The project concerns the conversion of two traditional cave dwellings into holiday residences. Located on the same plot and in close proximity, the two houses follow the typical building typology of Santorini, characterized by stone construction, thick walls, and vaulted roofs. The spatial organization retains the traditional layout: the front zone accommodates the living area and kitchen, benefiting from natural light and ventilation through existing openings, while the bedroom is positioned within the cave-like section of the structure.
Given the age of the buildings, the design intention was to preserve the existing masonry and vaulted ceilings to the greatest extent possible, while ensuring structural stability. The larger of the two dwellings evokes the atmosphere of a natural cave rather than a conventional house, and the limited number of windows poses challenges for internal subdivision.
The first residence, with an area of 45 sq.m., maintains the traditional configuration: living spaces at the front, bedroom and bathroom at the back. To achieve natural light in the bedroom, the use of a frosted glass door is proposed. In the living area, the built-in sofas are designed in the dimensions of two single beds, allowing accommodation for up to four guests.
The second residence, 60 sq.m. in size, features a more pronounced cave-like character due to a pre-existing addition and is organized to host up to five guests.
The design philosophy of both dwellings emphasizes simplicity, natural coolness, and harmony with the surrounding landscape—reflecting the essence of holiday living and the authentic architectural identity of Santorini.
Lead Architect: Maria Anthopoulou
Team: Maria Anthopoulou, Eleni Panagiotopoulou
