Venetian Style | Villa
Specialisation
Residential Development
Landscape Design
Interior Design
Location
Kefalonia, Greece
Year Established
2021
Lead Architects
Simone De Nardi
Manos Matsis
Design Team
Simone De Nardi
Manos Matsis
Nestled on the picturesque island of Kefalonia, drawing inspiration from both Venetian and local Kefalonian styles, the design brings new life to the structure while honouring the island's rich heritage. Through a delicate balance of contemporary living spaces, traditional materials, and a deep connection to the surrounding landscape, this renovation celebrates both the past and present. The result is a home that feels seamlessly integrated into its environment, reflecting the island’s natural beauty and timeless charm.
To evoke the timeless essence of the region, we chose pigmented plaster for the façade, aiming to achieve a patina effect that would evolve and grow more authentic over time. This choice further ties the structure to the island’s landscape, allowing the building to gain character as it ages, just like the historic Venetian villas that inspire its form.
This project involved the transformation of a decades-old concrete shell, where our goal was to breathe life into a structure while respecting the architectural styles of Venetian tradition and the unique character of Kefalonian design. The building, rising three stories from the earth, offered an exciting opportunity to play with proportions and integrate it harmoniously into the surrounding landscape.
The landscape design became the focal point of this transformation, as it was essential to create harmony between the building and its plot. By raising the land by one story and submerging the south side of the building, we crafted a descending path that leads to the swimming pool area. This not only enhances the site’s topography but also allows the building to merge naturally with its surroundings, reinforcing the connection between architecture and nature.
While the exterior remains true to traditional Kefalonian architecture, the interior design embraces a contemporary lifestyle. The open-plan living area is defined by a single wooden feature that seamlessly connects the kitchen, dining, and living spaces, creating a flowing, cohesive environment. This design choice offers a modern, functional approach to living while maintaining the structure’s historical integrity.
A central aspect of the design was the integration of local Kefalonian stone. This material is used throughout, from the interiors to the pool area and its surroundings, creating a visual continuity that ties the spaces together. The use of stone not only grounds the design in the local context but also connects the building to the island’s rich heritage.
This project reflects a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. By honoring the architectural heritage of Kefalonia and the elegance of Venetian design, we’ve created a space that feels both rooted in history and perfectly suited for contemporary living. The careful integration of local materials, the thoughtful landscape design, and the attention to detail throughout ensure that this home will continue to evolve with the passage of time, becoming more authentic and connected to its environment with each passing year.