Cave House, Santorini Island, Greece property, Aegean Sea architecture photos

Cave House on Santorini Island

7 December 2024

Design: Ioanna Tsagkouli

Location: Santorini Island, northernmost island of the Greek Cyclades archipelago in the Aegean Sea, Greece

Photos: Ioanna Tsagkouli

Cave House, Greece

Nestled within the rugged landscape of Santorini, a project emerges from adversity to unveil an architectural feat. Confronted with numerous obstacles stemming from the land on site: precarious tunnels, landslides, a ruined underground enclave, soil disintegration and weak pozzolan, building a cave house here presented formidable challenges. Through meticulous geotechnical scrutiny and innovative design, the resulting structure stands as a testament to resilience and ingenuity.

The essence of the cave house lies in its core materiality, where reinforced concrete forms a sturdy shell. Ingeniously crafted, two retaining walls gracefully bear the weight of 600 cubic meters of infill, while a third arched wall, stretching 6.5 meters within, serves as the backbone, dividing the space into distinct sections. A singular sectional dome unites the roofs, casting a harmonious aura over the interior.

Within the home, the interplay of light and ventilation is orchestrated through strategic design. Inverted arches serve not only as spatial marvels but also as conduits for natural lighting and visual privacy, obviating the need for conventional doors. Artificial lighting is discreetly integrated into the partitions to further enhance a minimalist aesthetic, leaving the ceiling unencumbered.

The façade of the dwelling unfolds as a testament to thoughtful composition. Three distinct semi-outdoor spaces define its exterior character. A traditional gable extends to form a rectangular enclave, culminating in a serene swimming pool. A semi-circular vaulted structure beckons towards the central entrance, seamlessly blending with the overarching dome. Lastly, a juxtaposition of architectural elements—Santorini’s iconic semi-circular dome and the unconventional “double dome”—adds a touch of intrigue and sophistication.

In overcoming the challenges of its inception, this cave house stands as a triumph of design innovation and perseverance, offering a sublime retreat amidst Santorini’s breathtaking vistas.

A fortuitous meeting in the streets of Athens brought me to two siblings embarking on a quest for their perfect abode. Initially cloaked in uncertainty, their aspirations began to take shape through whispered conversations and shared dreams. It was during our second rendezvous that serendipity struck once more, as I stumbled upon a poignant dialogue from the annals of architectural history—an exchange between an architect and the custodians of a Sicilian Masseria from the 18th century.

“Architect, we entrust to you the stewardship of light,” pleaded the owners, their hearts yearning for illumination to banish the shadows of desolation, and weave a tapestry of blessed charm within their sanctuary.

“Perhaps,” mused the architect, “if I can capture the essence of the light cherished by those who came before…”

As the words lingered in the air, a silent understanding enveloped the room. One of the siblings broke the hush with a resolute declaration, “This is what I desire.”

From that moment forth, my mission crystallized—to translate their aspirations into tangible form, to sculpt a dwelling that resonated with the ethereal glow of cherished memories.

Today, after spending time in their new home, the siblings speak of inhabiting within a living sculpture. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting its kaleidoscope hues across the western sky, the interior undergoes a metamorphosis. Walls blush with shades of light pink, with hues of azure and amethyst, as if imbued with the very essence of twilight itself. In their home they find solace, sanctuary, and the enduring beauty of a shared vision brought to life.

Cave House on Santorini Island, Greece – Building Information

Architectural firm: Ioanna Tsagkouli – https://www.ioannatsagkouli.com/
Project size: 100 sq. m.
Site size: 174 sq. m.
Completion date: 2023

Photography: Ioanna Tsagkouli

Cave House, Santorini Island Greece information / images received 071224

Location: Santorini, Greece, southeast Europe

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