Summer Cottage on a Volcano

Summer residence of 100 square meters designed by Kapsimalis Architects is located in the village of Ia on the island of Santorini, Greece. The project features a cave-house built into volcanic rock and an external cottage on the upper level.

The main idea of construction was to use the natural soft curves of the cave to create a textured and expressive living space. A key task was designing an external platform with a pool resting on volcanic rocks. The striking contrast of shadow and light, the feeling of immersion in volcanic rock, and the sensation of floating in emptiness result from transitioning from the enclosed space of the cave to the openness of the courtyard. The design of this summer house is fully integrated into the volcanic landscape and Cubist architecture of Santorini in a modern interpretation.

The primary material used for building the cave-house and supporting the volcanic rocks is gunite—a mixture of cement, sand, and water applied through a pressure hose to form a dense, solid layer of concrete. Volcanic stones and white plaster were used for the interior and exterior walls. Light beige marble and gypsum cement were perfectly suited for floor coverings.

Photos: Paterakis Vangelis