Architectural Restoration Archives | ek magazine | Architectural Publications https://ek-mag.com/tag/architectural-restoration/ Architecture, Interior Design and Contemporary Design Projects Thu, 01 Aug 2024 10:13:32 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 https://ek-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/cropped-ek_Logo-black-32x32.jpg Architectural Restoration Archives | ek magazine | Architectural Publications https://ek-mag.com/tag/architectural-restoration/ 32 32 Summer Residence in Chios https://ek-mag.com/summer-residence-in-chios/ Thu, 01 Aug 2024 05:31:01 +0000 https://ek-mag.com/?p=157233 This article by Konstantinos was published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications.

Precise interventions restore a medieval stone residence

The post Summer Residence in Chios was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.

]]> This article by Konstantinos was published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications.

Timeless structure

In the medieval settlement of Avgonyma on the island of Chios, a two-storey stone residence has been meticulously restored, through delicate and precise interventions which preserved its authentic, original form.

 

Restoration Strategy

Following the typical architectural style of the period, the ground floor was originally used for housing animals and storing goods, while the upper floor served as the family’s living quarters. The entire structure is built with load-bearing masonry using local stone, featuring thick 85cm walls and an elongated vaulted roof. The building is comprised of four rooms -two on each level- and a total footprint of 14m2. The ground floor room, used for the animals, was primarily built on rock, while a sloping staircase that led to the first floor via a wooden mezzanine and a fireplace have been completely destroyed.

 

Functional Organization

The project’s aim is to re-occupy the building, while preserving its traditional architectural features, emphasizing its unique character as well as providing comfortable living conditions and timeless aesthetics. The lower level includes the dining area, office, kitchen, a small storage room, and a bathroom, while the upper level was allocated for the living room and bedroom. The rock floor on the ground level was removed to make the space more livable and was replaced by solid brick. The mezzanine floor was reconstructed, and the walls were coated with white lime paint to improve the breathability of the masonry, while retaining their texture.

 

Custom structures

Handcrafted furniture and artwork were selected to decorate the interior, while fixed equipment was integrated into the existing structure. A new cast iron wood stove was installed on the ground floor, utilizing the existing chimney to meet the heating needs and provide a warm atmosphere. The stonework on the exterior was carefully grouted, and the original dimensions of the openings were preserved. The form of the building remained unchanged, while minor interventions were carried out in the courtyard.

The post Summer Residence in Chios was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.

]]> Spa Thermal O’Balia | Balaruc-les-Bains, France https://ek-mag.com/spa-thermal-obalia-balaruc-les-bains-france/ Thu, 02 May 2024 05:31:51 +0000 https://ek-mag.com/?p=154125 This article by Konstantinos was published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications.

Pure geometric forms derive from the surrounding Mediterranean landscape

The post Spa Thermal O’Balia | Balaruc-les-Bains, France was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.

]]> This article by Konstantinos was published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications.

Historic revivals

The project is the winner of the design competition for the demolition, restoration, and extension of a Mediterranean thermal spa, located in the city of Balaruc-les-Bains. Aware of the challenges and eager to realize its ambitions, the city initiated the rejuvenation of the the O’Balia thermal spa, incorporating it within a broader redevelopment project of the Hespérides site.

 

Preservation of Historical Heritage

Great significance was placed on the site’s history, where numerous traces of archaeological ruins, baths, mosaics, and pieces from ancient statues were found, bearing witness to Balaruc’s Roman origins. The design also takes into consideration the present geology and water elements, establishing a visual connection with the local Thau lagoon.

 

Public and Private Uses

The spa is comprised of large communal areas such as a reception, a gentle activity and collective experience area, a pool hall, a shop as well as intimate individual treatment spaces. It also includes a Sauna Village with steam rooms, a hot spring park with six themed pools and a thermal bath. A large atrium encompasses all administrative functions and has, as a central feature, a spiral staircase made of natural wood.

 

Design Morphology

The design follows pure, geometric forms that construct wide, open spaces. The rigid volumes are interrupted through a series of consecutive gaps, some of which act as open skylights while others as traditional openings, connecting interior and exterior spaces. Semi-outdoor courtyards are designed around different water elements such as fountains and pools. The outdoor courtyard design adapts to the landscape’s topography and contains artificially constructed trails with running water. The material selection follows a Mediterranean aesthetic, with local natural stone being used for wall and floor cladding.

The post Spa Thermal O’Balia | Balaruc-les-Bains, France was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.

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