The architect Elly Alexiou designed Villa Charissa in Imerovigli, Santorini, Greece, an underground residence influenced by the island’s traditional architecture, blending into the natural landscape particularities while stating a contemporary approach to a cave house concept. The residence offers a beautiful view of the volcano and the Aegean Sea since it’s carved on the Caldera front. The outdoor space is surrounded by built-in structures: a pool, two relaxing corners, and the entrance to the cave house.
The design concept was a tunnel whose interior is a semi-outdoor, multi-use space formed by the bridging of two flat surfaces. The former, slightly inclined, attempts to fit into the ground’s morphology while the latter vertical surface frames the entrance to the residence. On the entrance level, there is a spacious smoothly-surfaced living room whilst five steps lead to the lower level (bedroom & bathroom).
The atrium, combined with the bathroom’s skylight, allows natural light inside the residence and physical contact with the outdoor environment. The artificial general and decorative lighting combo along with natural light set out the fluid form of the space and while covering the guest’s needs with a variety of lighting scenarios. The Cycladic built-in and custom-made furniture are consistent with the aesthetic of the space.
