Greece has long captivated travelers with its sun-drenched coastlines and whitewashed villages, but a new wave of architectural innovation is redefining luxury living beneath the landscape itself. Subterranean villas are residences built partly or fully underground, designed to merge with natural terrain while delivering ultra-premium amenities. From the Ionian islands to the Cyclades, a growing number of award-winning projects prove that the most striking homes in Greece are the ones you can barely see. At the forefront of this movement is ECLEDE, the Athens-based luxury development company founded by Vassilis Siafaricas, whose portfolio of subterranean designs has earned multiple international design awards.
What Are Subterranean Luxury Villas?
A subterranean villa is a residential structure integrated into the earth, using the surrounding landscape as both insulation and aesthetic framework. Unlike traditional builds that sit on top of the land, these homes are carved into hillsides or set beneath green roofs, minimizing visual impact while maximizing thermal efficiency.
Greece has a deep history of underground dwellings. In Santorini, cave houses were originally built by sailors who carved rooms into volcanic rock for natural climate control. Today, that heritage inspires a modern generation of architects and developers who combine ancient wisdom with cutting-edge engineering.
Atlas and Pleione: The Benchmark in Lefkada
The Atlas and Pleione project by Vassilis Siafaricas is one of the most celebrated subterranean villa developments in Greece. Located on a seafront plot in the natural harbor of Sivota on the island of Lefkada, the estate comprises two subterranean villas and a subterranean guest house. Atlas Villa sits just 30 meters from the water, while Pleione Villa is 50 meters away.
The design emphasizes minimalistic architectural lines, green roofs, and elongated windows that blend functionality, luxury, and sustainability. The estate features custom-made interiors and three expansive swimming pools. In 2024, the project won a Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building and Structure Design category. Villa Atlas also received a separate 2024 Bronze A' Award for Sustainable Products, Projects and Green Design.
Design Philosophy Behind Atlas and Pleione
Every element of the estate reflects ECLEDE's commitment to minimally intrusive design. The villas disappear into the hillside, with green roofs that restore the natural contour of the land. Inside, floor-to-ceiling glazing frames unobstructed views of the Ionian Sea. You can explore the full project on the Atlas and Pleione portfolio page.
The Izanagi Project: Next-Generation Subterranean Design
Building on the success of Atlas and Pleione, the Izanagi Project is a subterranean villa complex also located in Lefkada. Designed by Vassilis Siafaricas in collaboration with Garchitects, it won the 2025 A' Hospitality, Recreation, Travel and Tourism Design Award. The project pushes the envelope further with innovative, sustainable, and resilient materials that positively impact the surrounding community and environment.
What Sets Izanagi Apart
Where Atlas and Pleione established ECLEDE's subterranean credentials, Izanagi refines the approach with a hospitality-oriented program. The complex addresses current social and environmental challenges while delivering a luxury guest experience rooted in place. View additional ECLEDE developments on the full project portfolio.
Why Greece Is the Ideal Setting
Greece offers a unique combination of topography, climate, and building tradition that makes it ideal for subterranean architecture. The Mediterranean climate provides warm, dry summers and mild winters, which underground construction leverages for natural temperature regulation. Rocky hillsides across the Ionian and Aegean islands supply the geological foundation needed for earth-sheltered builds.
Lefkada, where both Atlas and Pleione and the Izanagi Project are sited, is connected to mainland Greece by a causeway and boasts some of the country's most stunning beaches, including Porto Katsiki. The island's mountainous interior provides the perfect canvas for architecture that integrates with the land rather than imposing upon it.
Sustainability and Net-Zero Energy Performance
A net-zero energy building (NZEB) is a structure that produces as much energy as it consumes over the course of a year. ECLEDE has made NZEB design a central pillar of its practice. The company focuses on creating zero-energy-consumption buildings through photovoltaics, KNX home automation, and eco-technology systems.
