This prestigious residence located near the Piazza Navona in Rome is nestled within a unique urban and artistic architectural mosaic.
The renovation takes into consideration this unique nuance and emphasizes it through the contrast with new architectural choices.
The double height living room has multiple views towards terraces and it is highlighted by a scenographic stairway that stands out through new LED light and old fresco.
The outstanding furniture and well-studied lighting design create a refined harmony with the very old existing building.
Back-lit KRION panels constellate the different functional areas.
The fountain built in the lower terrace has a natural stone veneering and evocative light behind it that brings about the piece’s importance.
An office space and a luxurious bathroom are located on the downstairs floor.
Moving up to the second level, a walkway that overlooks the living space and faces both terraces, crosses into the night area.
All furniture is designed by the architect and is custom made.
The two bathrooms are enhanced by high-quality materials such as marble, bas-relief tiles and parquet.
In the adjacent terrace, a living area, Jacuzzi and a second fountain create a luxurious and comfortable space that overlooks the surrounding rooftops of the “eternal” city.

Carola Vannini Architecture

The post Navona Penthouse was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.

This ultra modern loft apartment is situated in a new building in the centre of Kiev, in Ukraine and has a relatively simple but effective arrangement, in order to match its young owner’s energetic lifestyle with a knack for impromptu gatherings.
The plan is split in three, almost wall – less sections which accommodate a residence’s essential activities, starting from the most public and ending with the most private.
From the entrance hall, one is led through a wide corridor with a cloakroom and storage space hidden behind wooden screens on one side and a blackboard clad communal WC on the other, to the unified communal space. Here, the open plan kitchen, dining and living areas are differentiated mainly by the position of the furniture, aided by the use of sectional load bearing walls aligned vertically to the wide, almost floor to ceiling openings of the external façade. A vertical garden by the dining area, takes up the length of the first sectional load bearing wall.
The third and last section is separated from the others via black metal framed glass pane screens and houses the sleeping area with a walk-in wardrobe and an en suite bathroom, as well as a study room, positioned in front of the third window occupying the external wall.
The interior can be characterized as industrial chic; the bare brick load bearing walls emphasize the smooth plaster of the partitions which is in white near the sleeping area, in grey around the kitchen and dining and in red by the entrance hall. Black wooden flooring and an exposed concrete ceiling with wooden beams highlight the arched glass pane openings that allow plenty of natural light in the apartment, while offering breath-taking views to the city skyline.
Additionally, the apartment is equipped with a smart home system, allowing the owner to handle the internal environment via voice control.
All decorative elements are by Ukrainian companies while the furniture, designed by the architect and crafted by local artisans, debut in this project and are making their mark in this space.

MARTIN architects

The post Kiev Loft was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.

Located in Filothei, one of the greenest suburbs of Athens, the project is a renovation of a two storey apartment. Stripped down and fully re-worked, m&g was transformed into a comfortable and exciting place to live.
The spaces were divided into social and private, placed on the ground and first floor respectively.
Inspired by the unpeeling layers of an onion, different zones were created based on the activities taking place (arriving/leaving, cooking, living, eating, bathing, sleeping). Each zone was assigned its own material, establishing a distinct visual separation between the various spaces. Following the concept of ‘unpeeling’, thresholds were created where two materials come together, thus signifying the transition from one space to another. For instance, the living space consists of a wooden box that can be merged with the kitchen space depending on the occasion. Additionally, the bathroom is deconstructed and its elements repositioned in the master room, as its separate uses are re-defined.
The materiality of the spaces was directed by the need to create a composition that would age beautifully over time. Natural materials, such as wood, concrete, steel and stone, leave imprints of their weathering and gradually create smooth and ever-changing patterns, whilst changing color and texture. As time leaves its mark, the residence is an apartment whose aesthetic will constantly develop in an elegant and natural manner.

k-studio

The post M&G was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.

