Historic Antiparos Winepress Becomes a Seaside Home

Patitiri House on Antiparos stands as a poetic reminder of the island’s winemaking past, and ARP – Architecture Research Practice approaches its transformation with a quiet, deliberate sensitivity. Led by ARP – Architecture Research Practice, the project treats the 1930s stone winepress not as a blank slate but as a living artifact shaped by collective memory. The architects’ choice to maintain its original stone exterior, restore its weathered texture, and subtly reinterpret its seaside character becomes a respectful dialogue between the island’s vernacular heritage and contemporary living.

Reinterpreting a Landmark Through Minimal Intervention

The architects’ guiding principle was to preserve the building’s strong identity while introducing precise, thoughtful updates. Their decision to approach Patitiri as a restoration project, despite its lack of official heritage status, reflects a commitment to protecting the site’s historic character. The stone envelope remains intact, with only repairs and regrouting where needed. Light blue shutters bring a softer maritime presence, replacing the former dark tones. Outdoor additions are minimal yet intentional, including a reclaimed marble sink and a custom Dionysos marble table, both reinforcing the Cycladic landscape’s material palette.

Interior Acupuncture: Small Moves, Lasting Impact

Inside, ARP introduced a careful combination of preserved materials and new elements, using white-painted oak and locally sourced Naxos marble to brighten the interior. Their “acupuncture” strategy targeted subtle yet strategic adjustments to improve functionality, particularly in the bathrooms and kitchen. These refined gestures allow the existing structure to breathe while enhancing the spatial flow. With its blend of local materials and clean, contemporary detailing, the interior achieves a serene balance, grounding the house in both tradition and modern comfort.

A Dialogue Between Past, Present, and Setting

By working with the building’s intrinsic qualities rather than overturning them, the architects shaped a summer residence deeply attuned to its setting. The restored patina of stone, the measured use of marble, and the restrained custom furniture contribute to a unified atmosphere of calm. Patitiri becomes an architectural narrative of continuity, where new interventions highlight rather than overshadow its historic traces. This sensitive transformation aligns closely with ARP’s ethos of designing through light, proportion, and site-driven intuition.

ARP’s Greek Sensibility in Practice

As with many of their works, ARP – Architecture Research Practice brings a distinctly Greek sensibility to Patitiri House, rooted in clarity, context, and disciplined restraint. The project echoes the studio’s commitment to enabling people to live well by responding to place, material, and memory. Patitiri closes the loop between its winemaking origins and its new life as a restorative beachfront retreat, exemplifying ARP’s ongoing exploration of how architecture can elevate the essentials of island living.