Greek architect Amalia Korgiala introduces one of her very first projects: Stereosis, the reconstruction and restoration of a residence located within the castle walls of Nafpaktos, a small city in Greece.

Sitting near the Town Hall and the Square of the Port, which once was the city’s commercial heart, this particular house is a typical example of architecture from the late 19th and early 20th century. It is a stone-built, two-storey construction that had undergone serious alterations to both its form and structure due to abandonment and deterioration over time.

The main aim of the design process was to reconstruct the client’s paternal home with particular respect for its location and his memories of it. Historic buildings often acquire goodwill because they are not replicable under current technological and economic conditions.

The reconstruction was carried out using modern techniques and materials while maintaining the authenticity of the building. A new reinforced concrete structure was introduced, while the outer walls were clad with original stones found on site, based on recommendations from the archaeological service. The traditional wooden roof was rebuilt using exposed timber, and both the main door and window frames were designed from old photographs and local testimony to replicate the originals.

Details such as wooden marine plywood windows with skylights and traditional Venetian railings helped maintain the authenticity of the building. Subtle modern elements—copper gutters and aluminium light fittings—were integrated seamlessly into the historic envelope.

Inside, the design was driven by functionality and the desire to preserve the home's historic character. The ground floor includes an open-plan living and kitchen area, with a dining table on wheels, and a custom-designed storage system that makes the most of the available space. Our Tender ceiling lamp delivers clean, simple illumination for the work area, while integrated LED strips along the shelves create a warm and welcoming cooking space.

A wooden staircase leads to the upper floor, where the main sleeping area and bathroom are located beneath a prominent timber roof, creating an airy and expansive feel. A distinctive green bathroom door nods to a tree that once stood on the property, preserving memory through design.

There, our Lantau ceiling fan, with wooden blades, integrates discreetly into the timber ceiling, enhancing the rustic charm without stealing focus. 

The interior palette evokes earthy tones. The kitchen, in milk white, features dense nailing details reminiscent of old wooden shutters. Terracotta tiles introduce a subtle Mexican flair, inspired by the owner's past in El Paso. The staircase, with its two-tone finish, pays tribute to a fig tree that once grew on the site. And our luminaires Costas and Sumba, both with natural rattan shades, add an extra layer to the home’s organic style.

The restoration of this house in Nafpaktos is an example of the successful coexistence of tradition with modern construction requirements. The respect for the history of the building, the insistence on the use of authentic materials, and the integration of modern functional elements compose a revival of the old house, highlighting the uniqueness of its architectural character.

Credits:

Architecture and Interior Design: Amalia Korgiala

Photography: Valentina Vagena