Kissos Studios

What was your inspiration to create Kissos Studios? What is the story behind it?

About six years ago, Jan and I decided to emigrate to Crete and build something there. From the start, we said we wanted to live in nature with our children. I’m originally from Tyrol — specifically Kitzbühel — so I come from the mountains, and Jan is from Hamburg.

What immediately captivated us about the land was the breathtaking mountain backdrop and the flora: we’re surrounded by olive groves, terraces where locals grow their vegetables, and a forest right next door. It’s simply stunning. That’s why we chose this countryside location instead of being by the sea.

Through a mutual friend in Berlin, we got in touch with architect Sigurd Larsen. Initially, we wanted to create a few Japanese-inspired cabins, but due to earthquake regulations and building lines, that wasn’t possible.

Sigurd then presented us with an initial design that was terraced into the landscape. We loved it! Thankfully, we were able to purchase a second plot of land just above our first one. Sigurd designed not only Kissos Studios but also our private residence. So alongside Kissos Studios, we built our home.

For me, the connection to the mountains was crucial. We wanted to create a place where people could return to the essentials — away from the big cities and free of distractions. There’s no TV, though we do have internet because we want to offer “workations”.

The beauty here is that you literally look into a valley and see nothing but a church and a small village on the hillside. There’s nothing in sight that distracts you from nature.

In creating Kissos Studios, I was reminded of Gaudí, who believed buildings should integrate into nature. That was my husband’s main idea working with Sigurd: not just plop down a three-story apartment building visible from the road, but to merge with the landscape. For instance, we installed green roofs to give something back to the bees and nature, since we used a lot of concrete here.

What do you particularly like about Greece and Crete in particular?”

As I said, I’m from Austria, and building there would have cost at least three to four times more. Granted, the quality would be high, but the costs would be astronomical.

In Hamburg, where Jan is from, the weather isn’t great, and Brandenburg’s culinary scene didn’t excite me. I also spent a month in Portugal to explore it, but I realised there might eventually be water shortages.

Jan had lived in Athens before — he’s a director and cameraman — so he already knew Greek culture and could speak some Greek. I trust his instincts and he suggested, “Why not Greece?” So we considered Corfu, but the island felt too small. We then looked at the Cyclades, which are very stark, and finally ended up on Crete and decided “We like it here.”

How would you describe the architecture and interior design?

Sigurd and Jan chose three main materials: wood, concrete, and stone. We built natural stone walls outside, used exposed concrete where needed, and cedar wood for interior surfaces. The windows are made from Scirocco wood. We didn’t want a boxy building visible from below; we wanted terraces, green roofs, and natural materials that age gracefully.

All of the interior cedar elements were custom-made by a carpenter. It’s all bespoke. The surfaces are minimal, complemented by exposed concrete columns. In the bathrooms, we used “forced concrete” so there are no tiles; it’s all one seamless, cast-concrete surface.

We consciously kept it minimal and somewhat Japanese-inspired. You’ll notice there aren’t many hooks on the wall or knickknacks. You have to appreciate order and simplicity to enjoy it. We also don’t have big wardrobes — just enough storage for the essentials.

In designing the studios, we prioritised large sliding windows so that inside and outside melt together. You shouldn’t feel like you’re in a 20 m² studio! When the windows are open, you feel one with nature. Each studio has a small kitchenette: there’s a high-quality stove, cookware and we put in Bialetti espresso makers and pour-over V60 setups because coffee matters.

How would you describe the atmosphere? Have you received any guest feedback?

Our guests say it’s very grounding and their senses immediately become alive. The wind is rustling the leaves, the birds are singing and sometimes you’ll see a badger walking by. Many people aren’t used to so few distractions—they’re used to cars, noise, TVs. Here, you might be woken by birds rather than an alarm clock.

Some guests need a moment to adjust, especially if they expect room service and the like. But soon they realise this is about getting back to what’s real.

We do have two small kids, so it’s not adults-only and sometimes we’ll jump into the pool with our children. We want it to stay lively, not overly sterile.

Guests have told us, “Wow, this is really something different.” The quiet, the fresh air, the absence of knickknacks everywhere — it’s all part of the experience.