Project Name: Archondiko Koulouri
Project Type:  Renovation and Construction of Newly Built Guest Houses
Location: Poseidonia, Syros Island * GREECE
Duration: 2007- 2010
Architects: Andreas Kyranis & Dionyssis Zaharias
Interior Designer: Tina Komninou

Syros is located in the middle of the Cycladic Islands; this Island will surely charm you by its impressive architecture.  It is perhaps one of the few unique classic islands that has remained in Greece as it combines the old traditional with the new.  Along its narrow streets and throughout the island stand numerous neo-classical mansions.  One such mansion is ARCHONDIKO KOULOURI. The renovations works commenced in 2007 and were recently completed by combining neo classicism with a contemporary touch.

This renovation was a successful collaboration between the Architects Andreas Kyranis and Dionyssis Zaharias, while the interior design was completed by our very own Interior Designer, Tina Komninou.   Careful attention has been given to the exterior and interior detailing.  The Mansion is surrounded by a lush green and peaceful environment.   The vast landscaping surrounds the architecture providing 360 degree views from anywhere within the interior of the main house.  For this reason, glass balustrades have been placed on the exteriors to provide uninterrupted views of the Aegean Sea.  The exterior patio is tiled with the original black and white tile motif and surrounding it lays a beige rough marble as well as an upraised wooden deck.  Light blue mosaic tiling is used for the triangular pool. 

The interior design scheme throughout the house is the revival of a 1940’s yacht interior.  Hence, we shall not forget that the island of Syros has always been a significant port town, and during the 19th century it was even more significant than the major port of Greece, Piraeus.  Perhaps, this is where the inspiration for the interior design scheme came about. The Mansion is composed of a ground floor and one mezzanine level; the ground floor consists of the living room, dinning room, kitchen and preparation room, an office and a powder room.  The mezzanine level consists of two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, while the upper mezzanine leads to the terrace which offers the best view in Poseidonia in that favorable 360 rotation.

The Mansions Ground Floor full ceiling height was of course retained and lived up to its aristocratic ambience.

A 1940’s yacht was characterized by the contemporary modern lines and forms, the open space layouts, and the luxury of the materials used for its design.  This is also visible within the Mansion , as it brings to life the revival of the 1940s yacht with a modern, contemporary finish.  Materials such as African iroko wood, and Vratsa marble, are used throughout the communal living areas.  An aristocratic 18th century antique fireplace compliments the main living room interior as it brings the grandeur and the aura of the past.  The fireplace was imported from France to the beautiful interior of the Koulouri Mansion. 

photo (c) Odysseas Lekkas

Custom made replicas of the 1950’s dining chairs compliments the wooden dining table.  A meticulous selection of particular items has been made from all around the world after thorough and careful research in order to meet the requirements of the scheme.  Other contemporary furniture was carefully selected or especially designed  by the interior designer Tina Komninou in order to combine with the elements of the past trying to amalgamate contemporary, 21st design with the modern elements of 20th century design and the aristocracy of the past.

“The open space layouts are present throughout with defined detailing, finishes and furniture bringing out the importance of the interior.”  Defined detailing is also noticeable within the bathrooms of this mansion; hardwood, yet contemporary bathroom furniture revives a 1940s yacht bathroom, while large beige tiles have been used on the floor and walls.  The master bathroom has been cladded with back lit Onyx, a semi precious stone. ‘We wanted to pay tribute to the old world glamour in this private space while retaining our concept’ quoted the designer.  Hence the custom furniture remains the same throughout.

The application of materials such as the leather sofa, the natural wood with grains applied to most furniture items, as well as metal bring about a modern design while meeting the demands of the design scheme. 
Many items throughout this mansion have been custom designed by the architects and the interior designer to meet the aesthetic requirements of the project.

Beside the main house lie the Three Guest Houses which are designed to provide full frontal sea views from the bedroom with careful design detailing and atmospheric interiors. The guest houses have been designed in such a way that they remind us of boutique bedrooms.  Eloquent wallpaper such as Fornasetti’s Mediterranean wallpaper has been used to dress-up the wall of the WC as an element of an unexpected surprise to the guests.  The bathtub has been recessed into the ground and carefully cladded with iroko wood. 

All in all, Architects Andreas Kyranis and Dionysis Zaharias, along with Interior Designer Tina Komninou have managed to bring out an aura of sumptuousness and grandeur within this mansion without “sticking” to traditional design details and providing a modern flair within the design scheme.  Archondiko Koulouri has managed to keep its aristocracy and at the same time pay tribute to contemporary design.