Teloneio

Etsi Architects, in collaboration with a group of experts during 8 years, has turned a historical building – Teloneio – into a modern family home while simultaneously respecting its place in the local landscape, history and community. 

Located in the port of Kardamyli in Greece, Teloneio is a focal point for the area since the 18th century. After briefly being resurrected as a motel in the 1960s, it had been partially buried in concrete and fallen into disrepair.

“Teloneio was originally designed for protection, with goods storage on the lower floor and defensive barracks space above; to turn it into a fortified customs house, Etsi opened up and connected spaces across both floors in both buildings, adding features to make it feel like a home.“, Etsi Architects shared.

The concrete walls, after being resurrected in the 60s, was carefully excavated, revealing the stunning 18th-century stonework, turning short squat buildings into tall slender ones.

“We retored the shell in keeping with the original fortified Mani architecture. We also restored the roofs and added keyhole windows in the lower floors to add light and air and make them liveable.”

Although the two buildings were attractively offset with a sheltered courtyard between them, all rooms had separate access from the outside. Etsi Architects connected the rooms within each building, added a staircase with a bold cut of the main vault, created access to the outdoors on the south side, and linked the two buildings together. They wanted their clients to be able to move freely within and between spaces.

“The Teloneio is the result of what can be achieved when experts collaborate in a regenerative building. We used local materials including marble floors from the Itilo quarry, olive wood furniture and veneers, local pebbles for entrance mosaic, employing traditional techniques for the pointing and repairs.” Etsi Architects stated.

The house has in total 4 bedrooms, an office and three bathrooms, and an open plan kitchen/dining/living area for a modern family to enjoy. 

“We achieved what we set out for: a state-of-the-art restoration and an elegant second home that maximised the sea views. The project also transformed the local community, overcoming reservations about restoring a beloved landmark and becoming a visitor attraction.”