Located in central Athens, this project is about the renovation of a 3rd floor flat in a “Polykatoikia” designed by the Greek architect Konstantinos Kitsikis in the late 1930s. The original layout is fragmented, with distinct rooms embedded within a rigid structure and defined by stiff boundaries. Its longitudinal spatial configuration results in narrow façades with few and small openings, creating a sense of enclosure. To meet the new residents' needs and wish for additional light, all utility services and secondary spaces are consolidated into white multi-sized boxes arranged along the apartment's blind sides. Thus, the central axis is highlighted, creating an open and fluid space with unobstructed visual connection along its entire length, while a pivot door acts as a movable wall for subtle spatial separation. A small metal balcony at the rear –echoing the form of the old service staircase- and greenery integrated into the two skylights further enhance the perception and feeling of being outdoors.

Credits

Design Team: Eleni Vagianou, Tasos Theodorakakis  |  Contractor: Dimopoulos-Laskaris  |  Carpentry: Doulis Bros |  Photography: OM60