Sterna residence is a traditional two-storey tower dating back to the mid 17th Century. It collapsed, along with the rest castle of the knights after the devastating earthquake of 1933. It is the first residence to be restored in the medieval castle of Pantoniki in Emporeios.

The restoration owes its high level and preciseness to the research of photographic archives and to the few but significant structural and morphological findings of the excavation designed by Greg Haji Joannides and restored by architect Giorgos Tsironis. Restoring the authentic architecture of the building was achieved thanks to following the traditional building manner and using the genuine building materials.

The residence now has modern infrastructure, of high quality and minimalist aesthetics, and disposes of the biggest cistern in Emporeios, plus two more. It covers an area of 128 sq.m housing 4-6 guests. The ground floor is an open room where the kitchen, the living room and working space are found along with a bathroom. On the first floor, there are two spacious bedrooms with private balconies and the second bathroom. The residence also features a 110 sq.m. outdoor living space consisted of a 40 sq.m. terrace with dining area and a 70 sq.m. rooftop lounge area and 360° views.

 

Photos: Panos Kokkinias

Sterna studio is located right below the residence and its restoration was completed in 2018 designed by Greg Haji Joannides and restored by architect Giorgos Tsironis. As in the residence, restoring the authentic architecture of the building was achieved thanks to following the traditional building manner and using the genuine building materials.

The studio is 50 sq.m. housing 2 guests in two levels where the kitchen and dining area are found on the ground floor and the living room/bed and the bathroom on the first floor along with the veranda overlooking the neighboring islands and Asia Minor. The studio follows the minimalistic aesthetics of the residence but in a different idea. The concept comes from the countryside, with exotic plants and garden’s furniture in an environment where genuine building materials of cement and plaster are visible. It carries a permanent installation of Greek visual artist Dora Economou “Over the volcano”. A hummock woven by her with thick string in sulfur color that floats over the staircase.

Moreover, sterna studio has the double existence as a working space for artists where in a few minutes everything disappears and the space remains white and empty.

 

Photos: Greg Haji Joannides