The Cyprus Chefs’ Association decided that something must be done for the culinary future of Cyprus. All the wealth of local produce and local talent needs bringing up to international level and attention, as deserved. The need is for an institute that will house all this effort, train the generations to come on culinary Cyprus in the light of international achievement. A new generation of sensitive, aware and highly professional hospitality experts is needed. A shrine of experimentation, cross cultural exchange of knowledge, a showcase of Cypriot and international culinary excellence must be created. CCI is born
Vouni is in the centre of the Limassol wine villages, one of the most important and highly acclaimed among local and foreign visitors culinary centres on the island. Vouni is fighting modern trends of urbanisation. A lively, vibrant place that resonates with visitors in the summer months, still alive and energetic in winter. There is an air of tidiness and loving care. The newly renovated cobblestone streets complement the shaded courtyards with the fragrance of rosemary and basil. Newly restored or rebuilt buildings adorn the village like the listed old school and the wine centre. Both of these are part of CCI. A village to cherish A village in need of further purpose
The synergy was almost instant. The CCI will add hundreds of young professionals who, with their professors and highly acclaimed guests will make the village known around the world. Visitors will be attracted by the culinary events and festivities.
Young generations’ vibrancy will rock the village. The remodelled traditional houses will provide for hospitality beds in the winter months where everything is more quiet. New sources of income will be created and more migrated inhabitants will hopefully return
CCI is an integral part of the village. Few external clues differentiate the classrooms from the village houses and their visual vocabulary. In a natural gesture, Vouni opens its arms and its buildings to the new school from the very beginning. CCI is Vouni as if it has always been here. Respecting and enriching the scale, the culture and traditions with its presence. CCI could become a destination. Vouni could become a destination much bigger than today.
The simple modern architecture is destined to become a landmark in the village.
Careful detailing ensures transparency, bioclimatic operation, visual appeal and comfort.
Special screens inspired from local embroidery will provide a glare free comfortable environment
for users and visitors
In teaching mode teachers will face students behind their stoves.
In cooking display mode, tables can be positioned near the view and the kitchen turns around to serve up to 48 visitors
in fine dining banquet. Teachers and students cook and serve, making the place a high calibre destination
The screens not only protect from sun radiation and discomfort but they also project a pattern on the floor similar to
sitting under the vine klimataria on the shaded courtyard.
Protected generous openings to the south and small clerestory windows at the back ensure natural ventilation,
inspired from the wisdom of the traditional arsera.
Stone cladding at the back and carefully designed ceilings provide proper acoustics and speech legibility.
State of the art services are carefully embedded in the ceiling
The former Wine culture centre is being reformed and repurposed as a full beverage hub. Wine and local traditions are still the epicentre but importance is given to spirits and liquors, coffes and all other beverages. Students will be invited to a journey around the world enriching their taste buds and experience. This is the world of sommeliers, barristas and all beverage professionals. Interventions to the building are gentle, respectful and purpose driven
Practically kept in its restored form, it gets a careful treatment in order to house the cooking centre, events room and admin spaces.
A new café will provide food for students and teachers, open also for visitors, showcasing what the school cooks can do
COLLABORATORS: MARY YIANNAKA, EUGENIOS ZINGAS, NIKOS SOKORELLIS