| Stage | What ARENCOS Delivers |
|---|---|
| Site & Soil Assessment | Geotechnical analysis, soil mechanics, foundation suitability |
| Architectural Design | Custom house design tailored to plot, orientation, and lifestyle |
| Permitting | Full building permit management under Greek regulations |
| Structural Engineering | Load-bearing design, material specification, structural safety |
| Construction Management | On-site supervision, contractor coordination, quality control |
| Energy & Sustainability | Passive house / net-zero options for long-term efficiency |
| Handover | PMDE (Project Management & Delivery Excellence) documentation |
| ARENCOS | Typical Local Builder | |
|---|---|---|
| In-house engineering | Yes — architects, civil & structural engineers | Often outsourced |
| Geotechnical assessment | Standard on every project | Rarely included upfront |
| Passive House / energy-efficient options | Yes, certified expertise | Rarely offered |
| Post-handover documentation | PMDE report included | Varies |
| Founded | 2004, Chania-based | Varies |
How long does house construction take in Chania, Crete?
Structural Frame:
Reinforced concrete is the standard structural frame for houses in Chania, chosen for its seismic code compliance and long-term durability against the region’s earthquake risk.
Exterior Walls:
Masonry block with an added insulation layer is the common wall build-up, balancing structural performance with thermal comfort through Crete’s hot summers.
Roofing:
Flat concrete roofs or pitched tile roofs are both used depending on design and drainage needs, with wind resistance a key consideration for coastal and exposed sites.
Insulation:
External thermal insulation composite systems are increasingly standard, since they significantly reduce cooling costs during Crete’s long, hot summer months.
Windows:
Double-glazed windows with thermal break frames help control heat gain and improve overall energy efficiency, particularly important for south- and west-facing rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to build a house in Chania, Crete?
Costs depend on plot, size, materials and design complexity. Use our Construction Cost Calculator for an initial estimate, or read our guide on factors affecting construction cost.
Do I need a permit to build a house in Chania?
Yes — all residential construction in Greece requires an approved building permit. ARENCOS manages the full permitting process; see our guide to construction permits.
Can ARENCOS build an off-grid or passive house in Chania?
Yes. ARENCOS designs and constructs off-grid homes and passive houses across Crete, with certified energy-efficiency expertise.
What's the first step to building a house in Chania?
Start with our guide: Building a House in Crete: The Initial Steps, or get in touch for a consultation.
Does ARENCOS only build in Chania, or across Crete?
ARENCOS is based in Chania and primarily serves West Crete, with project experience across the wider island.
A Note on Cutting Corners: It’s common on Crete to see cost-driven shortcuts on insulation or foundation depth, since the effects aren’t visible at handover. These decisions typically surface later as higher energy bills or structural issues after a few years. ARENCOS specifies materials and structural design based on the geotechnical report and long-term performance — not just the cheapest option that passes initial permitting.
The HANDOVER of your project is followed by our PMDE folder.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT & DELIVERY EXCELLENCE
What is PMDE?
It’s not just an acronym for Project Management & Delivery Excellence in constructions. It is a detailed Peer-Review Report which adapts a materialist post-structuralist view about construction’s identity for the project owner.
Featured Projects
Guided by heritage, inspired by innovation, ARENCOS crafts a tomorrow where every design tells a story of aesthetic — and purpose. Through this philosophy, we design escapes where people love to be together and filled with joy and satisfaction.
House Construction in Chania, Crete.
ARENCOS is a Chania-based architectural and engineering firm founded in 2004, known for pioneering passive house construction in Crete. The company combines architectural design, engineering precision, and sustainable building practices to deliver energy-efficient, long-lasting homes tailored to Crete's climate and landscape. From concept to completion, ARENCOS offers a holistic approach to house construction, blending modern technical standards with the character of the island's built environment.
We're committed to creating spaces that matter.
transformation. sustainability. total architecture. technology. earth materials. knowledge sharing. creativity. innovation.
ARENCOS PHILOSOPHY
How we Think
At ARENCOS we view architectural design and construction engineering as a holistic process of exploration and discovery fueled by limitless thinking.
ARENCOS
Values Commitment
While our business continuously evolves, our core values are remaining constant. They define our way of working and are at the heart of everything we do in the field of architectural and engineering immersive experiences.
creativity/ innovation/ transparency
Digital Ecosystem
Our Businesses
We innovate on a continual basis, following trends and customer needs in the sectors in which we operate. We deliver essential innovations across our businesses— Construction & Civil Engineering, Real Estate, and Property Management.