Tower | Loft
Specialisation
​Interior Design
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Location
Mani, Greece
Year Established
2023
Lead Architects
Simone De Nardi
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Design Team
Simone De Nardi
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Located in the southern Peloponnese, this project is nestled within the historic stone towers of Mani, a region known for its distinctive architectural heritage. These late 18th-century structures provide a rich backdrop, with their rugged stone facades and traditional design, giving the space a unique sense of place. The project embraces this historical context while introducing a bold contrast that pushes the boundaries of conventional design.One of the defining features of the project is the harmonious tension between vernacular architecture and industrial aesthetics. The raw, earthy tones of the stone towers are complemented by the sharp, sleek lines of industrial materials such as exposed metal and electrical wiring, which become key design elements. This juxtaposition of the old and the new creates an engaging visual dialogue, allowing the space to feel both rooted in tradition and forward-thinking in its design approach.
A striking metal staircase serves as a sculptural element, guiding movement through the tower. It leads first to the mezzanine level, where the bedroom is nestled within the volume of the structure, and then continues upward through a ceiling window to the rooftop terrace. This architectural intervention not only optimizes vertical circulation but also introduces an unexpected moment of wonder—allowing the occupant to lie in bed and gaze up at the Maniot night sky, framed perfectly by the window above.
In a space defined by its historic structure, every design choice must serve both form and function. A custom-equipped wall discreetly conceals the entrance to the bathroom, maintaining a clean and uninterrupted visual flow. This subtle yet effective intervention allows the compact interior to feel more expansive, ensuring that the layout remains both practical and aesthetically cohesive. By embracing smart spatial solutions, the design maximizes usability without compromising the integrity of the original architecture.
The use of a soft, pastel-toned floor and a carefully curated color palette helps blur the boundary between the interior and the surrounding landscape. The subdued hues echo the natural tones of Mani, fostering a sense of calm while reinforcing a connection to the environment. This seamless integration enhances the experience of inhabiting the space, making it feel both sheltered and expansive at once.
By embracing the inherent character of Mani’s stone towers while introducing bold contemporary contrasts, this project redefines the relationship between past and future. It does not seek to freeze history in time but rather to activate it, creating a space that is both an homage to tradition and a forward-thinking vision of modern living within a historic framework.