The project consists of the challenging renovation of an apartment unit located in an abandoned early 20th century listed building in the heart of Valencia.
The approach to the project was guided by the ambition to create distinct, yet fluid, modern living spaces while leaving undisturbed the existing structure; the introduction of non-conventional partition walls made the entire depth of the space visible and interconnected.
Separation between night and day areas is provided by two tall wooden elements. These custom designed elements also contain the bedroom wardrobes and three sets of doors allowing varying degrees of privacy.
The ceiling height was also deemed a particularly valuable element in the renovation. The structure of the roof was restored and kept fully exposed, with no element of the new design in contact with it, underlining the respect for the past and also enabling the full sense of space and volume of the apartment to be perceived.
One more tool utilized to emphasize the special quality is the “direction” of the design elements. The wooden wardrobes, the full-height white curtains and the tall ladder accentuate the verticality of the space.
In turn, the long kitchen worktop, the white plasterboard pedestal and its line of light enhance the horizontal dimension.
The project introduces a contemporary design language, while enhancing the character and materiality of the old space. By only adding essential new features, “wounds” and layers of transformations over the years were carefully retained and displayed to enhance the sense of continuity with the building’s history.

Roberto di Donato Architecture

The post Apartment Musico Iturbi was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.

The main aim of the apartment’s interior arrangement was to create a space with a natural, open feel that would facilitate the creative activities of the owners’ children, while simultaneously bring family members closer together.
In the initial stages of the design process, it was decided that emphasis would be given on a space for reading and playing, a creative “playground” area where the main activities of the children would take place under their parents’ supervision, an area which would also constitute the focal point of the family’s daily living.
Thus, upon entering the apartment, the user is led to a 60m² space comprising of a leisure and recreation area, complete with a swing, a slide and climbing rails, instead of the usual sitting area. Behind this area, built-in storage and decoration spaces frame a piano, while on the opposite side, a staircase that functions as a children’s bookcase is connected to the main library of the residence. Instead of a dining area, a large wooden table sets the tone as the creative space of the family, where parents and children can make things together; the craft items created can be placed inside the two ceiling light fixtures right above the table for backlit display.
To the left of this space, the open plan, fitted kitchen in light grey and its central island with designed storage spaces, act as a transition between the apartment’s public and private spaces. Above the central island, the interior design makes effective use of the high ceiling to incorporate black steel storage racks with an “industrial” feel, which function as a visual focus of attention; these racks hold plants in line with the greenery of the veranda and the green hues of the cabinets in the reading area.
The “latticework” style design of the built-in cabinets matches the shape of the bookshelves in the library and other areas. The colour white on the walls and ceiling allows for natural light to penetrate the interior with splendour, while the continuous wooden floor of the apartment provides an additional element of natural warmth.

HAO Design

The post Creative Playground was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.

The apartment is located at the centre of Athens, on the last floor of a six storey ‘60s apartment block, with unobstructed views to mount Hymettus.
The basic idea is based on the simplicity and distinct separation of volumes through a sculptural intension, which is amplified by the harmonious integration of artificial lighting.
The oblong shape of the apartment, along with its low height, posed the main challenges of the design. The floor plan organization foresaw the arrangement of function in a unified space designed with simple lines and clear axes. Equipment and installations are discreetly integrated inside hidden constructions.
Due to the low height, emphasis is placed on the ceiling form. Large beams are modified to integrate in the whole, augmenting the apartment’s character.
The wide use of glass and the colour white are the basic tools for the amplification of natural light, allowing its diffusion in every corner of the house.
The bedroom volume stands out, giving the sense of an independent glass cube. It is defined by a unified, translucent glass surface and two large, superimposed crystal panels that can open or isolate the space.
The kitchen and living areas are designed in detail, free of noisy visual information, driven by the simple unified forms and materials consistent to the philosophy of the space.
Emphasis is given to the artificial lighting techniques, indirect or direct, aiming to underline the clean spatial lines and to ensure a sense of tranquility. Simultaneously, via automated systems, the appropriate lighting scenario is selected, achieving an atmosphere in accordance to the mood of the moment.

AnRu

The post Feel Pure was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.

Apartment inside Atrium building facing London park.

