A Modern Home Is Gently Slotted Into a Steep Slope in Santorini
This Grecian holiday home puts a modern twist on the area's traditional cave-like abodes.
While Santorini's smooth-edged, white-washed buildings have captivated travelers for decades, so have the island's yposkafas—the vaulted, cave-style houses delicately nestled into the rocky terrain. This holiday home embodies everything wonderful about such cave-style dwellings, yet with a minimalistic and modern twist. Designed by local studio Kapsimalis Architects, this striking, 1,076-square-foot abode gracefully blends in with its peaceful landscape, and also embraces views of the Aegean Sea below.
The elongated, rectangular form has been delicately nestled into the island's steep terrain.
Courtesy of Giorgos Sfakianakis
The floor-to-ceiling glass doors slide open to fully connect the interiors with the pool terrace, blurring the boundaries between inside and out.
The excavated material has been used to shape the property's exterior features.
Courtesy of Giorgos Sfakianakis
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Free-standing concrete walls along the terrace delineates the two lateral staircases, directing the eye toward the captivating sea beyond.
Courtesy of Giorgos Sfakianakis
"The house is integrated to the cliffside, leaving the least possible imprint," says Marianna Kapsimali, one of the studio’s founders.
Courtesy of Giorgos Sfakianakis
From the open-plan living and dining area to the adjoining bedroom, the owner can enjoy spectacular views of the sea.
Courtesy of Giorgos Sfakianakis
Traditional Santorini cave houses usually have long, deep floor plans with narrow facades, but with this house, the architects have inverted the proportions to create a slender, rectangular plan with a 33-foot-long glazed façade that opens the interiors to the pool terrace and sea views.
The outdoor terrace features an infinity pool and spacious deck.
Courtesy of Giorgos Sfakianakis
The house is oriented toward the Aegean Sea. Floor-to-ceiling, glass sliding doors flood the home with plenty of Mediterranean sunshine.
Courtesy of Giorgos Sfakianakis
The layout includes an open-plan living room, dining area, and kitchen, along with one bedroom, and two bathrooms.
Courtesy of Giorgos Sfakianakis
By cleverly melding traditional, Santorini cave-house building techniques with pure, pared-back modernism, Kapsimalis Architects has created a home that takes full advantage of the island's unique views and terrain.
The dining area and kitchen.
Courtesy of Giorgos Sfakianakis
Inside the home, a simple, neutral color scheme harmonizes with warm natural oak, walnut wood, and dramatic black steel details.
Courtesy of Giorgos Sfakianakis
Stone and concrete combine to create a stark, clean aesthetic that beautifully complements and contrasts the rugged landscape.
Courtesy of Giorgos Sfakianakis
Warm timber and plants add a touch of softness to the stone and concrete foundation.
Courtesy of Giorgos Sfakianakis
Dividers made of brick, wood, and glass separate the different rooms and functional zones.
Courtesy of Giorgos Sfakianakis
A free-standing bathtub is located in one of the two bathrooms.
Courtesy of Giorgos Sfakianakis
The two bathrooms are sited on either end of the rectangular plan. Each have been fitted with discrete skylights for additional illumination.
Courtesy of Giorgos Sfakianakis
This bathtub looks out to the outdoor terrace.
Courtesy of Giorgos Sfakianakis
Floor Plan Drawing
Courtesy of Kapsimalis Architects
Project Credits:
Architecture, structural engineering, landscape, lighting and interior design: Kapsimalis Architects
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