Modernist approach

The apartment is on the 6th floor of a 50s block, in the centre of Athens, Kolonaki. The floor plan is triangular with balconies along the length of the facades, covering a broad orientation spectre, eastern, southern and western. The apartment was radically renovated to cater for the needs of a couple with children. The interior walls were torn down and, as far as the shell permitted, open plan, contemporary, functional spaces were created following the building’ structural grid. Two long dark walls, parallel to the elevation sides, form the new plan structure, separating private from public spaces and determining circulation. The main elevation openings were adjusted to the new plan; some vertical and horizontal fixed glass panels were added, directing the view to desirable Athenian parts. The dark wall’s glass panels draw natural light into the apartment’s depth. External elevations were coated in coarse cement mortar with small inert material grain so as to match the old fashioned finish of remaining floors. Internally, the perimeter walls were given a slight angle, by incorporating some beams and creating a white ruffled surface. The main internal walls were constructed in dark grey MDF. These ergonomically built constructions incorporate storage spaces, most of the air-conditioning as well as part of the kitchen range. The wooden floor boards are parallel to the two elevations and meet in the bisection of the triangular floor plan. In bathrooms there is extensive use of black glass in variations: transparent, fluoridated and non transparent, ceramic coated glass as wall panelling. Furniture and art objects contribute to the apartment style. ΤThe low oval table, the black Magis and Eames’ “La Chaise” (Vitra edition) armchairs, the floor lamp “Fold Lamp” by Established & Sons and the work of Nikos Alexiou by “The End (once more)” exhibition, Zoumboulaki Gallery 2007, control the living area, whereas in the dining, the “M5” table by Established & Sons, the Eames chairs and Danae Stratou’s photograph from project “cut” – 7 dividing lines, complete the scene.