Votsala Mosaics I

Posted by Melina on Sep 16, 2011 in Images, Natural Building | 2 comments

One of my absolute favorite features in traditional Greek island architecture is the pebble mosaic flooring that is often found in alleyways, churches, and aristocratic homes. Pebble mosaics, or “βοτσαλοτά δάπεδα” in Greek, are architectural ornaments most often found on islands with nautical roots such as:

Spetses, Hydra, Poros, in the Saronic Islands

Lesvos, Chios, Oinousses in the Northern Aegean Islands

Rhodes, Symi, Patmos, Fourni in the Dodecanese Islands

…and I’m sure many more!

The pebbles were collected locally on nearby beaches, and their availability in shape/color greatly governed the types of designs that were thus created. Most of the mosaics are sea-themed, with fish, dolphins, and anchors. Others flaunt more floral, geometrical, or ancient Greek patterns. Most are in combination of black and white pebbles.

I plan to incorporate pebble mosaics into any natural building project I can. They offer great thermal mass, are made from readily available materials in most areas, and allow you to flex a creative muscle that will endure and enrich your living space.

There are long-forgotten, dusty old books in Greek libraries that elaborate on the traditional methods, history, and schemes of mosaic flooring. As I scavenge through basements and stacks of unordered books to resurface these gems, I will scan in my golden finds to share with the world!

For now, here are some examples from all over Greece that I’ve collected online… (many many more are certainly to follow!)

equistely ornate mandala - note the various pebble sizes

ornamental, almost "paisely" lines typical in Rhodes

large central patterns - note mostly black pebbles

pebble mosaic borders create elegant courtyards

alternative, more intricate expression for courtyard mosaics

one last courtyard example from Rethymno, Crete - note how the mosaic matches the chandelier!