Preserving the Past, Shaping the Future: The Adaptive Reuse of Prinkipo Greek Orphanage

This thesis examines the restoration and adaptive reuse of the Prinkipo Greek Orphanage, designed by Alexander Vallaury between 1888 and 1900. As the second-largest timber structure in the world and the largest in Europe, the building faces significant challenges due to its extended state of abandonment. The research proposes a hybrid approach to dealing with the building’s state-of-the-art condition, which combines restoration, consolidation, selective demolition, and modern construction. The intervention proposes the restoration and consolidation of the northeast wing, the removal of the central axis and the southwest wing, and a new construction for the adaptive reuse project adjacent to the northeast wing. The consolidation intervention focuses on two main objectives: static load analyses and visual inspections. The first intervention strengthens the foundation with a reinforced concrete strip to increase stability, load-bearing capacity, and resistance to seismic loads. The second adds CLT panels to increase the walls’ resistance to vertical and horizontal loads and stability. The reversibility of interventions and preservation of original materials remain central to the strategy. The adaptive reuse of historic buildings is always associated with unique challenges; one of the most significant is balancing preservation and project cost. A comparative cost accounting method evaluates two alternative approaches: complete restoration versus partial demolition and restoration. This thesis aims to highlight the importance of balancing historical integrity and contemporary functionality in adaptive reuse projects. It aspires to offer a sustainable model for revitalizing historic structures.