Restoration and Expansion of a Mansion

Renovation of a historic mansion in Kambos, Chios

In Kambos, Chios, our firm undertook the challenge of restoring and repurposing a designated historic monument. The mansion, a characteristic example of Genoese architecture, had undergone unacceptable interventions when the Ministry of Culture halted the works.

Rather than abandoning the project, the owners entrusted us with drafting a new architectural and structural study that would meet the Ministry’s strict requirements. This restoration, carried out in collaboration with a team of specialized experts, was executed with deep respect for the building’s history, transforming it into a functional and vibrant space.

Challenges & Historical Identity

Built in the late 18th or early 19th century, the mansion is a typical example of Kambos' traditional architecture, featuring exposed stone masonry made of locally quarried Thymiana stone. Its distinctive architectural elements included a portico with two cross vaults, vaulted ground-floor halls originally designed for auxiliary uses, an inner courtyard with a stone pergola, a cistern, and separate floors functioning as independent living spaces.

However, the mansion had suffered significant alterations, including the demolition of part of the upper floor and the addition of new constructions. The challenges we faced were:

Restoring the building’s authenticity as faithfully as possible.

Addressing irreversible interventions with discreet solutions aligned with monument restoration principles.

Integrating functional spaces and modern infrastructure to meet the owners' contemporary needs.

Restoration Strategy & Methodology

Our study focused on preserving the monument’s authenticity while integrating new interventions that respected its historical character.

 The core principles of our approach were:

1. Preserving Historical Identity

Discreetness of new interventions: New constructions were painted in earthy tones inspired by Kambos' color palette to blend harmoniously with the surroundings.

Stone masonry restoration: We meticulously cleaned and restored the stonework, ensuring that any new additions to the façades facing the street were clad in local stone for uniformity.

2. Functional Reorganization

Space separation: We designed two independent apartments on the ground floor and two on the upper floor (one apartment and a guesthouse), maintaining the self-contained nature of the spaces.

Unification of ground-floor areas: The square space and new additions were functionally connected to create a spacious and efficient interior.

Upper floor adaptation: The upper floor was covered with exposed wooden roofs, preserving the building’s warm and traditional ambiance.

3. Restoration of Authentic Elements

Courtyard details: The stone pergola, well, and cistern were reinstated using traditional techniques and authentic materials.

Openings: New wooden windows and door frames were designed to match the original dimensions, painted in a traditional blue shade to maintain the building’s historic character.

Flooring: The courtyard was paved with cobblestones in gray and white hues, referencing the pebble mosaic floors of Kambos’ mansions.

4. Integration of Modern Infrastructure

Heating and cooling systems: Contemporary electromechanical networks were seamlessly incorporated while respecting the building’s traditional structures.

Modern sanitary facilities: New kitchen and bathroom spaces were introduced with discreet integration into the overall design.

The Final Outcome

The renovated mansion harmoniously bridges history and modern living, preserving its authenticity and cultural significance. Every intervention was executed with utmost respect for the monument and local architectural heritage, creating a space that serves as a link between different eras

Architectural design:  Panagiotis Vekris

Structural design:  Stergios Tasios, Ntina Tsironi, Giorgos Haviaras

Electromechanical design:  Ioannis Haviaras