travel europe greece the island of santorini/thira oia residential architecture
Living abodes, houses, inns, and hotels, in Oia come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
The one thing that almost all structures have in common is the plaster, most often white to reflect the suns heat.
Like all good architecture, the best seem to be rooted in their surroundings and shaped by the views, their neighbors, and the climate.
But not all structures are white and some feature unique rock work.
Due to the lack of natural lumber in the area, wood is often treated as a luxury and shows up mostly in doors and window shutters that can be easily imported.
It is a unique combination of their siteing, their common colors and textures, and the intricate three dimensional pattern they create that make them such a delight for architects and photographers.
TRAVEL: August 2013
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unless noted otherwise all images copyright d. holmes chamberlin jr architect llc
Perhaps one of the most unique and beautiful examples of Santorini residential architecture is this windmill house, Oia, Santorini, Greece, 2013.
A majority of the living spaces appear to grow right out of each other and the rock cliffs around them, Oia, Santorini, Greece, 2013.
Others, usually on the back side of the ridge, stand alone in more traditional plots, Oia, Santorini, Greece, 2013.
Colorfull flowers are often a regional asset to homes, Oia, Santorini, Greece, 2013.
Some newer structures, usually not in the popular old cliffside neighborhoods, stick to the basics, Oia, Santorini, Greece, 2013.
This structure features a wingwall element found all over the world in multi-unit dwellings, Oia, Santorini, Greece, 2013.
Climbing flowers in the Greek islands almost become an architectural element, Oia, Santorini, Greece, 2013.
Colorful patio, Oia, Santorini, Greece, 2013.
More beauty in flowers accent this stone structure, Oia, Santorini, Greece, 2013.
The quests at this hotel appear to be enjoying their holiday, Oia, Santorini, Greece, 2013.
This space is, to me, nearly architecturally perfect in it's contemporary adaptation of usable space.
This inn has a unique stonework fascade, Oia, Santorini, Greece, 2013.
Almost every abode has at least a small outdoor patio from which to enjoy the elements, Oia, Santorini, Greece, 2013.
copyright d. holmes chamberlin jr architect llc
page last revised march 2020