The “Panagiotopoulos” historical 3-storey building is located at the center of Egio city at the corner of Panagiotopoulou and Mitropoleos str. Based on saved references the building must have been built around 1857-1860 on a design of the architect Panayiotis Kalkos. It is considered as one of the most important architectural landmarks of south western Greece, due to the architectural form and its rich interior painting and architectural decoration. The building’s exterior is decorated with whole marbles all around the openings, and with external marble decorations through the ground floor external walls and the corners of the remaining 2 floors. Apart from the openings which are made of whole marble parts, there are cornices made of coating. The rooftop is molded with cornice of whole marbles and is covered by wooden roof trusses with Byzantine type tiles.

Due to the earthquake of June 15th 1995, the building suffered severe damages (partial wall collapse on second floor, full disorganization of stone walls, wall inclination from vertical, etc.), damages increased by the second earthquake of November 18th 1997. As a first temporary stabilization measure, the building was bound by the application of steel sections and wire ropes, following a first quick design performed by our office. Thus collapsing of the building was avoided. Due to the unprotected exposure of the building to weather conditions, additional damages occurred.
The buildings’ Repair and Restoration design was completed in 2001 and the works began on February 2005. In 2010 all works were completed and the building was handed over to the owner (Egion Municipality).

The restoration of the building structural system included a total (but controlled) replenishment of second floor walls, preserving the elevation towards Mitropoleos street following the strict order of the Ministry of Culture. The walls capacity was increased through injection of concrete mortar in the wall mass, and reinforced concrete coating while stainless rods are used to bind the wall corners. New wooden floors supported on steel beams forming a complete diaphragm are used, in order to cope with the new increased floor loads, as the new use of the building is for music auditorium and concert hall. The interior geometrical dimensions of the building were basically maintained so as not to modify the pictorial décor that was completely restored. Finally, a new exterior steel staircase and elevator for people access were added to this historical building, allowing access by handicapped people.

• ProjetPanagiotopoulos Building
• Temps d'étude1998-2001
• EmployeurEgio Municipality
• PositionEgio Achaia
• Budget (€)5000000