Tenon Architecture

Wooden Cave

Wooden Cave
© Spyros Hound Photography

WOODEN CAVE

Tenon Architecture

ARCHITECTS
Tenon Architecture

MANUFACTURERS
Kanellopoulos, Michalis Gianeskis, Petros Hamilos

LEAD ARCHITECTS
Apostolos Mitropoulos, Thanos Zervos

CLIENTS
Hyades Mountain Resort

PHOTOGRAPHS
Spyros Hound Photography

AREA
55 m²

YEAR
2020

LOCATION
Kato Trikala Korinthias, Greece

CATEGORY
Lodging, Renovation

The Wooden Cave is a project by Tenon Architecture, that was designed and built by the architects Apostolos Mitropoulos and Thanos Zervos at the Hyades Mountain Resort in Trikala Korinthias, Greece, and was completed in 2020.

The project entails the complete renovation of an existing space of the resort, intended for commercial use, with the construction of a curved wooden structure within it.

Wooden Cave
© Spyros Hound Photography
Wooden Cave
© Spyros Hound Photography
Wooden Cave
© Spyros Hound Photography

The synthesis of the space is based on the idea of dividing the plan into two zones: the main room, which is made up of a continuous curved wooden structure, and the secondary spaces, which are oriented towards the view and covered in dark stone.

This division intends to create a clear distinction between the hard, “protective” shell and the curved, “inviting” interior, reminiscent of the form of a cave that has been used as a refuge and a haven throughout human existence.

The guestroom of the inner zone includes two sleeping areas integrated within the curved structure as well as an open-plan kitchen. The outer zone includes two secondary rooms: a sitting area with a fireplace and the bathroom of the main guestroom.

Wooden Cave
© Spyros Hound Photography
Wooden Cave
© Spyros Hound Photography

Materiality was of paramount importance in the spatial expression of this project, with most of its elements being wooden and the outer spaces made from stone sourced from the local area.

The curved structure is made of spruce raw timber, while the rest of the features (kitchen, cupboards, floor, etc.) are of knotless pine plywood. All the wooden structures were constructed at an offset from the concrete shell, which allows for airflow behind the wood.

Wooden Cave
© Spyros Hound Photography
Wooden Cave
© Spyros Hound Photography

Circulating air between the wooden elements and the concrete aims to protect the structure and passively regulate the room’s humidity and temperature, utilizing wood’s natural buffering abilities.

The passive system of controlling the environmental conditions, was of vital importance for the project, as the area, being on a high altitude, is characterized by significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year.

Wooden Cave
© Spyros Hound Photography
Wooden Cave
© Spyros Hound Photography

The construction of the project was carried out by Tenon’s team on-site. The curved structure consists of 1.112 different curved wooden pieces.

The drawings of each piece were produced algorithmically and transferred on-site, where the pieces were processed manually and converted into 55 larger modules. Each of the modules was then hand-carved and shaped before the final assembly of the structure.

Wooden Cave
© Spyros Hound Photography
Wooden Cave
© Spyros Hound Photography

The absence of any digital fabrication methods in the construction resulted in the adoption of a more sculptural approach towards the final form.

This kind of highly customized sculptural process also meant that no carpenters, workers, or other technicians were employed, and every part of the structure was constructed and assembled by the two members of the team.

Wooden Cave
© Spyros Hound Photography
Wooden Cave
© Spyros Hound Photography

Finally, one of the most challenging parts of this work, was the translation of the algorithmic drawings into practical instructions for hand-working and sculpting the wood on-site.

The final structure is, therefore, a unique amalgamation of algorithmic logic and hands-on craftsmanship.

Wooden Cave
© Spyros Hound Photography


Wooden Cave
Plan
Wooden Cave
Perspective Section
Wooden Cave
Drawing


Wooden Cave
Drawing

Tenon Architecture
T +30 21 03428789 M +30 694 4761190
Tenon Architecture
Attalou 21, Tavros 177 78, Greece