Oinos – Private Cellar
"A cellar of memory and stone, where time matures like wine in silence"
Private residential project - Northern Suburbs of Athens, Greece
TThe name Oinos, derived from the ancient Greek word for “wine,” reflects both the function and the character of this private residential project. Located within a private residence in the northern suburbs of Athens, the Oinos Private Cellar reinterprets the original use of the basement, once dedicated to wine storage and tasting, transforming it into a contemporary space that celebrates material authenticity, craftsmanship, and timeless atmosphere.
The architectural approach was guided by respect for the existing structure and its historical identity. The aim was not to replace the past, but to reinterpret the original typology of the cellar through contemporary architectural language while preserving its authenticity and sense of place.
The exposed stone masonry remains the dominant architectural element, acting as a vessel of memory and a tangible expression of locality. Existing furniture, including the dining table and the circular tasting table in the antechamber, was carefully restored and reintegrated into the new design. The deteriorated base of the circular table was replaced with natural stone sourced from the site itself, strengthening the dialogue between the interior and the surrounding landscape.
Particular attention was given to the structural reinforcement of the basement. The new columns were clad with custom wooden panels that seamlessly transform into integrated shelving and wine storage units, combining structural necessity with functional design. The floor was finished with polished cement mortar (patiti tsimentokonia), creating a continuous surface that reinforces the quiet character of the space.
At the openings, corten steel was applied to the reveals, introducing a subtle contrast between raw metal and the warm textures of the exposed stone and timber. Carefully designed lighting enhances the material palette and creates an intimate atmosphere suitable for wine tasting, dining, and gathering.
Through the harmonious interplay of stone, timber, corten steel, and polished cement mortar, Oinos Private Cellar becomes more than a wine cellar. It is a space of memory, taste, and sensory experience, where history and contemporary architecture coexist in quiet harmony.
