III Place – Eleonora Oniani – Lower Svaneti, Lentekhi
Nani Bendelian, a close relative of the owner, submitted an application for a house that is over a century old. The house was built before the establishment of Lentekhi district, making it one of the oldest surviving dwellings in the area. Most similar houses in the surroundings have either collapsed or been severely damaged. The owner is fully aware of the cultural value of the house, feels a strong sense of responsibility, and makes every effort to preserve its original details as authentically as possible, relying on personal resources.
III Place – Nika Dzagania – Samegrelo, Village Balda
Nika Dzagania returned to his 130-year-old ancestral home in the village of Balda, Martvili Municipality, and transformed it into a welcoming space for visitors. Guests are hosted with traditional Mingrelian cuisine and are offered an authentic experience of everyday life in a 19th-century Mingrelian household. They are even encouraged to participate in the preparation of Mingrelian dishes themselves.
The traditional Mingrelian oda house, constructed from chestnut and oak, has preserved its original character. The fireplace foundation serves as the central structural pillar of the dwelling, reinforced with stone and clay. The house also features a beautifully carved wooden balcony. While largely intact, it requires some minor restoration.
II Place – Dimitri Kemoklidze and Lamara Tukhareli – Shida Kartli, Kaspi, Village Metekhi
In 2004, a full restoration was carried out on the ancestral house of the Tukhareli family in the historic village of Metekhi. Dating from the 1760s–1780s, the building is a unique example of cultural heritage: a traditional Georgian wooden-balconied house constructed of cobblestone and Georgian brick.
Inside, photographs illustrating the history of the family are displayed, turning the residence into a house-museum. The owners aim to set an example of respect for heritage, at a time when many historic houses in the area are being altered beyond recognition or falling into ruin. According to them, current residents often lack sufficient knowledge and experience in heritage preservation. One of their main motivations for participating in the competition was to demonstrate that such respect for heritage deserves recognition and appreciation.
I Place – Lili Pulariani and Natia Pulariani – Imereti, Baghdati, Village Dimi
A digital technologies specialist, Lili Pulariani and her sister Natia Pulariani, began the restoration of a 19th-century wooden oda house in her native village of Dimi four years ago. Alongside this work, she organizes community activities and inspires owners of old wooden houses across Georgia to preserve their heritage.
Her goal is the complete restoration of the house and its transformation into a cultural and tourist center — a sustainable space capable of generating the resources needed for its own maintenance while serving the local community.
