The study for Mrs Petropoulou’s pharmacy in Gerani, Rethymnon was not just aimed in maintaining but also strengthening the traditional character of a traditional stone room with a vaulted roof. We aimed, in introducing the necessary architectural elements to create a modern pharmacy with distinctly rustic characteristics that had all the functionality that modern architectural studies allow without compromising the traditional character of the space. We wanted to ensure the creation of a modern and competitive professional space that could strengthen the professional status of the working environment.

The vaulted roof in conjunction with the traditional stone required a special approach to achieve a fine blend between the contemporary and the classical; the roof and stone walls were ornamented with modern materials such as glass, wood and metal without changing the original material.

The pharmacy was divided into two parts: the ground floor and mezzanine. On the ground floor we set a light projected area for the pharmaceutical products and included a pharmaceutical laboratory. The loft was used as an office space. Left and right to the entrance we placed vertical, wall mounted product shelves, that allowed freedom of movement, and a sophisticated and discretely but palpably lighted circular corridor experience to the customers beneath the traditional stone walls and vaulted roof. A service counter was located in the centre of the pharmacy in order to offer maximum visibility to the professional and maximum availability to the customer.

In the mezzanine the use of glass balustrades provided ease of access, unobstructed communication and an impressive overview between the two levels, offering also a modern touch to the traditional surrounding.

The finest addition to this study was the plainly colourful illumination which embraced the stone dome roof and combined with the backlights on the product shelves induced a calm, old world scholarly atmosphere. The timber placed on the floor and windows combined with stone walls highlighted the classical and natural element in the space.

Our close cooperation with the customer created a functional and aesthetic effect that combined the owner’s personal taste with our unique approach to fine aesthetic functionality.

Designed by Lefteris Tsikandilakis
Photography by Pantelis Mathioudakis