Building adaptability
Throughout history, humans have always attempted to adapt buildings to changing climatic conditions, albeit through empirical means rather than standardized rules. For instance, during the winter, people commonly use carpets on floors and walls to retain heat within a room. Additionally, during the day, they would leave shutters open to allow sunlight to warm up the space, and at night, they would close them to reduce heat loss through openings. Climbing plants were also frequently grown on pergolas in traditional architecture to provide shade during the summer months, and deciduous trees were planted in strategic locations to protect building volumes from the sun. These are just a few examples of the many ways people have addressed climatic needs, showcasing their ability to adapt and innovate.
One notable example of such adaptability is the three-story Pelionian mansions. These buildings feature an intermediate floor designed for the winter, with few and small openings to retain heat, and a top floor intended for the summer, with ample and large openings to facilitate better ventilation.
This approach highlights the creativity and innovative spirit of people throughout history in adapting to their environment and addressing their needs.
Pelionian architecture
Pelioreite architecture, seen in Pelion's homes, mansions, and churches, is a traditional style still used in modern projects. The old mansions in Pelion showcase unique and indigenous characteristics, using stones and slabs from the area, often sourced from local mines. The villages of Pelion were designated as protected settlements in 1980. Mansions in Pelion exhibit various architectural styles, including a northern Greek type and neoclassical influences brought by expatriates from Egypt. The houses are known for their thick walls, providing natural insulation. Pelioreite architecture is divided into three main periods and sections, each reflecting distinct characteristics and influences.
1st section
The initial phase represents the early "Peliorian Architecture" period from the mid-18th century, featuring stone structures with small, symmetrically placed windows and a prominent entrance. Typically, these buildings consist of three floors, with the lower one built of stone and the upper one incorporating a combination of stone and wood. The top floor often includes wooden cantilevers supporting open or closed balconies known as "balconies," a defining feature of Pelionian architectural houses.
2nd section
The second section pertains to traditional construction techniques and the evolution of mansion layouts from 1750 to 1850. The construction of urban mansions aimed to address fortification needs, resulting in communal semi-outdoor areas and reception spaces with distinctive features. The ground floor, known as "katoi," is exclusively constructed with stone, while the top floor is adorned with colorful skylights above the windows. The Joannou mansion, built around the mid-19th century, reflects a shift towards a more symmetrical appearance under "academic" influences.
3rd section
The third architectural period corresponds to the early flourishing of expatriate Pelioriteans and the emergence of "Late Pelioreite Architecture" from 1860 to 1890. This phase marks a transition to a contemporary lifestyle, incorporating academic elements and showcasing innovation. Central entrances are directly linked to long, narrow halls, with harmoniously arranged rooms on either side, representing a timeless change in Pelion architecture.