Built in the 18th century and half dugged in a cave, Kalyva is a classic example of vernacular Cycladic architecture.
The renovation aims to maintain the original typology and appearance of the structure found in the existing building like the vaulted forms, cave spaces, and organic shapes.
The original property is split in two autonomous residences with private access to the front yard and a staircase leading to the terrace, with a panoramic view across the village and the sea.
The reconfigured interior contains a sequence of spaces with an open kitchen and living room where the caves are converted into bedrooms with an adjoining bathroom supplemented by new built-in furniture. Minimal interventions have been added combining traditional elements of the village with a modern tone to enhance the existing atmosphere of the interior. White plaster covers the walls highlighting the curves and high vaulted ceilings. While the decoration of the first villa is complemented with earthy tones intended to recall the volcanic hues of the island, the second one uses a more colourfull pallete adapting to the surroundings of the village.
location: Santorini, Greece
type: residence, renovation, interior
size: 130 m 2
collaborators: Ifigenia Papadatou
status: completed
photography: Art of visual, Nikola Ancevski, Form Collective