MANNA, ARCADIA, PELOPONNESE.
ARCHITECTURE: K-STUDIO & MONOGON
YEAR: 2023
STYLE: HERITAGE RESTORATION / CONTEMPORARY MINIMALISM
COUNTRY: GREECE
Greece has a habit of being associated with whitewashed walls, turquoise water and the occasional strategically placed olive tree. MANNA, tucked away in the fir-covered mountains of Arcadia, has other ideas. Set within a former sanatorium dating back to 1929, this remarkable retreat offers a rather different interpretation of the Greek escape — one involving stone walls, forest views and considerably fewer beach towels.
Originally conceived as a place of healing, the historic building has been thoughtfully restored by K-Studio and Monogon, who have approached its transformation with an admirable sense of restraint. Rather than competing with the existing architecture, the contemporary interventions allow the building’s original character to take centre stage. Its imposing stone façade, distinctive proportions and quietly monumental presence remain very much intact.
Inside, the atmosphere is warm, tactile and refreshingly understated. Timber, stone, terrazzo and natural textiles form a carefully balanced material palette, while bespoke furnishings introduce a contemporary sensibility without overwhelming the historic setting. There is a pleasing dialogue between old and new: original architectural details coexist with minimalist forms, and neither feels particularly inclined to steal the spotlight.
Beyond the building, dense woodland and mountain air provide a setting that is almost theatrical in its tranquillity. Large windows frame the surrounding forest, while the interiors encourage a slower rhythm of life. The architecture feels deeply connected to its landscape, not through dramatic gestures but through material honesty, thoughtful restoration and an appreciation of what was already there.
MANNA is a compelling reminder that adaptive reuse can be far more interesting than starting from scratch. Here, nearly a century of history has been given a new purpose without losing its identity. The result is an architectural retreat that feels both rooted in the past and entirely relevant to the present.
A LITTLE MOUNTAIN AIR, A CENTURY OF HISTORY, AND NOT A BEACH UMBRELLA IN SIGHT.
