PROJECTS

Set atop the cliffs of Santorini, Villa Aegean subtly balances the island’s breathtaking landscape with a contemporary interpretation of the traditional architecture. ELASTIC drew inspiration from Santorini’s iconic rocky formations, natural openings, and subterranean canaves—elements deeply rooted in the island’s architectural heritage. The design concept aims to reimagine these morphological and architectural characteristics, translating them into a bold and modern narrative while preserving their intrinsic connection to the volcanic terrain.

At the heart of the Villa’s design is the volcanic rock Basalt, whose story unfolds through its ever-changing textures, colors, and qualities as it transitions through stages of its life cycle. This geological transformation, from the stone’s birth during the volcanic explosion to its weathered beauty, served as the metaphorical foundation for the Villa’s design. Each stage of the rock’s evolution informed the Villa’s materiality, palette, and form, with carefully selected elements reflecting its shifting qualities.

The materiality of the Villa reflects the delicate balance of softness and strength inherent in the island’s environment. A palette of natural tones, stone, metal, and wood adds tactile depth, while earthy textures and volcanic tones interplay with sleek symmetrical lines, creating a welcoming space that feels both grounded and avant-garde.

Using a sculptural approach in their design, ELASTIC created openings and voids, reminiscent of natural rock fissures, which draw light and air into the interiors forging an intimate connection between the built environment and the natural setting. Subterranean spaces echo the canaves of Santorini, offering cool sanctuaries that embrace both tradition and innovation. The Villa’s arches, both inside and out, are a deliberate nod to the island’s architectural tradition, reinvisioned to evoke depth and accentuate curvature. ELASTIC introduced accents of black stone on the existing footprint, which not only define the Villa’s architectural identity, but also brings an intensity that anchors it to the volcanic terrain.

In their design, ELASTIC have captured the essence of Santorini—not as a static reflection of the past, but as a living, evolving dialogue between the island’s history, its raw beauty, and the contemporary spirit of its inhabitants. It is a space that evokes a sensory journey—a living homage to the island’s volcanic essence and enduring charm, brought to life through a creative and visionary lens.

Principal Architects
Ria Vogiatzi. Alexandros Xenos.

Design Director
Chrysanthi Vathi

Project Architect
Vivi Annousi

Architects
Anna Salti. Nasia Androulaki. Marilena Karyda

Interior Designer
Kyriaki Louzi

FF&E Specifier
Georgia Katsoula

Photography

George Fakaros