katerina valsamaki embeds subterranean house into hillside slot on tinos island, greece

Slot House emerges from narrow cut in Tinos’ terrain

Located on a steep southern slope of Tinos island, Greece, east of the village of Dio Choria, The Slot House by Katerina Valsamaki Architects is a residential project conceived to integrate discreetly within the Cycladic landscape. The design engages directly with the topography, minimizing its visual presence while framing extensive views of the Aegean Sea and surrounding islands, including Syros, Mykonos, Delos, and Paros.

The architectural approach is defined by two principal gestures: partial excavation into the hillside and a linear incision that opens the residence toward the sea. The house’s main volume is embedded into the slope, with the natural terrain enveloping the rear of the structure. In contrast, the front elevation opens to the horizon through a narrow, elongated cut in the earth, orienting the interior spaces toward the view. A continuous canopy extends along the facade, functioning as both a shading element and a visual marker of the building’s presence within the landscape. Behind it, vertical stone walls constructed from local materials provide structural support and contextual reference, further integrating the building into its surroundings. The project is conceived as a ‘slot’ in the hillside, emphasizing a minimal surface impact while maximizing environmental responsiveness.

all images by Panagiotis Voumvakis

Katerina Valsamaki Architects carves light-filled courtyards

A sequence of internal courtyards carved into the massing introduces natural light and ventilation while offering shelter from prevailing northwestern winds. The design team conceives these courtyards as spatial connectors, expanding interior programs outward and creating varied microclimates suited to seasonal use. Pergolas overlay some of these spaces, producing patterned shadows that reinforce the formal clarity of the architecture. At the southernmost edge, a compact, ground-level volume forms the primary visual and physical access point. This threshold volume contains architectural references to traditional dovecotes typical of the island and incorporates views toward the town of Tinos. Adjacent to this volume is a long, narrow pool that spans the length of the house, reinforcing the linear spatial organization.

Material choices reflect regional construction practices, with stone, earth, and exposed concrete used in a restrained palette. The architecture avoids dominant visual statements, focusing instead on continuity with the landscape and measured interventions that support both environmental performance and spatial clarity. Katerina Valsamaki Architects’ design for The Slot House operates through contrast, between excavation and exposure, shelter and openness, constructing a residence that is embedded, responsive, and spatially attuned to its Cycladic context.

Slot House is embedded into the hillside of Tinos, Greece

local stone walls blend the architecture into the Cycladic landscape

views extend across Syros, Mykonos, Delos, and Paros islands

a compact entrance volume defines the main point of access

internal courtyards also provide shelter from strong northwest winds

courtyards are carved into the massing to bring in light and air

a long, narrow pool follows the main axis of the house, serving as a spatial guide

stone, earth, and concrete form the restrained material palette

pergolas cast dynamic shadows across outdoor living areas

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horizontal and vertical planes mediate between terrain and view

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

project info:

name: The Slot House
architects: Katerina Valsamaki Architects | @katerina.valsamaki.architects

location: Dio Choria, Tinos, Cyclades, Greece

area: 230 sqm

lead architects: Katerina Valsamaki, Katerina Charisiadi

design team: Katerina Valsamaki, Katerina Charisiadi, Alexandra Baklatzi

project management, supervision: Katerina Valsamaki, Alexandra Baklatzi

structural engineering: ERGOSYSTEM LTD – Chryssanthos Kalligeros, Nelli Tzoumaki

EM engineering: MKA

lighting design: Katerina Valsamaki Architects

interior design: Katerina Valsamaki Architects

decoration & styling: Design Plaza, Katerina Valsamaki Architects 

photographer: Panagiotis Voumvakis | @panagiotisvoumvakis

windows doors, and sliding systems: Schüco, Hyline
insulation: Sika
tiles: REFIN, INALCO
tiles and special bathroom constructions: bagno y bagno
lighting products: Bright Special Lighting
plasterboards: KNAUF
faucets: RITMONIO
toilets: TOTO
air conditioning terminal devices: Air Grilles
aluminum powder coating: Akzo Nobel
interior and exterior color coating: Vivechrom
exterior wall systems and finishes: Dryvit Systems, Inc.
pool: STELNIC
green roof: EGREEN ZINCO
switches-sockets: Legrand
metal and aluminum constructions: Komeal
special constructions: METALLOCK
air conditioning systems: TOSHIBA
floor heating: REHAU
heat pumps and solar panels: VAILLANT
furniture: DESIGN PLAZA