Two Residences in Fira, this is the name of the project signed by Kapsimalis Architects, which consists in the transformation of a cave on the island of Santorini into two houses complete with every comfort. 

The architects of Kapsimalis Architects, which has its headquarters on the famous Greek island, have always tried with every project to merge modern trends in architecture, from minimalism to the use of new materials, with the tradition and culture of their land. The aim is to create modern structures capable of blending into the landscape and becoming one with it. 

“The rough volcanic landscape, the intense alternations of the scenery, the diversity of the materials, the former architecture and the changeable weather conditions have a huge effect in our designing process.”

The two houses of Two Residences in Fira are located, as the name says, in Fira, the main village of Santorini which, thanks to its conformation, allows every house, but also every business to enjoy a 360° view of the caldera. Respecting the style and traditions of the place, the exterior appearance of the two residences has not undergone any change, maintaining the typical white color of the houses of Santorini.

The real touch of Kapsimalis Architects can be seen as soon as you cross the two entrance doors. The first of the two houses has an entrance onto a small courtyard with a long, narrow swimming pool, from where you can climb up to the terrace via a staircase, or enter the living room. The second house always has a courtyard, this time larger, and interiors that follow the shape of the cave in which it was built, with curved ceilings and walls and with sinuously lined doors. 

The challenge was to make the interior spacious and bright despite the lack of large windows. The result was achieved through the use of a single color, very similar to sand, for all the interiors, from the walls to the furniture, essential and minimal. In fact, inside Two Residences in Fira we do not find any disturbing or decorative elements, everything except the essential has been removed. 

The designers of Kapsimalis Architects have managed to pay homage to the architectural tradition of Santorini, without abandoning a modern style that aims to subtract and not add, very popular in recent years.