Vamvakou
Julia Klimi

Vamvakou Guesthouse

Etsi Architects as Architects

Four early 20th-century stone buildings in the remote village of Vamvakou, Laconia, were transformed into a small guesthouse as part of the Vamvakou Revival initiative.The initiative aims to serve as a model for other rural areas in fully revitalizing the village by attracting new residents, businesses, and visitors to the once-vibrant village, which, by the 1950s, had been depopulated by occupation, civil war, immigration, and increasing urbanisation.

photo_credit Julia Klimi
Julia Klimi
photo_credit Julia Klimi
Julia Klimi
photo_credit Julia Klimi
Julia Klimi
photo_credit Julia Klimi
Julia Klimi

The three independent houses had fallen into disrepair, and the architects faced the challenge of restoring them to their original form while connecting them and creating a small neighbourhood with open courtyards and 8 guest rooms of varied sizes.

photo_credit Julia Klimi
Julia Klimi
photo_credit Julia Klimi
Julia Klimi
photo_credit Julia Klimi
Julia Klimi

The design revolves around the idea of a central reception and eating area with outdoor living areas and peripheral independent guest rooms, accessed through a unifying system of courtyards that become integral to the experience. Natural local materials and techniques were adopted, including timber and cane roofs, lime plasters and pointed stone walls in order to pay homage to the village architecture and its traditionally sustainable character.

photo_credit Julia Klimi
Julia Klimi
photo_credit Julia Klimi
Julia Klimi
photo_credit Julia Klimi
Julia Klimi
photo_credit Julia Klimi
Julia Klimi

While concrete additions from the 60s were removed, new balconies, railings, internal staircases and the glazed steel partitions for the bathrooms were carefully designed to harmonize with the character of the original buildings, while hinting their contemporary origin.

photo_credit Julia Klimi
Julia Klimi
photo_credit Julia Klimi
Julia Klimi
photo_credit Julia Klimi
Julia Klimi
photo_credit Julia Klimi
Julia Klimi
photo_credit Julia Klimi
Julia Klimi
photo_credit Julia Klimi
Julia Klimi
photo_credit Julia Klimi
Julia Klimi
photo_credit Julia Klimi
Julia Klimi

Furniture was designed and custom built for the most part, while floors were made of local terrazzo or timber. All work was performed by local builders, craftsmen and artisans as part of promoting the local economy. Ruga of Vamvakou, whose name means neighborhood, is now a warm and friendly place for all visitors. 

photo_credit Julia Klimi
Julia Klimi
photo_credit Julia Klimi
Julia Klimi
photo_credit Julia Klimi
Julia Klimi
photo_credit Julia Klimi
Julia Klimi
Products Behind Projects
Product Spotlight
News
25 best architecture firms in South Africa
6 Nov 2024 News
25 best architecture firms in South Africa

Located at the southernmost tip of the African continent, South Africa is home to a varied topograph... More

Porseleinen Hof by Orange Architects connect modern architecture with the city’s industrial past
5 Nov 2024 News
Porseleinen Hof by Orange Architects connect modern architecture with the city’s industrial past

Porseleinen Hof by Orange Architects is an innovative housing development in Delft (NL) that redefin... More

Primary school in Au, Austria by Bernardo Bader Architekten recalls traditional approach to building in wood
5 Nov 2024 News
Primary school in Au, Austria by Bernardo Bader Architekten recalls traditional approach to building in wood

Austrian architectural studio Bernardo Bader Architekten has completed a new primary school in Au, a... More

Key recent projects by Dietrich | Untertrifaller
5 Nov 2024 News
Key recent projects by Dietrich | Untertrifaller

Dietrich | Untertrifaller is an international architecture firm known for its sustainable and contex... More

25 best track light manufacturers
4 Nov 2024 Specification
25 best track light manufacturers

Track lights are versatile lighting systems that offer flexible and focused illumination for various... More

Mixed wood and concrete production hall in Austria nestles neatly in a picturesque village setting
4 Nov 2024 News
Mixed wood and concrete production hall in Austria integrates into its picturesque village setting

DI Simon Moosbrugger Architekt ZT has designed a new production hall facility for Austrian company T... More

Archello houses of the month - October 2024
4 Nov 2024 News
Archello houses of the month - October 2024

Archello has selected its houses of the month for October 2024. This list showcases 20 of the m... More

LMN Architects Unveils Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion
4 Nov 2024 News
LMN Architects Unveils Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion

In a collaboration with Thinc Design, LMN Architects has completed the Seattle Aquarium’s Ocea... More