Set at the edge of the forest in Thessaloniki, Forest House is conceived as a sequence of concrete volumes following the natural slope toward the trees. A central courtyard with a sculptural pine anchors the plan, while a passive-house approach informs orientation, openings and overhangs.
Forest House is a residential project where sustainable architecture is rooted in the landscape from the first design decisions. The site, at the edge of one of Thessaloniki’s dense urban forests, presented two design pressures: the slope and the proximity to mature trees that the family wanted to preserve. The architectural response is a sequence of concrete volumes that follow the natural contours of the land, threading between existing trees rather than displacing them. The result is a home that sits within the forest as a participant rather than an intervention.
Organised around a central courtyard with a sculptural pine at its heart, the plan brings natural light deep into the interior and gives every primary room a direct relationship to the outdoors. This courtyard also serves as the home’s passive climate engine — it captures cool air at night, releases warm air through stack ventilation by day, and visually connects the family to the seasonal life of the forest. Sustainable architecture in this context means less reliance on mechanical systems and a stronger reliance on orientation, openings and the thermal mass of the concrete itself.
Long roof overhangs shelter the south facade in summer while admitting low winter sun. Deep planted areas at the perimeter increase biodiversity and slow rainwater runoff. The interior palette stays close to natural materials, complementing the concrete shell. As a private residence in Thessaloniki where sustainable architecture is rooted in landscape and daily life, Forest House is part of ONUS Architecture Studio’s growing portfolio of contemporary Greek residential architecture that takes its cues from site, climate and existing ecology.
Forest House follows passive-house design principles referenced through the Hellenic Passive House Institute and the broader International Passive House Association framework. The residence joins ONUS’s portfolio of private residences in Greece recognised among our award-winning sustainable architecture.
