Nestled in the serene countryside of Corfu, this project elegantly bridges the past and present through the restoration of a historic mansion and the addition of a new, modern house. The mansion holds a collection of exquisite watercolor paintings that present Corfu’s rich artistic and cultural heritage. Complementing this, a new house will be constructed that subtly integrates into the natural landscape, inspired by the warm earth tones and traditional aesthetics of the region. Together, these two structures will create a harmonious dialogue between history and contemporary living.

The architectural composition is centered around the coexistence of old and new. The historic mansion retains its unique, timeworn features, while the new house adopts a contemporary approach that honors the local vernacular architecture. The new house takes cues from the simple, functional designs of traditional Corfiot rural homes. Its minimalist form is balanced with an atrium, a key element in the design that acts as both a visual anchor and a transition space, creating a connection between the interior and exterior.

The new building employs a contemporary architectural language, yet its materiality reflects a deep connection to the local context. The use of terracotta tiles and “sienna, red” plastered facades reflect the warm color palette of Corfu’s built environment. The roof tiles, similar in texture to those of the original mansion, evoke a sense of continuity between the old and the new.