At ARENCOS, we see off-grid and carbon-neutral design as an opportunity to challenge the status quo of the residential construction sector in Crete. We design off-grid homes in Crete that are purposeful, sustainable, efficient and spectacular.
Off-Grid Homes in Crete
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ARENCOS understands the critical impact that structures and buildings have on climate change and carbon emissions. Never has there been a time where it has been more important to adopt dedicated strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change, adapt the way that we’ve been doing things, and prioritize a zero-emission, resourceful and resilient building stock in Crete, Greece.
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Sustainable Living by Design
At ARENCOS, we believe that modern architecture is living in comfort without compromising the natural environment or depleting the natural resources available. Our sustainably designed and energy efficient focused homes minimise negative environmental impacts whilst ensuring and maximising comfort and wellbeing.
Constructed with precision and by integrating the latest technology with locally sourced and time-tested natural materials, our eco-friendly properties draw inspiration from the Cretan nature with a delicate yet modern aesthetic, elegance and practicality.
Off-Grid Properties
We designed and launched ARENCOS ecoliving + to synergistically integrate all the elements of a building: the construction that holds it up; the facilities that allow it to function; its ecology, the off-grid features; the natural light and ventilation in architecture; the way you move through or around it; and last but not least its ability to establish comfort and wellbeing.
The plus symbol in our ecoliving logo symbolizes the added value of sustainability that we strive to accomplish for our clients in every project we participate in.
Commercial Off-Grid Properties
At ARENCOS, we design and construct off-grid, sustainable and highly energy-efficient properties without compromising on refined aesthetics, practicality and understated elegance. Ingenuity, know-how, creativity and fine workmanship always assist us to deliver an outstanding result.
We offer creative, precise solutions for complex off-grid buildings, shaping intelligent, yet comfortable living spaces from the initial concept to ultimate use that challenge the status quo and shape the future of constructions in Crete, Greece.
Eco-friendly Buildings
Everything we do is grounded in our purpose to design, build and manage sustainable, eco-friendly and of exceptional quality properties. We strive to make our mark in leaving Crete a better place for future generations by designing, planning and constructing eco-friendly and sustainable residential and commercial buildings.
Through a rigorous site assessment and by integrating engineering with Big Data, our design response is unique – inspired by local insights, financial, environmental and spatial constraints as well as the social and historical distinctions each project presents.
This assures sustainable and aesthetic solutions with lasting value for clients, inhabitants and society.
Off-Grid Homes in Crete: Reliable. Sustainable. Efficient. Exceptional.
Energy Efficient
We integrate high-performing building designs and bioclimatic architecture practices to offer climate-responsive and operationally efficient properties.
The final proposal is based on the adoption of suitable parameters for building orientation, structural profile, passive heating and cooling mechanisms, shading, and glazing to ensure a healthy indoor and outdoor living environment.
Sustainable Building
At ARENCOS, we assist clients discover pragmatic solutions that match their own objectives toward building sustainability.
To make structures really sustainable, we design for better performance from every angle – this way we help our clients create properties that are practical, affordable to build and operate, pleasant to inhabit and exceptional to their context.
Carbon Neutral
We have helped many clients realize their sustainability aspirations in residential and commercial buildings.
We strive to create carbon-neutral buildings and we know that this is only possible by synthesizing the latest design trends with locally sourced building materials and state-of-the-art renewable energy applications toward carbon neutrality.
Comfort + Wellbeing
We want to create buildings that motivate and delight, and which are responsive to the owner’s needs.
From detached houses to larger deluxe properties, we take pride in creating a competitive and innovative design attitude.
From concept to operation, our decisions and actions are intended to produce safe, inclusive, high-performance and sustainable properties.
PMDE
This framework is based on our Project Management & Delivery Excellence Folder and it outlines the initiatives, methods and strategies for carbon reduction in the construction, obstacles and challenges faced by similar residential projects.
Moreover, it also includes the mechanisms and methodologies that helped us overcome the difficulties, and low-carbon solutions applied to the design, construction, and operation of off-grid properties in Crete, Greece.
Integrity + Dedication
At ARENCOS we constantly strive to redefine the standard of excellence in everything we design and manage. Therefore, we are open to ideas that challenge conventional views and drive innovation.
As a team, we are sharing our knowledge and lessons learned. We support and encourage innovation and we also set big goals and high expectations, but we are appreciative, grateful, and supportive of our successes.
Initial Investment:
Setting up an off-grid home in Crete requires a thoughtful financial plan. Initial costs can be significant, particularly for solar panel systems, battery storage, water harvesting setups, and independent sewage solutions. For example, a high-efficiency off-grid solar system with battery backup can range from €12,000 to €25,000 depending on capacity and automation.
However, Crete’s abundant sunlight—averaging over 2,800 sunshine hours annually—offers a strong return on investment for solar-based systems. Additionally, using local materials and experienced local builders can help reduce construction costs while improving sustainability.
