firm’s strong ties to academia and cutting-edge architectural discourse.