Having stood for nearly a century, the three-story building, augmented with a 1940s rooftop addition, has undergone numerous transformations throughout its history. Initially conceived as a luxury residence, it was later converted into apartments, repurposed for commercial use as a tutoring centre, and ultimately left vacant for nearly a decade. Over time, the structure experienced significant modifications and sustained damage due to inadequate maintenance and the limitations of early concrete technology. As a result, little of its original grandeur remained visible.
The primary challenge of the project was to restore the building while implementing minimal and lightweight interventions in order to alleviate structural stress, preserve its intrinsic value, and adapt the space to meet the requirements of a boutique hotel. The presence of historical elements, such as ceiling paintings, necessitated a design strategy that prioritized their visibility and prominence. Consequently, the number of accommodations was reduced to emphasize quality and enhance the overall experience.
The design employs high-end materials while maintaining a restrained aesthetic, allowing the building’s inherent character to shine. Original features were preserved as a whole wherever possible, and where not, they were incorporated as symbolic remnants of the building’s storied past. During construction, dyes from the building’s initial phase were uncovered, prompting a revaluation of both interior and exterior colour schemes. The original top-down direct lighting, was dropped in favour of one discreet and indirect to highlight the ceilings, transforming them into ambient domes that enhance the space’s atmosphere.
This project strikes a balance between preservation and modernization. By honouring the building’s history while meeting contemporary needs, the design not only revitalizes the structure but also celebrates its legacy. The result is a boutique hotel that seamlessly blends the past with the present, offering a timeless and refined experience.
Team members Antonis Dysseakis, Nikos Fournaris, Yannis Prosoparis
EM study Artemis Koumadorakis
Construction inDetail Architecture
Construction oversight inDetail Architecture
Painted ceilings Thodoris Xenakis
Interior design inDetail Architecture
Lighting study inDetail Architecture
Photography Giorgos Anastasakis/SOUTH space for photography, Nikos Kouklakis, Yannis Prosoparis
3D visualizations inDetail Architecture
Total area 173.76 m²
Design year 2022-23
Construction completed 2024