Residence in Tinos

Meandering movement

The subterranean residence, built on a 4,700m2 plot in the rural landscape of Tinos, is located near the traditional village of Kardiani. With a total surface area of 300m2, the house is arranged entirely on one level, ensuring full accessibility throughout both its interior and exterior spaces.

Context Integration

The layout and architectural approach draw inspiration from the traditional settlements of Tinos, particularly their three dimensional and intricate spatial fabric. Wandering through these villages is an experience of exploration and surprise, unfolding through narrow, maze-like alleys and offering sudden glimpses of the sea and sky. This unique spatial experience served as a conceptual framework for the organization of the residence, where interior and exterior areas are arranged along a non-linear path that gradually reveals views and spaces, echoing the rhythm of discovery.

Design Philosophy

The building volume is precisely integrated into the land’s natural contours, with a primary façade oriented toward the sea. Stone walls, built using material excavated on-site, frame the exterior spaces along the front and the rear courtyard, while trees planted in the inner courtyards create a natural link between inside and outside. The roof is covered with local soil and features three large openings, allowing natural light and ventilation into the courtyards.

In the main living areas, the roof is sloped to enhance ceiling height and subtly conceal the underground nature of the structure. The floor plan is based on a strict rectangular grid, serving as a framework for dialogue with the surrounding landscape’s irregular morphology. The terrain cut is symbolically expressed through a “floating beam”, a stepped parapet that appears to emerge naturally from the ground.

Sustainable Design

The residence is built with high-performance thermal insulation that exceeds standard requirements and operates with a central energy system using a heat pump and solar collectors. The orientation of the main façade and courtyards, along with strategically placed wooden pergolas, contributes significantly to the passive shading and thermal regulation of the space. Overall, the house represents a refined example of contemporary holiday architecture; one that integrates seamlessly into its natural setting and is constructed with sensitivity toward the environment.