#978 Rusted Mill House
The Rusted Mill House is the restoration and transformation of three adjacent 19th-century stone structures into a unified vacation residence in a traditional village of the Mani Peninsula, Greece.
Originally constructed around 1850, the buildings sit on staggered levels and once served a practical, vernacular layout: livestock shelter and storage on the ground floors, and living quarters above—each volume disconnected internally from the others.
At the heart of the ensemble lies the central structure, historically home to a traditional olive mill. Remarkably well-preserved, much of the mill’s original machinery remains intact. With guidance from the Benaki Museum’s Conservation Department, we employed specialised metal preservation techniques to protect and showcase these unique artifacts. This space now serves as the connective core of the house, linking the various levels both spatially and symbolically.
The main entrance has been redefined on the upper level, accessed via an external staircase leading to a terrace with sweeping views of the coastline and mountain ridges. Internally, a newly added staircase connects the upper living area to the ground floor, subtly guiding visitors toward the “hidden” centerpiece of the home—the olive mill.
All stonework was meticulously restored, removing inappropriate cement repairs and reconstructing damaged sections using traditional masonry techniques and breathable pointing materials. Interior walls were finished with natural lime-based mortars, and the original roof was rebuilt using chestnut timber and reclaimed tiles found on-site.
Contemporary additions—minimal steel-frame extensions clad in weathering COR-TEN steel—act as functional links between the restored structures. These interventions respectfully contrast the historical fabric while acknowledging the passage of time, enabling a dialogue between past and present. Glass elements enhance the transparency and lightness of the new volumes without competing with the solidity of the original stonework.
