The word “Keretsi” means lime in the secret language of craftspeople.
The project focuses on the transmission of the historical know-how of the use of lime and clay mortars in plastering and pointing applications through the completion of the corresponding works in the former school building in Frasta, Central Tzoumerka. The educational program will lead to the restoration and renovation of the school building, which will serve as the Center for Research and Training in Traditional and Sustainable Building practices.
At the same time, through an expanded public events programme, the project will also function as a hub for the exchange of knowledge and good practices around the interpretation, promotion, and protection of the rich heritage of mortars in traditional construction. The aim is to achieve pluralism through the participation of researchers, professionals, and groups from different countries, but also through awareness-raising and local community involvement.
Apprenticeship for young craftspeople
The five-week professional apprenticeship program aims at the intensive training of 6 young craftspeople in theoretical and practical aspects of the application of traditional lime and clay mortars. Under the guidance and supervision of the project team and two experienced craftspeople/trainers, they will undertake the completion of the building works and will also participate in the activities of the hands-on workshop.
Hands-on workshop
The twelve-day hands-on workshop is addressed to 20 participants, students, and professionals in the fields of architecture, engineering, archaeology, cultural management, and other related disciplines. Under the supervision of the trainees and trainers, they will support the restoration/renovation project and participate in a series of seminars, lectures, community outreach, and field visits for a holistic approach to heritage and sustainable building issues.
The program includes:
- Specialized seminars on mortar preparation and the application of historical decorative plastering techniques.
- Lectures, presentations, and demonstrations delivered by renowned researchers and practitioners, focusing on the architectural, construction, cultural, and social dimensions of traditional mortar technologies.
- One-day excursion to sites of architectural and cultural interest, highlighting traditional construction methods and regional practices.
- Exhibition presenting the team’s work on traditional lime kilns, including audiovisual material and architectural documentation.
- Roundtable discussion under the coordination of the Regional Union of Municipalities of Epirus (PED Epirus) and with the scientific collaboration of the non-profit organization Boulouki, a roundtable discussion and open dialogue with the public and local residents will take place, highlighting the value of traditional building materials based on aerial lime. The activities will involve scientists and institutional stakeholders.
The program is co-organized by the “Boulouki” Itinerant Workshop on Traditional Building Techniques, Municipality of Central Tzoumerka, Municipality of Northern Tzoumerka, Technical Chamber of Greece – Epirus Department, Epirus Regional Union of Municipalities. With the support of the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, the Sahinis Family, the A. G. Leventis Foundation, the Technical Chamber of Greece, and the Non-Profit Civil Company AEGEAS. It is produced with the financial support of the European Union and the Council of Europe, and is supported by the Green Fund’s “Natural Environment and Climate Resilience” financing program, as part of the Call for Proposals “Extroverted Activities 2025”. Scholarship for one position in the Apprenticeship Program, sponsored by Dalkafouki Oikos. This initiative is carried out under the auspices and with the financial support of the Ministry of Culture.
