CBO Residence: A Historic Coffee House Transformed into a Modern Summer Retreat

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This article covers topics related to Residential Building, Architecture. A historic 1920s coffee house in Serifos, Greece, transformed by MOLD Architects into a contemporary, minimalist summer retreat with adaptive reuse.

A historic 1920s coffee house in Serifos, Greece, transformed by MOLD Architects into a contemporary, minimalist summer retreat with adaptive reuse.

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UNI Editorial published Story under Residential Building, Architecture on Mar 8, 2025

Architectural Innovation in Serifos, Greece

The CBO Residence, designed by MOLD Architects, is an exquisite example of adaptive reuse, blending historical charm with contemporary functionality. Located in the heart of Chora, Serifos, this 75m² residence was originally a traditional coffee house built in the 1920s. The renovation project preserves the authenticity of the existing stone structure while introducing innovative spatial interventions.

Preserving History Through Modern Design

The original building, a two-story stone structure, featured a ground-floor main hall and a small preparation room, connected via an internal staircase to an upper-level utility room. The redesign maintains the historic load-bearing stone walls, preserving their monolithic presence, while transforming the interior layout to enhance livability.

An Open-Concept Transformation

MOLD Architects reimagined the main hall as a single, open-plan living space, optimizing natural light and airflow. The auxiliary rooms were repurposed into two independent bedrooms, each with en-suite bathrooms. This reconfiguration maximizes space utilization while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic.

A Lightweight Structural Intervention

A striking feature of the renovation is the introduction of a three-dimensional steel grid, spanning the full height of the living space. This lightweight structure contrasts with the heavy stone walls, visually softening the interior while maintaining structural integrity. Functionally, it integrates multiple elements, including:

Kitchen installations
Bookcases and shelving
Lighting fixtures
A staircase
A multifunctional relaxation zone

This modular approach creates a dynamic living environment that seamlessly adapts to daily needs.

Vertical Connectivity & Maximizing Space

The impressive ceiling height of the original structure allowed for the creation of an intermediate loft, acting as a transitional element between the ground floor and the rooftop terrace—the main outdoor living area. The loft structure, also composed of steel, provides additional functional space while maintaining an airy, open feel.

Materiality & Aesthetic Harmony

The design approach maintains a dialogue between the historic stonework and the contemporary steel framework. This balance is further emphasized through:

Geometric tile patterns that extend across floors and walls
Steel as a unifying element, used in both communal areas and bedrooms
Minimal material mass, ensuring an efficient, sustainable approach to space optimization

A Seamless Blend of Past & Present

The CBO Residence exemplifies modern heritage conservation, where thoughtful interventions enhance rather than overshadow the original architectural character. By introducing lightweight steel structures, optimizing spatial flow, and incorporating sustainable design principles, MOLD Architects have successfully revitalized this 1920s coffee house into a contemporary yet timeless summer retreat.