house in oia by kapsimalis architects embeds white prisms along greek volcanic landscape

White plaster prisms shape KAPSIMALIS ARCHITECTS’ HOUSE IN OIA

Located on the outskirts of the traditional village of Oia in Santorini, Greece, this residence by Kapsimalis Architects overlooks the surrounding vineyards and the Aegean Sea. The site is accessed via a narrow pedestrian path connecting the village’s main street on the caldera ridge to the cultivated hillside below.

The design responds to both the settlement and the rural landscape. A slim rectangular plot with an existing stone berm informed the composition, which combines subterranean spaces with freestanding volumes. White plaster prisms of varying dimensions are arranged across the ground and upper levels, referencing the island’s cubistic architectural tradition. These structures contain the private and semi-private areas of the house, while the voids between them form shared spaces linked to outdoor courtyards. Patios and skylights enhance natural light and create continuity across horizontal and vertical planes.

all images by Giorgos Sfakianakis

Kapsimalis Architects Draws from Santorini’s cave typology

For the lower level, the design team at Kapsimalis Architects adopts the typology of Santorini’s cave dwellings. Subterranean rooms are positioned side by side, extending inward and opening only through the existing stone wall. This floor accommodates a sitting area, office, wine cellar with bar, gym with sauna and bathroom, and two guest suites.

On the ground floor, spaces include an entrance hall, dining and living areas, kitchen, bedroom with en-suite bathroom, guest WC, library corner, and an internal stair. This level connects to multiple outdoor zones: a courtyard with water surface and floating dining table to the north, a protected patio with barbecue to the west, a smaller lounge with fireplace to the east, and a private yard with plunge pool further north. The upper floor houses two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and private terraces. Outdoor areas continue across the site with Mediterranean planting, herbs, and vines, framing the residential complex. A larger swimming pool and lounge areas are integrated into the main yard.

the residence sits on the outskirts of the traditional village of Oia in Santorini

House in Oia is defined by Light tones and clean lines

Materials emphasize continuity with local building traditions: volcanic stone from the site is reused for the facade and perimeter walls, complemented by white plastered surfaces, white-painted timber for windows, iroko wood pergolas, and marble paving in beige and grey tones. Bioclimatic strategies were applied throughout. These include planted roofs, water features, thick masonry walls, high-performance insulation, and strategically placed openings based on orientation.

The interior reflects the architectural language of the exterior. Light tones, clean lines, and built-in furniture define the ground and upper levels, while the subterranean spaces adopt curvilinear geometries with darker, earthy colors. Materials such as natural stone, wood, and metal-glass elements are used consistently across levels, establishing cohesion while allowing subtle contrasts between spaces.

House in Oia by Kapsimalis Architects overlooks vineyards and the Aegean Sea

the ground floor contains living spaces arranged around courtyards

subterranean rooms reference Santorini’s cave dwelling typology

skylights and patios enhance natural light throughout the house

a plunge pool is positioned within a private enclosed patio

freestanding volumes and voids define private and shared spaces

1/4

 

 

 

 

project info:

name: House in Oia

architect: Kapsimalis Architects | @kapsimalisarchitects

location: Oia, Santorini, Greece

photographer: Giorgos Sfakianakis | @g_sfakianakis

photography stylist: Katia Maria Sarantidou

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom