Architects: Etsi Architects
Area: 250 m²
Year: 2021
Photographs: Julia Klimi, Panagiotis Voumvakis
Manufacturers: Geberit, Secco Sistemi, Fisher & Paykel, Menu, Bosch, Epiplo Deco, Fermob, Hatria, Ikea, KAFKAS, Kartell, Kastri, Kerasan, Lafuma Mobilier, Media Strom, Neve Rubinetterie, New plan, Nordlux, Slide, Superinox, THPG, Tse-tse-2
Design: Eleni Tsigarida, Vangelis Sideris
Consultant: Efi Delinikola
Structural Engineer: Paris Kamarinakis
Planting Designer: Dawn Harney
City: Kardamili
Country: Greece
Teloneio Kardamyli Home Restoration, a residential project designed by Etsi Architects in Kardamili, Greece, has transformed a historical 18th-century customs house into a modern family home. This restoration project honors the building’s historical significance while creating a functional, elegant living space. Completed in 2021, it now features four bedrooms, an office, three bathrooms, and a spacious kitchen/dining/living area, all designed to maximize sea views and integrate with the local community.
The clients’ unwavering belief in their vision was clear when they imagined Teloneio as their second home. They saw its potential for restoration and recognized their role as custodians of a significant historical monument.
Following initial local distrust and a lengthy approval process, Etsi Architects collaborated with experts over eight years to revive the Teloneio and give it a new purpose.
The task was to transform a listed historical building into a modern family home while respecting its local significance.
Situated in the port of Kardamyli since the 18th century, the Teloneio is a focal point for the area. After briefly being used as a motel in the 1960s, it had fallen into disrepair, providing an opportunity to reimagine it as a home while preserving it for the future.
Originally designed for protection, the Teloneio featured goods storage on the lower floor and defensive barracks above. The challenge was to open up and connect spaces across both floors in both buildings, adding features to make it feel like a home.
Restoration efforts revealed the 18th-century stonework, transforming short squat buildings into tall slender ones through careful excavation. The roofs were restored, and keyhole windows were added to the lower floors to introduce light and air.
Creating connected spaces was crucial. The buildings, previously accessible only from the outside, were connected internally, and a staircase was added with a bold cut of the main vault, linking the two buildings.
Local materials such as marble from the Itilo quarry, olive wood furniture, and local pebbles for the entrance mosaic were used, employing traditional techniques for pointing and repairs.
The design solution achieved a state-of-the-art historical restoration and an elegant second home with maximized sea views and a seamless flow between internal and external spaces. It features four bedrooms, an office, three bathrooms, and an open-plan kitchen/dining/living area.
The project transformed the local community, overcoming initial reservations and becoming a visitor attraction, exceeding expectations.
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Project Location
Address: Kardamili, Greece
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
