Located in the mountain village of Kellaki, near Limassol, Cyprus, Kellaki Tavern is a restoration project that celebrates local traditions, craftsmanship, and the unique character of an existing historic structure.
Surrounded by pine forests and shaped by the mild Mediterranean climate, the village provided the inspiration for a design approach focused on preserving authenticity while introducing a contemporary interpretation of Cypriot heritage.
The renovation carefully maintains the spirit of the original tavern, enhancing its architectural identity through tactile materials and handcrafted details. New textures were introduced throughout the interior, inspired by the traditional process of bread baking — an important part of local culture and everyday life. These elements create a sensory connection between the space and the region’s artisanal traditions.
Natural materials, including wood and wicker, were selected to reflect the character of traditional Cypriot interiors, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. One of the key design features is the custom lighting concept: chandeliers were created from old wooden breadboards discovered on site during the restoration process, transforming forgotten objects into functional pieces of contemporary design.
Original elements of the tavern, including vintage photographs and everyday household objects, were preserved and integrated into the renewed interior. These details act as layers of memory, allowing the history of the place to remain visible within the new design.
The spatial organization was also carefully reconsidered. Former storage areas were transformed into modern restroom facilities, the kitchen was expanded, and a private VIP dining area was added. These interventions improved the functionality of the tavern while respecting the existing structure and its cultural character.
Kellaki Tavern represents a dialogue between past and present — a restoration that preserves the soul of a traditional Cypriot gathering place while adapting it for contemporary hospitality.
2024
2024
Project Name: Kellaki Tavern
Project Type: Hospitality / Restaurant / Adaptive Reuse / Interior Design
Location: Kellaki, Limassol District, Cyprus
Status: Completed
Year: 2024
Scope of Work:
Adaptive reuse and reconstruction of an existing traditional tavern
Interior architecture
Space planning
Furniture design
Lighting design
Material and finish specification
Restoration and integration of original historical elements
Program:
Main dining hall
VIP dining area
Expanded kitchen
New restroom facilities
Service and storage areas
Materials:
Natural timber
Wicker (rattan)
Decorative plaster
Existing natural stone
Ceramic finishes
Blackened steel details
Reclaimed timber elements
Custom Elements:
Bespoke wooden furniture
Traditional Cypriot wicker seating
Custom lighting fixtures created from original vintage breadboards discovered during the reconstruction
Custom bar and shelving
Design Features:
Adaptive reuse of an existing village tavern
Preservation of the original architectural envelope
Interior textures inspired by traditional bread-making
Integration of authentic historical photographs and household artifacts found on site
Contemporary interpretation of Cypriot vernacular hospitality design
Lighting:
Warm ambient lighting with custom handcrafted pendant luminaires made from reclaimed breadboards.
Color Palette:
Warm earth tones, natural wood, white plaster, woven textures and stone.
Sustainability:
Reuse of the existing building structure, preservation of original architectural elements, and upcycling of historical objects and reclaimed timber into functional interior features.
Architect: JK Lab Architects
Design Team: Janna Kiseleva, Olena Grinchenko, Artem Medvedenko, Anna Chetakova
Alina Sparrow
