Two Residences in Kifissia

Small-scale dialogue

The project concerns a complex of two residences located in Kifisia, a northern suburb of Athens. The plot is surrounded by contemporary apartment buildings that coexist with lower-scale single-family houses and public green spaces.

Design Philosophy

The primary goal of the study was to ensure the autonomy and privacy of each residence through the formation of a structure that maintains a dialogue with the neighborhood’s small-scale character. The main compositional gesture focuses on shaping a unified and coherent volume, harmonized with the scale of the surrounding urban context. At the same time, selective subtractions from the initial building mass create open-air spaces that enhance the spatial quality of the dwellings. The use of part of the ground floor as a courtyard, combined with the sloped roof – typological elements characteristic of the area – helped define the final architectural composition.

Two Residences in Kifissia by Nafsika Oikonomou — Photography: Vassia Katramadaki

Spatial Organization

The first residence unfolds entirely on the ground floor, establishing a close relationship with the garden and the immediate surroundings, while the second is arranged across the two upper levels, slightly recessed from the base volume to enrich the composition with depth and spatial layering. This vertical separation enhances both privacy and variety in everyday living. Each dwelling integrates semi-outdoor and covered areas that act as transitional thresholds between interior and exterior, creating a rhythm of openness and enclosure. These spaces are characterized by distinct atmospheres — shaded patios, balconies with framed views, and open terraces that capture the shifting daylight throughout the day. The dynamic interplay of light and shadow animates the architectural volumes, revealing their sculptural quality. In parallel, the landscaping follows the same design philosophy: carefully selected vegetation, permeable surfaces, and subtle level differences collaborate to regulate temperature and airflow, contributing to a pleasant microclimate and reinforcing the dialogue between architecture and nature.

Context Integration

The design thoughtfully responds to the plot’s orientation and the surrounding urban context, balancing openness with privacy. Each residence is carefully arranged to define distinct public and private realms while maintaining a sense of spatial fluidity. Openings are strategically placed to enable cross ventilation, bathe interiors in natural light, and frame curated views toward the garden and neighboring greenery. These visual corridors extend the living spaces beyond their physical limits, fostering a constant dialogue between architecture and landscape. Through this sensitive integration, the project achieves both environmental efficiency and a poetic connection to its setting — a quiet choreography of light, air, and material continuity.

Two Residences in Kifissia by Nafsika Oikonomou — Photography: Vassia Katramadaki