Patitiri House

Giulio Ghirardi Studio

• Architects

Patitiri, which translates to "winepress" in Greek, is a historic stone building constructed between 1933 and 1936 on the shore of Antiparos, a small island in the Cyclades. People would gather here to practice the traditional wine-making process of grape stomping —stepping barefoot on grapes placed in vats to release their juices and begin fermentation. Ancient traces found in the sea reveal that people have been growing vines in this area since antiquity. Over time, through various changes in ownership, Patitiri has transformed into a beautiful beachfront getaway.

photo_credit Giulio Ghirardi Studio — Giulio Ghirardi Studio

The architects' first important decision was to respect the building's idiosyncratic character and treat it as a restoration project despite its lack of an official heritage listing. The building's landmark status on the island, and its role in the collective memory of the place, guided the preservation approach. The exterior was maintained intact, and the exposed stone walls were restored and regrouted where necessary. The only outdoor additions were a reclaimed marble sink on the exterior counter and a custom-designed Dionysos marble table. The formerly dark brown shutters were also painted light blue to enhance the seaside atmosphere.

For the interiors, the architects preserved existing materials, while introducing white-painted solid oak wood and Naxos marble from the neighboring island. They approached the layout like acupuncture—making small, strategic changes for maximum impact. Their interventions focused on rearranging interior spaces, particularly the bathrooms and kitchen cabinetry, to improve functionality. The combination of natural, local materials with clean lines creates harmony between vernacular and contemporary aesthetics. This thoughtful balance of past and present extends throughout the architectural details and furnishings chosen for the summer residence.