Save a deserted traditional Cavehouse in Santorini, transform it into a modern bioclimatic residence, and enjoy an unforgettable stay! Cavehouses in Santorini
In Santorini, in the Southeastern Mediterranean Sea, houses are not built with traditional bricks and walls. Instead, locals have been building their unique homes for centuries by drilling deep into the volcanic rock to create Cavehouses. T
hese Cavehouses were easier and cheaper to build, while also providing protection from the harsh winter winds and extreme rays of the sun in the summer heat. The natural insulation of the earthen walls regulated the interior temperature year-round, keeping inhabitants warm in the winters and cool in the summers. Built on the high volcanic cliff of Santorini’s caldera, Cavehouses also provided an ideal lookout position, as they helped inhabitants spot unwanted ship invasions by Mediterranean pirates. These Cavehouses are a fascinating glimpse into the history of the island, and also happen to provide some of the greatest views in the Mediterranean. The Cavehouse Project
One of these Cavehouses was passed down to me by my great grandfather, a local fisherman who needed a low-budget house close to the spot of his profession – fishing. Located at the very edge of the volcanic cliff of Akrotiri village in Santorini, Greece, the Cavehouse is now more than 100 years old and has remained uninhabited and deserted for decades. Knowing what beauty and potential this Cavehouse holds, I’ve decided to share with the world my passion for restoring this Cavehouse and this part of Santorini’s history. The purpose of this fundraising project is to save the Cavehouse from falling into ruin. My goal is to renovate this rare and spectacular structure with strict respect for local architecture, character, and style, transforming it into a modern bioclimatic rental residence. However, this project can’t be realized without your valuable and much needed support! The Restoration Plan
The Cavehouse’s location is truly one of a kind. It is literally hanging on the cliff of the caldera, offering a breathtaking view of the active volcano, the villages of Oia and Fira, the radiant blue of the Aegean Sea, and the world’s most famous sunset. The white walls of Santorini are the stuff of legend, and looking down from this Cavehouse on the edge of the caldera is awe inspiring. The property consists of the existing ~50 sq m (540 sq ft) Cavehouse, which is currently an open space room carved entirely out of the hard volcanic rock, as well as a small piece of land of 70 sq m (753 sq ft). The renovation plan has already been proposed to an architectural firm and a preliminary study has been conducted. The preliminary study includes a 3D architectural rendering and a study for the Cavehouse expansion plan. Once the renovation is complete, the existing Cavehouse will be expanded by drilling even further into the volcanic rock. The house’s total surface will increase to 80 sq m (860 sq ft), which will be enough for a spacious living room, a bedroom, an interior swimming pool, a kitchen and a WC. The current rooftop will be transformed into an entertainment area that will include a comfortable living room, a BBQ area, a swimming pool, a home cinema corner, and a spacious veranda for relaxing and enjoying the breathtaking view. These features bring the Cavehouse into the 21st century and make it an ideal destination for visitors to Santorini’s shores. Part of our renovation goal is to create a Cavehouse that will be made with local materials and techniques, in addition to being energy efficient. The renovation and redesign effort will be done with strict respect for the local bioclimatic architecture to accomplish a nearly CO2 neutral residence. This will be accomplished by:
- The use of a drainage system that will collect rainwater during the winter to supply the pool with water during the summer.
- The use of environmentally friendly and local construction materials.
- Avoiding traditional air conditioning systems. The use of black volcanic rock as the main building material will store heat in the winter and lock in coolness during the summer, making traditional air conditioning systems unnecessary.
- The use of solar panels for heating water. The impact
Your support to save the Cavehouse will have the following impacts:
1. Save a traditional Cavehouse on Santorini from falling into ruin.
2. Create local jobs for more than 15 people during the 6-month restoration period and another 2 permanent part-time jobs (housekeeper and maintenance tradesman) during the operation of the Cavehouse as a rental residence. These jobs are highly desired by the local community, especially due to the current harsh economic situation in Greece.
3. Contribute to the preservation of Santorini's unique local architecture and long tradition of unique world-class masonry.
4. Establish an almost zero CO2 emission residence.