Energy Management:
With over 300 sunny days a year, solar energy is the primary and most reliable source of power for off-grid homes in Crete. However, managing consumption and storage is essential, especially during rare periods of cloudy weather. Modern lithium-ion battery systems, combined with energy-efficient appliances and backup generators, can ensure uninterrupted power supply even during the occasional stormy winter day.Seasonal Variability:
While Crete enjoys one of the most stable climates in Europe, seasonal variation still plays a role. In winter, when days are shorter and solar gain is reduced, energy demand (particularly for heating) tends to rise. Thermal mass design, passive solar principles, and efficient heating systems (e.g., pellet stoves or air-to-air heat pumps) can offset seasonal imbalances. Thermal insulation and strategic shading also help regulate temperature throughout the year.Water Availability:
While some rural areas in Crete have access to wells or spring water, many off-grid homes rely primarily on rainwater harvesting and filtration. Proper system sizing and water storage—usually between 10,000 and 20,000 liters—are crucial for year-round supply, especially during the dry summer months. Water-saving fixtures and greywater recycling can further reduce consumption.
Technical Expertise:
Off-grid systems require regular monitoring and maintenance. While many homeowners enjoy learning how to operate their systems, others choose to work with local specialists for system design, installation, and support. In Crete, the growing demand for sustainable homes has encouraged a skilled network of professionals focused on eco-friendly living solutions.Accessibility and Infrastructure Limitations:
While many parts of Crete offer ideal conditions for off-grid living, accessibility can be a challenge—especially in remote or mountainous areas. Narrow rural roads, limited public transport, and long distances from major towns can complicate logistics during the construction phase and affect access to supplies, contractors, or emergency services later on.
Before selecting a site, it’s important to assess year-round access (especially in winter), availability of mobile or internet signal, and proximity to local service providers. In some cases, upgrading access roads or arranging alternative delivery methods (e.g., 4×4 vehicles) may be required. Despite these hurdles, many off-grid homeowners view the privacy, serenity, and natural surroundings as well worth the trade-offs.
Legal Compliance with Greek Building Laws:
Constructing an off-grid home in Crete must fully comply with Greek urban planning and building regulations (Οικοδομικός Κανονισμός). This includes securing a proper building permit (Άδεια Δόμησης), respecting land-use zoning, and ensuring environmental standards are met. For rural or remote plots, additional documentation may be required, such as forestry clearances or archaeological site assessments.
Moreover, off-grid systems like rainwater tanks, septic tanks, and renewable installations may require separate approval or inclusion in the building permit plans. Engaging a licensed civil engineer or architect early in the process is essential to ensure compliance, avoid costly delays, and navigate any legal restrictions specific to your plot.
Ingenuity — There are more ways to keep cool than turning on the air conditioning. From naturally cool materials to clever ways to harness wind and sunlight, we design buildings with total sustainability in mind …
Senior Civil Engineer, Maria Gkika is a Certified Passive House Designer (CPHD). She is one of a few professionals in Crete, Greece who have been accredited by the Passive House Institute (PHI) to design truly energy-efficient, comfortable and affordable spaces.
This achievement provides ARENCOS with the ability to offer exceptional in-house expertise to our clients.
Designing and delivering the best possible living space takes a team committed to a common goal.
CHANIA NEARLY NET-ZERO & PASSIVE HOUSE
Located just outside Chania, this Nearly Net-Zero Passive House redefines sustainable living in Crete. Thoughtfully designed for optimal energy efficiency, it combines passive solar principles, superior insulation, and renewable energy systems to drastically reduce energy use and environmental impact. Blending modern comfort with low operational costs, this home offers a smart, future-ready lifestyle in one of Crete’s most desirable regions.
APOKORONAS OFF-GRID AND NEARLY NET-ZERO HOUSING
Located in the region of Apokoronas, this Net-Zero Energy off-grid home is designed for maximum efficiency and minimal environmental impact. With a budget of €360,000, it features passive solar design, full solar power autonomy, and high-performance insulation to ensure year-round comfort and energy savings, all while being fully integrated into the local ecosystem.
OFF-GRID HOUSE IN CRETE: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Fully off-grid covers places where there is no mains grid connection at all. This could either be down to the costs or purely as a personal choice. Installing solar panels is not enough to be considered off-grid, and most people who use solar energy still rely on electricity from an outside source.
Functionality. Practicality. Sustainability. Inclusivity.
Using our critical thinking, knowledge, motivation and passion to deliver lasting value for our projects– that’s our approach to sustainability. We have the motivation to do it, and we believe we have the responsibility to do it. It’s that simple.
PHCC is an architectural and engineering philosophy for zero-carbon buildings in Crete, Greece.
We're committed to creating spaces that matter.
transformation. sustainability. total architecture. technology. earth materials. knowledge sharing. creativity. innovation.
ARENCOS PHILOSOPHY
How we Think
At ARENCOS we view architectural design and construction engineering as a holistic process of exploration and discovery fueled by limitless thinking.
ARENCOS
Values Commitment
While our business continuously evolves, our core values are remaining constant. They define our way of working and are at the heart of everything we do in the field of architectural and engineering immersive experiences.
creativity/ innovation/ transparency
Digital Ecosystem
Our Businesses
We innovate on a continual basis, following trends and customer needs in the sectors in which we operate. We deliver essential innovations across our businesses— Construction & Civil Engineering, Real Estate, and Property Management.