Off-Grid Homes in Cyprus – A Lesson in Self-Sufficiency
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I’ve just returned from the south of Cyprus with Rebecca, where we spent time in the hillside town of Pissouri. Each home here has its character as they are built to suit the land, yet perfectly at ease in its surroundings. Architecturally, what stood out most? Every single home runs with its own solar panels and hot water cylinders.
There’s a quiet beauty in this kind of architecture — homes shaped by climate, powered by the sun, and built for independence. It’s a reminder that self-sufficiency doesn’t have to be a bold statement; it can be woven naturally into everyday life. What’s interesting is that these idiosyncratic homes are the result of private land ownership from independent families, vs a large developer purchasing a large plot.
A project we are working on that will be fully off-grid is Mono-Systems.
As a Birmingham-based RIBA Chartered Architecture practice with a foothold in Cyprus, we’re taking inspiration from what we’ve seen here and applying it to our work. The principles are the same whether it’s a hillside villa in Paphos or a timber cabin in the Cotswolds — smart use of solar, rainwater harvesting, and other off-grid systems is part of simply good design.
Off-grid homes in Paphos, Cyprus — each rooftop fitted with solar panels and hot water systems. A simple, everyday example of how whole communities can move towards true self-sufficiency.
Rooftop water tanks and solar panels in a Cypriot village — a straightforward, low-maintenance approach to off-grid living that keeps homes self-reliant year-round.
On the road to Paphos — a winding mountain route framed by Cyprus’s rugged hillsides, where rural life and timeless landscapes meet.
Rebecca in Pissouri taking in the charm of Limassols historic architecture, where centuries-old stonework meets the relaxed pace of Cypriot life.
British architect visiting Paphos. Overlooking a hillside community where traditional Mediterranean architecture meets modern living, offering inspiration for off-grid design.