The apartment belongs to Atrium in Central London, a modern building with an innovative design and character, overlooking the gardens of Regent’s Park, enjoying the serenity and exclusivity of this elegant area.
The apartment consists of an open-plan living/dining area, a separate kitchen, four en-suite bedrooms, a WC and many auxiliary rooms.
The entrance, with a large mirror and artwork, leads through a hallway to the characteristic circular, glass side of the building, where the living and dining areas are located. The hidden lighting and wave curtain along the entire length of the openings highlight the space’s morphology, while creating a theatrical atmosphere. This feeling is amplified as the interior extends to the wooden deck balcony, which offers view of Regent’s Park and the canal.
The kitchen is a separate, linear space with Corian countertops in shades of grey and glossy white lacquer. All bedrooms are easily isolated from the living room and offer spacious bathrooms and large wardrobes.
The wooden floor is a characteristic feature of the apartment and serves as a unifying tool, as it extends to all spaces. Large glazing from floor to ceiling dominates throughout the apartment, allowing a connection with the outdoors and filling the interior with light – which defines shapes and highlights the materials as they reflect on the surfaces of white lacquer or glass.
Selected items from famous Italian brands and custom-made furniture furnish the interior. The decoration is completed with special accessories and artwork from many artists, all in a harmonious colour combination with the apartment’s neutral colour palette. The final result is a striking example of modern luxury living: minimal aesthetics in line with cosmopolitan life in London.

ISV Architects

The post Atrium apartment was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.

The renovation of this traditional Athenian apartment aimed to develop the highest level of contemporary urban aesthetics.
The apartment is situated on the 9th floor in the centre of Athens, and enjoys the most spectacular views of the Acropolis from the living room. The bedrooms overlook the tiny church of St. George on the peak of Mt. Lycabettus.
Throughout the space, the signature colour palette of Omerta (black, grey and white) was used on the surfaces, which creates an ideal backdrop to the carefully selected furniture of famous designers and architects and for the artwork, which represents a variety of contemporary styles, most of which concentrate on the human element. The generous dimensions of the living room feature leather-covered seating units and a glass-topped metal dining table that dominates the space.
At sunset, the room adopts a dramatic, mysterious ambience that is enhanced by the reflections and shadows created by the subtle illumination of the intrinsically positioned lighting elements. A futuristic circular lighting installation lights the access to the master bedroom, which is reminiscent of science fiction movies.
The bedrooms follow the stylistic and chromatic style of the apartment. The most comfortable and impressive space of the master bedroom dominates, surrounded by reflective surfaces and unobstructed views of Lycabettus.

Studio Omerta

The post Skyfall was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.

This apartment is on the top floor of a 1950s building in the centre of Athens. The element that captures the look is the view of the imposing rock of the Acropolis and the Parthenon, Lycabettus Hill and the National Garden, which creates a living canvas of the contemporary and historical architectural face of the city. The objective of the architectural design was to revive this old apartment by creating a modern living space to fulfill the needs of the new users. Thus an independent free living space was formed in the south and main zone of the apartment, with successive windows in the façade drawing visual attention to the surrounding landscape.
The other rooms are arranged along the back and are separated into a total of four bedrooms and two bathrooms, to enhance privacy. Internally, modern design standards dominate with strict and dark colours on the walls and floors, which serve as a background that leads the gaze to the outside landscape. The architectural lighting aims to highlight the apartment’s identity, enhancing its design and balancing the natural light, and draw attention to the premise’s functionality during the night hours. The lighting was formed with the goal of continuity between its day and night versions. The bulbs were carefully selected to simulate the colour of natural light, and various lighting techniques were used (hidden lighting, recessed lighting) to highlight the architectural details. The lighting control system creates the appropriate conditions in all phases of the day. Furthermore, the system allows the user to control multiple audio-visual functions, internal temperature levels and shading. Special emphasis was given to achieving the desired levels of insulation within the space, due to its use as a dwelling, but also because of the noise from the outside environment. Moreover, given the high pollution levels in the region, selecting the right central air-conditioning system and heat pumps was important.

D. Kavallaris & Associates

The post In dark background was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.