Architecture
The house, an original construction built in 1825, is a typical example of Hydraic architecture, known for its blend of classic Greek island architectural elements with influences from Mediterranean coastal cities, particularly those of southern France and Italy. It is unique among the Greek islands, owing to Hydra's dominance in sea trade across the Mediterranean during the late Ottoman years, in the 18th and early 19th centuries. read more
ROSSO LEVANTO, A BROWN MARBLE FOUND IN THE ITALIAN REGION OF LIGURIA AND IN TURKEY
Accessed via a wide exterior staircase covered in coloured stones resembling Rosso Levanto, a brown marble found in the Liguria region of Italy and in Turkey, the house spans 80 square metres and comprises four interconnected rooms surrounding a main open hallway and lounge space. Two patios of approximately 12 square metres each, one facing the street and the other located inside before the house entrance, complete the living space. read more
THE THICK WOODEN BLIND PANELS ARE POSITIONED ON THE INSIDE, RATHER THAN TO THE OUTSIDE OF WINDOWS
The main construction support walls, built with cut stone masonry, they measure 60-80 cm thick. They are coated in a thin plaster layer of khorasan mortar, 'κουρασάνι'—a mix of lime, sand, clay powder, and water, well known since Classical antiquity and the Roman times for its superior insulation properties. Floors and ceilings are covered with solid painted wood planks over support metal rails with bamboo-like filling layers, 'σχίζες'.
The windows are typical of Hydraic style from the 18th and 19th centuries, where the thick wooden blind panels are positioned on the inside, rather than to the outside, of glass windows. An unusual architectural element, shared among few Mediterranean island and coastal towns, that aimed to protect against heat, cold, possible invaders, and intruders alike—while also preserving the panels from moisture rot. When closed, the panels were secured against the sidewalls with 1cm thick steel bars, thus making any attempt to a forced entry almost impossible. read more
TWO CISTERNS ONCE PROVIDED THE NEEDED DRINKING, BATHING, WASHING AND PLANT WATER SUPPLY TO THE HOUSEHOLD
Paved with color patterned tiles and a wood burning oven and stove—which is maintained for legacy, yet it is still operable—the original cooking and dining area is elevated by approximately 50cm to the rest of the house. Beneath it, one of the two cisterns that once provided the drinking, bathing, washing and plant water supply to the household. Since Hydra has no springs or other natural water resources, the precious water had been collected through the roof during the autumn and winter rains.
The cistern's mouth is still accessible and, although it is not currently in use, a bucket was used until not many years ago—as late as the 90's—to fetch drinking water. In the fashion of old ways, an eel was purposefully let to inhabit the cistern, thus providing a natural filtering mechanism for keeping drinking water clean from parasites and microbes. The second cistern, which provided the washing, bathing, and plant watering supply, it is located beneath the entrance patio.