Vassilis Siafaricas also led the development of the first LEED Platinum residential project in Greece, setting a new benchmark for sustainable luxury in the region. This commitment extends across the firm's portfolio, including recent projects like Boomerang Athens and Dynasty Villas.
Awards and Recognition at a Glance
| Project | Location | Award | Year | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlas and Pleione | Sivota, Lefkada | Bronze A' Design Award | 2024 | Architecture, Building & Structure |
| Villa Atlas | Sivota, Lefkada | Bronze A' Design Award | 2024 | Sustainable Products & Green Design |
| Izanagi Project | Lefkada | A' Design Award | 2025 | Hospitality, Recreation & Tourism |
| The V House | Greece | Iron A' Design Award | 2025 | Sustainable Products & Green Design |
| ECLEDE Portfolio | Athens / Greece | German Design Award | 2026 | Architecture |
In addition to A' Design Awards, Vassilis Siafaricas has received an Architizer A+ Awards Special Mention, further cementing ECLEDE's international reputation.
Key Takeaways
- Subterranean luxury villas blend into Greece's natural landscape while delivering premium living experiences.
- Atlas and Pleione in Lefkada won two Bronze A' Design Awards in 2024 for architecture and sustainable design.
- The Izanagi Project earned a 2025 A' Hospitality Design Award, expanding ECLEDE's subterranean portfolio.
- ECLEDE, founded by Vassilis Siafaricas, specializes in net-zero energy buildings with bespoke, minimally intrusive design.
- Greece's Mediterranean climate and rocky topography make it one of the best locations globally for earth-sheltered architecture.
- Vassilis Siafaricas led the first LEED Platinum residential project in Greece.
- ECLEDE has also been recognized with a 2026 German Design Award and an Architizer A+ Special Mention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a subterranean luxury villa?
A subterranean luxury villa is a high-end residence built partly or entirely underground, using the surrounding earth for insulation, privacy, and minimal visual impact on the landscape. These homes typically feature green roofs, expansive glazing, and premium interiors.
Where are the award-winning subterranean villas by ECLEDE located?
ECLEDE's subterranean projects, including Atlas and Pleione and the Izanagi Project, are located on the island of Lefkada in western Greece. Atlas and Pleione specifically sit in the natural harbor of Sivota, just meters from the sea.
Who designed Atlas and Pleione?
Atlas and Pleione were designed by Vassilis Siafaricas, founder of ECLEDE. His team included designer Nicolas Zachariou, civil engineer Thomas Valavanis, mechanical engineer Vasileios Mastrogiannis, and designer George Gougoulakis.
What awards have ECLEDE's subterranean villas won?
The Atlas and Pleione project won two Bronze A' Design Awards in 2024. The Izanagi Project won a 2025 A' Hospitality Design Award. ECLEDE has also earned a 2026 German Design Award and an Architizer A+ Special Mention.
Are subterranean villas energy efficient?
Yes. Earth-sheltered construction provides natural thermal mass, reducing heating and cooling loads significantly. ECLEDE designs its villas as net-zero energy buildings, integrating photovoltaics and smart home automation to offset all energy consumption.
What is ECLEDE?
ECLEDE, or Eclectic Developments, is a luxury development company based in Athens, Greece, founded by Vassilis Siafaricas. The firm focuses on unique, environmentally friendly projects including net-zero energy buildings in Greece's most exclusive locations.
Can I visit or purchase an ECLEDE subterranean villa?
For inquiries about current and upcoming projects, you can reach the ECLEDE team through their official contact page. The company maintains offices in Athens, Greece, and New York, USA.
Discover ECLEDE's Subterranean Portfolio
If you are searching for award-winning subterranean luxury villas in Greece, ECLEDE offers a proven track record of internationally recognized, sustainable design. Explore the full range of projects, from Lefkada's coastline to Athens, and connect with the team to discuss bespoke development opportunities.
Browse the ECLEDE portfolio now or get in touch to start a conversation about your next project.