Gerolimenas' Anchor. A place In-between.

Gerolimenas’ Anchor is a compound of mooring infrastructure and public uses, that aims to contribute to the invigoration of the Greek Maritime Network, as well as, to the local community’s empowerment. The preservation of the site’s natural habitat, the imposing Cape Cavo Grosso and the iconic rocky landscape, became driving force for the design.

Gerolimenas is a coastal village at the southern end of the Mani Peninsula, in Peloponnese. Its name, meaning in Greek “Sacred Harbour”, reveals its importance as a safe anchorage over the years. In the past Gerolimenas was a major trade center. Today the main industry is tourism. Taking into consideration the identified need for new maritime transport facilities, and the requests of the local community, for a viable solution that neither destructs the rocky shore, nor causes sea water pollution, the intervention aims to go beyond convention. The Anchorage is placed at a distance of the settlement, yet easily accessible on foot. It is designed so to be distinct and separated, in order Gerolimenas to preserve its scale and special character. In order to preserve the rugged, stony habitat, the piers are detached from the coast. The east one is the breakwater, and yachts tie up in its sheltered side. The west pier, refers to the settlement and is dedicated to the people’s experience. Namely, it is expected to be used not only from sailors, but also from locals and visitors of Gerolimenas, as well as from other surrounding villages. Public Pier overlooks the Cape and the horizon and is considered as an alternative suggestion for swimming, sunbathing, familiarizing with water sports, enjoying sunsets or movie nights with the Cape as a background. The purpose is the positive contribution of the Anchorage to the formation of a viable community, both economically and socially. Piers are accessible through an elevated promenade (+4,5m), that is considered as an extension of the road. A gently curved canopy that seems to rise from the ground, houses a café-restaurant. Underneath this promenade (+1,4m), are placed facilities such as a sailing club, the administration, a market and toilets. The Anchorage uses long-term environmental strategies. The sloping roof is equipped with a system that selects rain water into an underground tank. The Marine Geothermal System, Limnion, will supply heat and cooling to the building. The produced energy that exceeds the needs of the Marine, will supply Gerolimenas’ residences.