Villa Charissa is an underground residence located in Santorini. Influenced by the island’s traditional architecture, it blends into the natural landscape particularities while stating a contemporary approach to a cave house concept.
The residence, carved on the Caldera front, offers unobstructed view of the volcano and the Aegean Sea. The outdoor space is surrounded by built-in structures: a pool, two relaxing corners and the entrance to the cave house.
Charissa’s elevation has got “depth” following the design concept of 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). A striking feature of the space is the atrium, marked by the presence of an olive tree. 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 while covering the guest’s needs with a variety of lighting scenarios.
The cycladic built-in and custom-made furniture is consistent with the aesthetic of the space.
Villa Charissa is integrated into the natural surrounding environment through the rock garden on the rooftop, where local climate-resistant aromatic shrubs and cacti are planted.
- Location: Imerovigli, Santorini
- Architectural Design & Construction Supervision: Elly Alexiou
- Electromechanical Design & Lighting Design: Maria - Christina Alexiou
- Consulting Engineer: George Zacharopoulos
- Project Management: George Alexiou
- Description: Elly Alexiou
- Study & completion time: 2017-2018
- Construction: Nikos Vitos
Hotel Equipment Suppliers:
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