Country House | Structural Restoration & Renovation

Nestled in the heart of this picturesque region, this project harmoniously blends modern design with traditional elements, reflecting the unique character of Arachova.

The nearly 200-year-old building, located in the heart of the historic village of Arachova, had suffered significant deterioration due to various factors. These included extensive loss of structural integrity in the solid load-bearing stone walls, partial collapse of the wooden roof, and severe corrosion of the timber beams supporting the floors.

Structural retrofitting commenced at the foundation level, where reinforced concrete jacketing was implemented around the existing stone footings to enhance load distribution and improve seismic resilience. This intervention provided a stable and uniform base capable of supporting the rehabilitated superstructure. The vertical structural system—comprising traditional solid stone masonry walls—was subsequently consolidated using pressure grouting with a specially engineered, high-performance hydraulic lime-based mortar. This injection technique restored the cohesion and mechanical strength of the masonry while preserving its historic character. In parallel, localized crack stitching and re-pointing were performed to address surface deterioration and prevent further ingress of moisture.

The interior was completely redesigned to meet the client’s needs, with premium materials used throughout the building—most notably, high-quality oak flooring and new structural timber beams. The roof was reconfigured to accommodate skylights and to support additional loads, including a striking suspended cast-iron fireplace.

Special care was taken in the installation of architectural lighting, both internally and externally. The result is a building that not only evokes its former glory but also highlights the integration of contemporary design elements.