In a project that masterfully bridges past and present, the architectural firm Anastasiou Misseri has transformed a neglected, listed single-story building in Nicosia, Cyprus, into a contemporary residence deeply rooted in its history. Completed in 2024, this project combines a meticulous restoration of the original structure with a modern extension designed for 21st-century living.

A Meticulous Respect for Original Architecture

The project involved a comprehensive restoration of the original one-story terrace house using traditional techniques and materials to preserve its authentic character. This included repairing the stonework and plaster, completely rebuilding the roof and wooden rafters, and meticulously replicating the original wooden window frames and handmade cement tiles. Internally, the layout was reconfigured to create a living room, study, and dining area, repurposing original materials wherever possible.

A Contemporary Extension with a Heritage Soul

Architects Michalis Anastasiou and Stephanie Misseri added a rear extension using a steel frame structure to house modern domestic functions. This new volume contains an open-plan kitchen, utility room, and guest bathroom on the ground floor, with two bedrooms and a shared bathroom on the upper level.

The design intentionally maintains a clear visual distinction between the old and new structures in terms of volume and materiality. However, a dialogue is created by integrating elements from the historic building’s palette into the new finishes, such as terrazzo flooring, custom staircase details, and features in the bathroom and kitchen, ensuring a cohesive feel.

Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Connection

A key feature of the design is the reinstated covered walkway (a “sadda”), which links the old and new structures and generates two internal courtyards. These courtyards focus spatial movement and provide access to the outdoors. Large openings across all four active facades ensure a continuous visual and spatial connection from the main entrance through to the lush Mediterranean garden, allowing daylight and landscape to play a primary role in shaping the living environment.

Manufacturers / Products: Rabal Aluminium Systems, Straw, Finnish House Jewel, IDS, Aristophanous Lighting, Mobhouse, Pantelis Bachias, Tsorlakis Tilings, Volcano Stores.

Project Team:
Design: Michalis Anastasiou, Stephanie Misseri.
Structural Engineering: Michael Pittas Consulting Structural Engineers.
MEP Engineering: Loizos Vakanas MEP Consulting Engineers.
Photography: James Retief.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

The Kaimakli Residence project presents a sophisticated model for heritage home restoration, successfully balancing the preservation of original architectural identity with the integration of a modern extension that meets contemporary living needs. We particularly commend the thoughtful use of traditional techniques and the honest, clear distinction between the old and new structures. However, the article could have been enriched by a deeper discussion of the challenges faced by the team, such as structural adaptations or constraints posed by local planning authorities. Nonetheless, the project remains a shining example of how renovation is not merely about restoring walls, but about respectfully and innovatively reinterpreting a spatial story for a new generation.

Brought to you by the ArchUp Editorial Team

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