Η.: In its 50 years of presence, Alexandros N. Tombazis and Associates Architects constitute a reliable representative of bioclimatic architecture. In your projects you focus on the environment, bioclimatic characteristics, the use of natural light and theadoption of the German architect’s motto Mies van der Rohe “less is more”. Which of the four above criteria remains your first call option in your architectural synthesis and why?

Y. Romanos: I would say that we rather developed than adopted Mies’s motto. Alexandros Tombazis advocated that ''less is beautiful'', understanding 'less' not necessarily as 'too little' but as a responsible judgment of what is necessary in each case. He firmly believes thatdesigning for ‘less’ in this sense involves a deeper inner beauty. Similarly we too, who grew up professionally by his side, learned to approach each project holistically by addressing a series of parameters such as place, climate, history, culture, social considerations, sustainability, function, materials, issues of cost etc., all of which should find their place in our design.


Η.: Your firm participates in Navarino Residences design at Navarino Dunes of Costa Navarino.Could you highlight the bioclimatic architecture elements in the luxury residence you undertook?


Y. Romanos: For us bioclimatic design is a matter of approach, a design philosophy: in other words, it is applied in all projects we undertake. Of course a good quality construction will greatly contribute to the bioclimatic function of any building. In our ‘Navarino Residence’ proposals we emphasized on the smooth integration of the villas into their natural surroundings, on proper daylighting and shading, on natural ventilation, extensive use of water and planting, maximization of views, and a timeless architectural vocabulary.