Chiara Armando & Polyergo restore an old residence, transforming it into a modern retreat with Venetian influences

Located in the heart of Rethymno, The Secret Garden is a carefully restored residence that balances historical preservation and contemporary design. Designed by Chiara Armando in collaboration with Polyergo and Yiannis Polychronakis, the project embraces minimal intervention to highlight the structure’s original Venetian-era elements, fostering a dialogue between past and present. The restoration process stripped away layers of 20th-century modifications, unveiling the building’s original stone walls and its likely origin as an Avlí—a traditional courtyard nestled between two structures. The design celebrates these historical traces, from the intricate Venetian portal, now a focal point inside the house, to the contrasting masonry textures and blocked-in windows that hint at the structure’s open-air past. Key to the project is the sensitive use of light and space. The ground floor is transformed into an expansive, unified living area, while the first floor accommodates two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, connected by a central square-plan staircase. A discreet vertical volume integrates modern systems without disrupting the historic character. Guided by sustainability and respect for heritage, the project prioritizes essential elements and eliminates the superfluous, emerging as a refined contemporary retreat.