The Gremnos House project includes the reconstruction of an existing traditional cell (cell from the word keli in Greek) built before 1955, and the design of a main residence and an independent guesthouse, thoughtfully integrated into a rugged landscape characterized by striking geological formations. The site’s unique topography presented the greatest challenge, as the new structures needed to be placed on the limited flat areas between the rocks, preserving and highlighting the natural formations rather than altering them. Excavations were carried out with meticulous care to avoid disrupting the natural landscape.
The main residence comprises two stone volumes and a smaller plastered volume that connects them. The first stone volume, known as the “common box,” houses the living room, kitchen, and dining area. The central connecting space, referred to as the “in between,” includes the entrance, corridor, storage spaces, and one of the house’s two bathrooms. The second stone volume, the “private box,” contains two bedrooms and the second bathroom. The guesthouse, separated from the main residence and situated at a lower level, features a plastered V-shaped structure with an obtuse angle. Its design aligns with the central connecting space of the main residence and includes a living room, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. The courtyards and terraces of both the main residence and the guesthouse follow the irregular shapes of the rocky formations, embracing the natural contours of the site.
The restored cell retains its traditional character, featuring a double bed, wardrobe, and bathroom. Its outdoor area includes a built-in kitchen and a built-in day bed, while the courtyard is enclosed by two semicircular walls that reflect the design of traditional cell courtyards.
Natural materials were used throughout the project, such as exposed stone masonry, earth-toned plaster, cement mortar for floors and built-in structures, and chestnut wood and reeds for the ceilings and pergolas. The exterior frames are wooden, painted in a gray-brown shade to blend with the stone, while the interior doors and wardrobes were crafted from repurposed old doors and shutters. Fixed furniture, including the kitchens, was constructed using cement mortar and solid chestnut wood.
The furnishing and decoration reflect the personal taste of the owners, Daan and Ferry, who, as antique collectors, selected unique pieces that imbue the spaces with a distinctive and authentic character.
