Description
The project is the restoration and adaptive reuse of an existing building located in the village of Pigi, near Rethymno, with a total floor area of 104 sq.m. The design approach is based on respect for the original structure while introducing a contemporary spatial language that enhances light, continuity, and everyday living.
The central architectural gesture is the insertion of a large skylight measuring 4.70 m x 2.35 m, positioned above the vertical circulation. This opening becomes the primary source of natural light, allowing daylight to penetrate deep into the interior and visually connect the ground floor with the upper level. The staircase is placed directly beneath the skylight and acts as a spatial anchor, organizing movement while reinforcing the vertical relationship between levels. Integrated storage spaces are incorporated beneath the stair, maximizing functionality without compromising spatial clarity.
The interior is conceived as a sequence of softly connected spaces rather than rigidly separated rooms. Curved edges, recessed niches, and built-in elements soften the geometry and recall traditional architectural forms, reinterpreted through a minimalist and contemporary lens. Natural light interacts with textured plaster surfaces, creating subtle variations of shadow and warmth throughout the day.
Materiality plays a key role in the project’s identity. The palette consists of natural, earthy tones and materials such as light wood, stone, and mineral-based finishes, reinforcing a sense of calm and timelessness. These choices establish a dialogue with local building traditions while avoiding direct imitation, allowing the intervention to feel both rooted and modern.
Overall, the project proposes a quiet transformation rather than a radical alteration. Through the careful use of light, material, and spatial continuity, the restored building offers a contemporary living environment that respects the character of the village context and the architectural memory of the place.
