Nestled in the green mountains of the coastal town of Kalyves lies the Rusted Mill House. The mill house is an extraordinary home that offers its residents and guests the chance to travel through time. It can also be seen as a declaration of love from the clients, built to represent their region, culture, architecture and the local people.
| Type of Building | Private Home |
| Product areas | Windows Doors |
| Schüco Systems | AWS 70 BS.HI ADS 65 HD |
| Features | Refurbishment Energy efficiency Cradle-to-Cradle Design and Aesthetics |
| Location | Kalyves, Greece |
| Completion | 2019 |
| Architects | Detale Architecture and Engineering |
| Specialist company | ALOTEK |
| Picture credits | © Schüco International KG |
The vision from the clients and architects was to create a composition of the past and the present while being oriented towards the future. This concept runs like a thread throughout the entire project. The historical buildings from the 1850s (once an olive oil mill, stables, living spaces and storage rooms) were retained and restored using the original materials and traditional techniques. Even the old mill and all its equipment remains in its original place on the ground floor. In accordance with the standards and instructions of the Benaki Museum in Athens, this was transformed into an atmospheric lounge area.
An extension made of Corten steel connects the two main buildings. This special construction steel continuously changes as it weathers, developing a characteristic patina in earthy, warm tones. For the architects, the new yet naturally ageing material was the perfect counterpart to the historic stone masonry. It ensures the different building periods are clearly distinguishable from one another. It intertwines the old and new without trying to imitate the original building.
The materials for the interior construction and terrace were inspired by the traditional architecture of the region: polished concrete, breathable lime plaster, oak and olive wood. All the openings in the stone masonry were retained in their original form in accordance with archaeological restrictions. Due to the design features of the project, the Schüco AWS 70 BS.HI window system was installed. This not only sets standards in terms of planning and design flexibility within the implementation of energy-efficient, design-focused building envelopes, but its Cradle to Cradle certification also demonstrates its excellent recyclability.
A surprising highlight was discovered during the excavation of the old walls, where impressive rock formations were revealed on the outside and inside. The clients and architects agreed that this characteristic regional feature should be retained and be made a key feature of the property. Even the sleeping area was redesigned so that this natural treasure could be appropriately integrated. The minimalist interior featuring industrial accents brings modernity to the old walls. But above all, it recedes into the background, allowing the history of the building to take centre stage.
