Header: Jim Stephenson
On family farmland in Vanato, a village on the Greek island of Zakynthos, The Root was built by Kasawoo as a small holiday cabin on a site already marked by use, memory and agriculture. The land had been in the family of Katie Kasabalis, one of the London-based architecture studio’s founders, for more than a century, with her grandmother having grown up there before World War II. The plot had been empty since the early 1950s, with only an old house and a vineyard still producing raisins marking the passage of time.
A little red cabin
The new cabin was developed as a complement to the older house on the site, having been set up as a compact, separate addition. Its small size and lightweight construction make it quite distinct when compared to the historic structure, making the site the one thing they both have in common: farmland and open views.
The project also responds to a common building pattern on the island, where many houses are made from concrete and have a high carbon cost. The Root was prefabricated instead. Making the cabin off-site reduced the amount of work needed on the plot, while still providing the required space and technical performance.
Minimal architecture
Inside, the cabin measures just under 20 square metres, with its minimal plan having been intentionally chosen to abide by an off-grid, back-to-basics way of living. With only the necessary functions included, this is a place for eco-minded tourists and cultural travellers who are looking for an authentic local accommodation that doesn’t forfeit comfort or style.
Two sliding glass doors face one another across the cabin, each paired with large shutters. This allows the centre of the building to open as a long view through the interior and out to the surrounding landscape. Furthermore, these openings bring in a large amount of daylight, which creates an ambience that changes with the weather and seasons.
The bedroom and bathroom are located at opposite ends of the cabin, to the east and west. Smaller windows frame views in these areas, providing the perfect mix between privacy and openness. Above, the roof twists along its length, with its form referring to the mountains of Zante.
Timber as the main material
Timber is used throughout the cabin, both as a finish and for the built-in furniture: the walls and ceilings are lined with sustainably sourced plywood panels, and the kitchen units, bed and storage benches are also made from wood. The use of built-ins reduced the need for loose furniture, allowing the team to make better use of the limited floor area.
The cabin continues outside with a deck made from sustainably sourced timber. It runs along the northern and southern sides, forming the entrance and giving the building several points of contact with the land, sun and air.
Project information
Company: Kasawoo
Lead Architects: Katie Kasabalis, Darius Woo
Builder: Eco Tiny Homes, Tiny Home Greece
Location: Zante, Greece
Completion Year: 2025
Area: 18 m²
