- Interior
- Architecture & development
Kapsimalis Architects designed a complex of two houses located in the village of Vourvoulos in Santorini, which even took the country as its inspiration. The plot is located on a hill in a rural area in the north-eastern part of the Greek island with stunning views of the Aegean Sea. The warm earthy palette of colours and materials integrates perfectly with the stunning surroundings.
The Kapsimalis Architects is based in Santorini and was founded in 2012 by Alexandros Kapsimalis and Marianna Kapsimalis. The firm takes on a variety of commissions, ranging from private homes, shops and cultural spaces to large-scale hotel complexes of international renown. We have previously written about the work of these architects in which they transformed an old Greek house into two summer residences. 
The plot of the project we are showing here is located close to the sea, surrounded by vineyards, prickly pears and wild bushes. A perfect place to unwind. The architects were commissioned by the owners to create two similar residences close together with maximum sea views. The integration of the natural volcanic landscape is also an important parameter, serving as a starting point for the design. For example, Kapsimalis Architects' concept for this project was to cut a piece of the hill and place it forward in order to mimic the natural erosion and the cracks of massive rock masses. This artificial piece of land in its new position forms a covered passageway through which the residents enter the house. This also creates a slot along the back of the building, which lends itself perfectly to a small parking area and a second entrance.
Surrounded by earthy surroundings, the sea and vineyards, this project has everything you need.
Both buildings have a living area, kitchen and a master bedroom with dressing room and bathroom. There is also an attic that has a bedroom and bathroom. In the basement there are storage rooms and a rainwater collection tank. At the back of each house there is a cosy sitting area outside with a fireplace while in the front garden overlooking the sea there is a shallow pool and another sitting area. This invites the residents to dine in the open air or sunbathe.
Uncoated concrete in earth tones was used for the external facades of the building and for the interior surfaces. For the floors, the architects opted for a cement plaster. In addition, they opted for natural wood for the window frames and furniture en oxidised metal sheets for the wardrobes. Matt textures and earthy colours completely respond to the feeling of the earthy living environment. 
Visualisation by SUGARVISUALS