How to Inhabit Beauty | Caved House in Tinos

This breathtaking house on the Greek island of Tinos answers that question by disappearing into the landscape. Carved into a steep hillside overlooking the Aegean Sea, Caved House embraces the natural topography instead of imposing upon it.

Built into a slope with inclinations between twenty-four and forty-eight percent, the residence remains almost invisible from above. Only a small, traditional volume at the western edge hints at the entrance. From there, the home opens to a dramatic contrast: a long, narrow swimming pool runs alongside the buried structure, while panoramic views reveal the town of Tinos and the endless blue of the sea.

Stone walls continue the mountain’s form, while a long canopy extending from the social areas subtly marks the house’s presence. Light and air flow through sculpted courtyards and shaded pergolas, creating a dynamic experience of Cycladic sunlight and shadows.

This house redefines minimalism, sustainability, and site-sensitive design. It’s not just a home—it’s a quiet gesture of respect toward the land.

Watch the full video to discover how architecture and landscape can become one.

#Architecture #UndergroundHouse #TinosGreece #SustainableDesign #SlotHouse #CavedHouse

Credits:

Architects: Katerina Valsamaki Architects
Location: H56X+G7, Tinos, Greece
Project Year: 2025
Primary Building Material: Concrete
Building Area: 230 m2
Photographers: Panagiotis Voumvakis

Similar Posts

  • Villa Bunkherr

    Artistic Character The biggest challenge of the project Bunkherr came up at the outset of the collaboration between the client and the architects. The attractive hillside property was located in a former holiday home neighborhood set amidst a picturesque landscape in Hesse, Germany. Due to great dedication, perseverance and a tenacious struggle for the client’s strong desire to build their home in this very attractive place, a construction permit could finally be successfully acquired. The design is based on the idea of a human back, which divides the property into two areas: a public hillside area, which contains the entrance to the house, the garage and a spacious, plaza-like courtyard – an inviting place to share time with friends and neighbors. Even the client’s horse finds room here. And it also has a private valley facing area, which offers a magnificent view of nature. The structure of the building is defined by two building blocks, which are arranged at right angles to one another, the upper floor is cantilevered towards the valley. The private rooms of the parents are accommodated there. Below on the ground floor there is an open kitchen, dining and living area, which is characterized by the room-high glazing. A central design concept was to create spaces for the works of the artistically influenced client. For example, the interior of the house, has sculptures and paintings that add a special personal touch to the timeless, modern style of the house. Only a few materials, such as the white screed, which is not only used on the floor but also on the furniture, and the specially designed wooden boards provide a stylish setting for this.