In this project, R.C.TECH restored the Cavallini Residence in Avlemonas, Kythera, one of the most emblematic and historic buildings on the island, locally known as The House with the Sundial due to the sundial placed above its main door. The house’s rich history begins in the early 19th century, owned at the time by Angelo Cavallini, a wealthy Italian from Genoa who moved to Kythera and served as an ambassador of the Greek and Austrian State (Kythera had not yet become part of the Greek state), as a local agent of Lloyds Triestino and as the customs officer of the port of Avlemonas. Prior to the Second Word War the house’s ground floor became a café for the locals while during the War it survived the Axis’ bombing of Avlemonas and witnessed a fierce battle between a group of English soldiers and a German patrol boat which took place right next to the building.
In close collaboration with the current owner – who is a descendant of the Cavallini family – R.C.TECH undertook the full restoration of the historic house, with great care and respect to its architectural features and unique history. The reconstruction of the house included a long list of works such as the reinforcement of the masonry walls, new plastering works and the restoration of various architectural features such as the sundial above the main entrance and the stone frames around the doors and windows. The aim of the architectural study was to highlight the plasticity of the building and to reinstate the positive aura that the building holds for the people of Kythera. During this process, additional features showing the ingenuity of the original design and the craftsmanship of that time, were kept and fully restored (e.g. the elegant setup of the rain water collection) while also more modern features where introduced such as the main staircase, the interior cantilever and the kitchen.
