The originally dilapidated structure of 115m2 total surface area was built-up in the middle of the 19th century from black volcanic rock. The two-story residence was restored to its original form and turned into an atmospheric boutique hotel of two independent luxury apartments, under due diligence with respect to the Nisyrian architecture using only eco-friendly primary materials.
The high-quality restoration preserves and reveals all the traditional elements. The interior spaces combine the eternal style of traditional greek architecture with modern minimalist decoration using wood, stone, polished cement, and built-in furniture in white and earthy colors. Original elements have been incorporated into the design and the old oven is now part of the kitchen and the bathroom while the stone stairs that originally connected the two floors are integrated into the bathroom downstairs. The old fireplaces constitute the main heating source to both floors.
The simplicity of the design and the purity of forms and volumes are in harmony with the particular local idiom. The plasticity of the small spaces is highlighted by laid-out levels in the interior with built-in furniture and modern equipment. The natural light flowing in via the small windows plays a light-shadow game with the textured white walls of visible limed stone masonry and the rough light-colored surfaces made of wood or polished cement bringing to the fore the details.
Visible stonework with filled joints dominates the exterior of the house, visually unifying it with the landscape. The soft artificial lighting has been though studied so as to discretely accent the texture of the walls.
The outdoor spaces comprise of coated built-in levels, steps, and stone sofas, all integrated in rock formations, bringing a sculptural quality to the natural geometry. The raw structural simplicity and the consistency of materials and engravings on all levels aim to a smooth transition from the exterior to the interior and from the natural to constructed item.
It is about a discreet architectural gesture resulting from a respect towards structural authenticity and the use of ageless materials, and giving prominence to traditional elements through simple means of expression and the use of both natural and artificial lighting.
The restoration project was implemented through European co-financing as a contribution to the sustainable development of the island.