We are thrilled to share that Kambones 1615 has been honoured on 26/10/2024 with the prestigious Rural Restoration Prize as part of the Philippe Rotthier European Prize for Vernacular Architecture 2024. Held on 26 October 2024 at the CIVA auditorium in Brussels, the award ceremony brought together architects, artisans, residents, politicians, and dignitaries from around the globe, embodying a collective celebration of architecture that honours tradition, diversity and humanity.
The Philippe Rotthier Prize stands as a bold counterpoint to the prevailing trends in architecture. It celebrates vernacular architecture—a discipline rooted in the wisdom of the land, the craft of human hands, and the continuity of age-old traditions. As Philippe Rotthier himself describes, it is an architecture that “respects the genius of its environment” and "is faithful to the land that bears it."
A Triumph for Vernacular Design
Unlike modernist hubris, vernacular architecture embodies modesty, resilience, and harmony with nature. It aligns with the rhythm of its surroundings, blending with the natural landscape as if it were born of the earth itself. As a reed bends to the wind but does not break, so does this architecture weather the forces of time and nature with grace and sustainability.
Kambones 1615’s recognition in the Rural Restoration Prize category highlights its dedication to these principles. Restored by Athanasios Karavias and Sophia Emmanuel-Karavia with the talented architects of Magnisali Bilis Studio, the listed house on the island of Naxos, Greece, was carefully restored using natural materials and traditional techniques. This restoration, deeply respectful of the local landscape, was commended for its elegance and harmony with its surroundings. The award was presented by Her Excellency Sofia Grammata, the Ambassador of Greece to Belgium.
The Jury’s Acclaim
The jury’s announcement expressed their admiration:
"Congratulations to Sophia Emmanuel-Karavia for her award for the restoration of the listed Kambones 1615 house in the countryside (Rural Restoration Prize). With the help of the talented architects from Magnisali Bilis Studio, they restored this rural complex on the island of Naxos (Greece) using natural materials and local construction techniques. The result deeply respects the landscape and is extremely elegant. Well done! And many thanks to Her Excellency the Ambassador of Greece to Belgium, Sofia Grammata, for her support and presence."
This is the second major distinction for Kambones 1615, following its recognition at the European Sustainable Heritage Awards at the European Parliament in Strasbourg in February 2024.
Reflecting on the Exhibition
The winning projects and nominees of the 2024 Philippe Rotthier Prize were showcased at La Loge in Brussels (Rue de l’Ermitage 86, 1050 Ixelles) in an inspiring exhibition that concluded in December 2024. Visitors were treated to a visual journey through projects that embody the spirit of vernacular architecture, each catalogued in the 2024 Prize publication.
Gratitude and Vision
Our heartfelt thanks go to:
Philippe Rotthier for his visionary dedication to human-centered architecture.
Maurice Culot and the esteemed jury members for recognising the value of vernacular design.
The talented architects Maria Magnisali and Themistocles Billis of Magnisali Bilis Studio.
The representatives of various nations who celebrated the winners with us.
And to all of you, supporters of architecture that is beautiful, humane, and sustainable. Your encouragement fuels our passion and purpose.
Let us uphold architecture that connects us to our roots, our communities, and our environment. Kambones 1615 offers important lessons about building wisely and running a household sustainably. We need to learn from and share the wisdom of the past, which is more relevant than ever. Together, we can build a future where every structure tells a story of place, tradition, sustainability and humanity.
For more details:
Website: www.rotthierprize.com
La Table Ronde de l'Architecture: www.latablerondearchitecture.com Instagram: @latablerondearchitecture Email: contact@latablerondearchitecture.com
Pour une architecture belle, humaine et durable. “For architecture that is beautiful, humane, and sustainable.”
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