Cycladic architecture is famous for its uniqueness and charm. In fact, the rapid growth of tourism over recent years has extended its reputation well beyond the borders of Greece. When you visit a Cycladic town or village for the first time, you may have the feeling that you are inside an enchanting stage set.
The early Cycladic builders worked in the same simple yet daring style that distinguished the artists who created Cycladic idols some 5,000 years ago. With the authentic and untainted instinct of folk artists, these craftsmen constructed buildings that were adapted not only to the everyday needs of the inhabitants, but also to the beauty and grace of the Cycladic landscape.
White Single Beds
One rarely comes across public squares in Cycladic villages. Public spaces in settlements are, as a rule, quite small. The common area is usually the street, with its exceptionally well-balanced building facades.
The street is characteristically paved with whitewash-outlined polygonal or rectangular flagstones. The pattern of the flagstones is usually adapted to fit along the outsides of the buildings, which are of two main styles: narrow-facade ("stenometopo") and broad-facade ("evrymetopo"). Buildings in the same cluster or on the same block are most likely to be in the same style, with similar features. Therefore, a row of narrow-facade houses will have approximately the same dimensions and the same design. The houses usually have two storeys, with an outside staircase that allows separate access to the upper storey from the street.
The outside staircase exists regardless of whether the house is used as a single-family dwelling or two separate families individually own the ground floor and upper storey.
Separate ownership of individual floors is a popular tradition in the Cyclades, dating centuries back. It apparently started because of the lack of space within the fortified settlements that were built in the latter part of the 14th century when the islands first became settlements. Later, however, separate-storey ownership continued even after the pirate incursions had abated (mostly following the Battle of Lepanto in 1571), with the settlements then able to spread beyond the walls. Although the main reason for this is that it served the institution of the dowry, separate-storey ownership satisfied other needs as well, In Mykonos, for example, peasants who went to Hora (the Town) to sell their wares and do their marketing wanted storage spaces and rudimentary shelter. So, they purchased these ground floors from the locals.
The exteriors of Cycladic buildings are simple and unembellished, whitewashed, with only a few windows and a particular type of roof, which comes in three variations: vaulted, inclined, or pitched. For the most part, Cycladic houses resemble connected stark-white cubes.
Perched on cliff-sides, with an economy of space ensured by native ingenuity, these single or two-storeyed houses blend with church facades, fountains, windmills (where they exist) and dovecotes to compose pictures seen nowhere else in the world.
Buildings that form a compact mass, irregularly aligned houses, an economic use of curves, and walls that subtly slant out towards the ground to give the impression that the building is growing out of the island's stark rocky ground, flagstone stairs rimmed in white to diminish their weight. When you add the painted doors (typically, the cobalt blue of the sea), windows and balconies, which contrast the stark white houses, you have the complete picture of Cycladic architecture.
But this is only the general picture. Each island has its own unique characteristics, determined by its history and topography, as well as by how the local materials have been utilized.
The interior of the houses is also similar, with only minor variations from island to island. The inside space is divided into two unequal sections by a kind of platform, 1-2 meters high and up to 3 meters wide, extending either the length or width of the house. This platform is called, alternately, "krevatos" (bed), "kraatos" or "sofas" (couch) depending on the locale. The furnishings, which are impressive for their aesthetics refinement and usefulness, are in total harmony with the decoration and architecture of the house. The interior decor consists of small cabinets, the "stamnos" (water jug) stand, trunks to store clothing, wardrobes, icon stands, wooden-carved chests, as well as a variety of furniture built into the walls.
This is often combined with pebble-paved front yards (particularly on Milos and Paros, as well as other islands), which add particular grace to the otherwise stark but always harmonious constructions of Aegean island vernacular architecture.
Special Price!!! Smart Air Beds 5 x 1 Inflatable Sofa Bed (Regal White) - Full Size
Oct 24, 2011 13:46:20
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Smart Air Beds 5 x 1 Inflatable Sofa Bed (Regal White) - Full Size Feature
- AC pump and 3 nozzles, patch kit and storage bag are free with the purchase of the product
- Inflates in about 90 seconds
- Deflates in about 2 minutes and can easily be stored in a closet, trunk of a car, camper or shed
- Seating surface is 14" high off the ground
- 28" seating area is suitable for two adults
Smart Air Beds 5 x 1 Inflatable Sofa Bed (Regal White) - Full Size Overview
If you are looking for more than "just an air bed", then the Smart Air Beds 5 x 1 Inflatable Sofa Bed is probably the right piece of inflatable furniture for you. Depending on the chambers you inflate and the configuration, the Smart Air Beds 5 x 1 Inflatable Sofa Bed can be:-An air bed that measures 74" x 54" x 7", perfect for two people as a short term sleeping solution- A raised air bed that measures 38" x 54" x 14", great for a temporary bed for a small child (please provide parental supervision)- A relaxing lounger - from the air bed position, just inflate the back and arm rests-A sturdy recliner - take the lounger and flip it over so the arm/back rest is sitting on the ground-And of course, a spacious two person sofa (54" wide with ~ 35" of seating space)Five uses from one product - hence the name 5 x 1! The Smart Air Beds 5 x 1 Inflatable Sofa Bed is made of PVC vinyl which is easy to clean or repair should any kind of mishaps occur (comes with a patch kit). Also included absolutely FREE with your purchase are a detachable AC pump with three nozzles (made to plug in to US outlets - a value) and a lightweight carry bag to take everything with you (a .99 value). If you want to take the Smart Air Beds 5 x 1 Inflatable Sofa Bed camping with you, all you will need is a rechargeable or battery powered pump (not included), and you are good to go!When you are finished using the product, deflation and storage is a snap. Simple release the air through the three quick release valves (most of the air will immediately evacuate), use the deflation port on the AC pump to suck out the remaining air, fold the sofa up, and store it in the carry bag. When it's all said and done, the item is no bigger than an average gym bag! Please note: white vinyl is easy to scuff and mark, but is easily cleaned with something like the Mr. Clean Magic Scrubber.SAVE NOW on the special offers below!
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