The history and restoration of the building at 18 Sapphous Street - Our Office

Τhe Βuilding at 18 Sapphous Street 

In the center of Mytilene, on Sapfous Street, is our office, located in a ground-floor, elongated building with a total area of 90 sq.m. The construction dates back to between 1880 and 1910, during a period of intense industrial and commercial activity in the city. Initially, the building likely functioned as a commercial warehouse, and in a later phase, it was divided into two sections, housing an ice factory and a carpentry workshop. The load-bearing stone masonry and the vaulted roof made of solid bricks form a rare construction choice for the industrial buildings in the area. For many years, the building remained closed and was primarily used as a storage space until its restoration

Challenges and Objectives of the Restoration

Prior to its restoration, the building showed significant structural deterioration:

• External damage: The stone masonry had weathering damage.
• Interior degradation: Moisture had damaged the vaulted ceiling, causing mortar joints and bricks to deteriorate. Additionally, the wooden frames were severely worn.

The main goals of the restoration were to address these structural issues, unify the space, highlight its historical character, and repurpose it as our new professional workspace.

Restoration Process

The restoration, carried out by our office, combined traditional materials with modern techniques to strike a balance between authenticity and innovation:

• Masonry reconstruction: Local materials were used to maintain authenticity.
• Vault restoration: Special attention was given to repairing damaged sections and applying compatible new mortar to the joints, preserving the building’s architectural integrity.
• Frame renewal: The wooden frames were replaced with high-quality, energy-efficient alternatives that meet modern standards.

Today, this historic building is more than just a workspace. It stands as a living testament to the importance of cultural heritage preservation—a tangible example of how restoration contributes to sustainable development, offering both functionality and an enhanced quality of life.

Architectural design:  Panagiotis Vekris

Structural reinforcement study:  Stergios Tasios, Konstantina Tsironi