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Vernacular Architecture: The architecture of the Cyclades islands

Greece, a land rich in history, art, and culture, has always been considered the cradle of Western civilization. Located on the Balkan Peninsula, it comprises over six thousand islands, of which only two hundred and twenty-seven are inhabited, boasting landscapes that captivate with their harmonious construction. Many of the villages on the Greek islands - whether perched on a hill, nestled in valleys, or positioned at port entrances - possess characteristics that reflect the charming Greek tradition, offering a sense of positivity, serenity, and pleasure through its culture.

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The architecture of the Cyclades islands - including Amorgos, Santorini, Milos, Folegandros, Paros, and other islands - can be defined as “vernacular architecture,” a style of construction that mirrors the local community's traditions, needs, and resources. It evolves through traditional building techniques that do not follow a formal or academic architectural style, using natural and locally sourced materials, deeply influenced by the geographical, climatic, and cultural context.

The traditional houses of the Cycladic islands are straightforward in shape - cubic or rectangular - with thick walls, flat roofs, small, colorful windows, courtyards, and terraces. They blend seamlessly with the surrounding natural environment. Let’s explore these aspects more deeply to understand the reasons behind this construction style and the materials used.

Photo @ Valentina Cannava

The materials are often locally sourced - stone, lime plaster, wood, clay, and ceramics - giving the homes both sustainability and functionality.

The stone used for the walls creates a robust structure with walls up to one meter thick, providing better insulation to keep interiors cool in summer and warm in winter. In agricultural areas and older houses, the walls are often built dry, without mortar, allowing greater flexibility and making them more resistant to seismic activity. Lime mortar is also used in stone or brick construction, enabling the walls to absorb and release moisture. Natural materials like wool, clay, or straw are inserted into the thick walls to ensure adequate insulation.

Lime plaster is used to coat the walls, which are then whitewashed. This material acts as a natural disinfectant - historically used to prevent the spread of disease and keep the exterior clean - and serves as a sealant for the walls, allowing them to breathe and regulate humidity. Whitewashing reflects sunlight, helping to keep interiors cool during the summer. Furthermore, it is part of the cultural tradition, providing the cohesive and harmonious appearance that distinguishes Greece.

Wood - often cypress or local pine - is used for roofs, pergolas, windows, and exposed beams, adding a rustic touch to the interiors.

Clay and ceramics are used for both decorative and functional purposes. In some homes, clay tiles are used for roofing and flooring.

Photo @ Valentina Cannava

Photo @ Valentina Cannava

A distinctive feature of Greek island houses is their flat roofs. Initially, these were used to collect rainwater, which is always scarce on the islands. Roofs may have a slight slope to direct water runoff in areas with higher rainfall. On some islands, particularly Santorini, domed roofs can also be found. These are structurally robust and aesthetically unique.

Photo @ Valentina Cannava

Traditional settlements on the Greek islands are often built on hilly slopes or rocky coastlines, adapting to the land’s natural morphology. The houses are arranged organically, following the landscape's natural contours, with narrow, winding streets that provide shade and protection from the wind. This layout also offers natural protection against strong sea winds, which are frequent on the islands. The islands’ rugged, mountainous terrain influences the layout of houses into two main typologies: terraced and cave-like.

In steep areas, houses are often built in terraces, ensuring unobstructed views of the sea and maximizing natural light and ventilation. In volcanic areas like Santorini, houses are built directly into the cliff, using natural rock as a structural element to ensure excellent insulation and a favorable temperature. This type of house is known as a “cave house” or “iposkafa.”

Photo @ Valentina Cannava

Photo @ Valentina Cannava

Sociability is an essential aspect of Greek culture. For this reason, homes often feature outdoor spaces like courtyards, terraces, and balconies, frequently shaded by wooden pergolas and adorned with climbing plants like Bougainvillea, which, with its vibrant purple color, creates a stunning contrast against the white and blue houses. These spaces are designed to take full advantage of the warm climate while shielding the interiors from the sun.

Photo @ Valentina Cannava

The houses are characterized by small windows and colorful doors, which help reduce heat absorption. Additionally, to prevent heat from penetrating the interiors, doors and windows are positioned to promote natural ventilation, taking advantage of sea breezes.

Photo @ Valentina Cannava

Photo @ Valentina Cannava

As previously mentioned, white serves both a practical and symbolic purpose, always paired with blue. Why were these shades chosen? The blue color holds practical and symbolic value, evoking the sea and sky, symbols of infinity, peace, and protection. Additionally, it is believed to ward off evil spirits and is easy and affordable to produce, made from a mixture of lime and a blue “loulaki” powder, giving it its distinctive hue.

Other colors, such as earth tones like ocher, terracotta, and sandy beige, are more prevalent on islands where stone and rock dominate the landscape. In other cases, bright colors like red, green, and purple embellish the windows and doors of Greek homes. The color scheme of Greek island homes is aesthetically pleasing but is also deeply rooted in centuries of cultural tradition, climate adaptation, and spiritual beliefs, making these homes distinct and timeless, reflecting a harmonious relationship between dwelling and the natural environment.

Photo @ Valentina Cannava

Photo @ Valentina Cannava

Photo @ Valentina Cannava

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In recent years, I have frequently traveled to the Greek islands and have appreciated the benefits of traditional construction features. For example, I never had to use air conditioning, even in sweltering heat, as the houses were always cool. The villages, with their play of colors from the Bougainvillea contrasted against the blue windows and narrow streets, with their stone and white lime paving, are truly mesmerizing, creating the feeling of stepping into a postcard. However, during my last visit, I noticed a new housing typology emerging that, in my opinion, does not reflect the essence of the Greek islands at all. Fortunately, there are still only a few of them.

In some places, especially on the cliffs, I saw homes built with dark, almost black stones, with huge windows integrated into the hills, almost like garden roofs - certainly not traditional houses! Let’s examine some examples and compare them to the traditional blue and white houses.

Photo @ Valentina Cannava

Photo @ Valentina Cannava

Photo @ Valentina Cannava

Photo @ Valentina Cannava

Photo @ Valentina Cannava

As shown in the photos, these new homes clash with the landscape, even if the colors reflect the surrounding rural nature. The designer’s attempt to camouflage the house with the landscape was unsuccessful, as these homes resemble bunkers. Why abandon the tradition and simplicity that make this landscape so unique and timeless? Why impose a style that doesn’t belong to this region?

It almost seems that the “minimalist style” has become an essential trend that must be adhered to. But by doing so, we lose the charm of houses that have influenced modern architecture worldwide, representing a unique blend of functionality, beauty, and harmony with the surrounding nature.