Apartment Ermou 18

Athenian reflections

In the heart of Athens’ commercial triangle, along the bustling pedestrian street of Ermou, a discreet arcade breaks through the continuous facades, gradually revealing Building No. 18. Its original spiral staircase leads to Apartment No. 9.

Design Philosophy

This project involves the renovation of a narrow, 36m² shell, designed to accommodate a hotel-style studio. The goal was to maintain a strong connection with the identity of the past, expressed through subtle reflections of Athenian charm. A single yet striking opening in the space prompted a unified layout, allowing natural light to reach the full depth of the interior. Invisible boundaries help define zones for primary and secondary functions.

Functional Layout

At the core of the design is a marble volume, placed transversely along the long axis of the apartment, dividing the space into two asymmetrical parts. This creates a sequence of transitions- from the smaller section to the larger -enhancing the gradual unveiling of the main living area. Toward the rear, a vestibule conceals auxiliary functions such as the WC, storage, and a compact resting nook.

Within this white canvas, a marble frame outlines a passage that cuts through the volume, drawing the eye toward the city beyond. The ceiling height lowers here, reinforcing the sensation of spatial transition. The impression of a carved-out cave is intensified by the rich materiality: the space is entirely clad in a matte-finished, reddish Greek marble, whose natural texture comes to life at the touch, evoking intimacy, grounding, and a quiet sense of luxury. Behind ribbed glass partitions lies the shower area, subtly hidden from view.

A semicircular column emerges between these spaces, gently embracing a low piece of furniture. This curved geometry is mirrored on the opposite side of the corridor in the reflective surfaces of sliding closet doors, offering fragmented glimpses of the surrounding volumes. The ceiling height resumes, while the side walls host a metal pipe framework -an informal structure for arranging movable furniture and integrating fixed elements such as bedside tables and lighting.

Material Palette

The identity of the space is further defined by a stone floor made of brushed, fine-grained terrazzo tiles, rising up into a 60-centimeter baseboard. The unpolished marble, coarse stone, soft wooden surfaces, and metal details come together in a tactile composition of natural materials that shape the core experience of the interior. This sensibility extends to other elements as well: a handmade ceramic wall sconce and custom ceramic tableware were created specifically for the space, embracing a holistic design approach. The space culminates in a freestanding marble bathtub placed in front of the opening -an element that harmonizes with the living area to complete the experience.