Mill House in Lefkada

Rhythmic pattern

This project is the conversion of an old olive oil mill house, built in the mid-1800s in an ancient village in the island of Lefkada that fell into ruin in the 1950s. The mill’s interior was a dark space, illuminated primarily through small ventilation windows, with the original wooden roof structure taking up nearly half the height of the room.

Design Philosophy

The project aims to transform the existing into a flexible, multi-purpose space, filled with natural light. It starts with the reinforcement of the existing walls and the replacement of the old, deteriorated roof for a new one with large windows.

Functional Organization

The design strategy for the new interior focuses on introducing only the essential elements necessary to define the space in a highly adaptable manner. A strategically placed half-height partition at the center divides the space, separating the full-height front area from the rear mezzanine. Below the mezzanine are a bedroom, bathroom, and storage, while the upper level offers an open, flexible area for various activities. All spaces are seamlessly connected by a 360-degree circulation path and are also linked to the adjacent house.

This defining element, which both shapes and articulates the new interior, is constructed from vertical wooden modules that integrate the doors to the rear rooms beneath the mezzanine. When closed, these doors are nearly invisible, blending seamlessly into the rhythmic pattern of the structure.

Material Palette

Terracotta tones mixed with pink infuse the space with warmth, constantly shifting in character with the natural light across the seasons. The lower kitchen module, finished in dark blue, is oriented toward sea views framed by a new, expansive window.