The mission of Tinos Ecolodge is to achieve the self-sustaining status. From the initial design and research of the different environmental technologies the team went to the implementation through a fairly extensive design process. The stone lodges were constructed perfectly integrated into the natural environment. The use of renewable energy sources, the application of passive solar, cooling and ventilation systems, the collection and storage of rainwater and wastewater treatment are some of the measures implemented, making Tinos Ecolodge independent of the central supply network. Its simplicity of form, the absence of frills and the use of natural materials align nicely with the natural beauty of the site.
Architectural design
The large stone ground floor house of 45.2 sq.m. is developed in plan L and consists of a living room, a kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom. On the north east side of the house, the bright living area with the built-in open kitchen have unobstructed view of the sea and the natural landscape. To the south, adjacent to the living room, the south pergola delivers a covered patio, which hosts the open air dining area. The two bedrooms and a bathroom are located on the west side of the house. The master bedroom opens to a second outdoor terrace covered with a seed trellis on the south side of the house. This second open-plan seating area is formed of the exterior stone wall that protects the buildings from the strong north winds.
Big stone house plans
Sun path diagrams with shadow ranges throughout the year
During the design process of the two houses, the Tinos Ecolodge team used sun simulation programs on the plot in order to better understand the impact of the sun in relation to their project and its surrounding context. The sun path is a visual representation of the sun’s range movement across the sky at the specific geographic location of their project, on the outskirts of Tinos Island. Four specific months have been chosen to show the sun path and the shadow area changing process, January, April, June and August.
Calculation of daylight factor levels
The daylight levels inside the houses where simulated in the design process, that helped position the windows and skylights to the desired positions in order to archive optimal lighting condions. The daylight factor is the most commonly used performance indicator for the evaluation and specification of daylight conditions in buildings. It evaluates the amount and distribution of diffuse light in the building in relation to the amount of diffuse light available outside under cloudy sky conditions, and is expressed as a percentage. Daylight factor levels are determined on a plan view and at 3D sections.
Construction progress
We like to thank Nick Bedau for the information,
photos and plans he provided us. More articles
about Tinos Ecolodge and their expansion will be coming soon.