Sculptural outline

The project, with a total area of 24,000 m², involves the creation of an office complex and Media Campus in Kifisia, incorporating state-of-the-art television and radio studios.

 

Design Philosophy

The design is driven by the concept of sculpting a monolithic volume, carving out cavities and introducing porosity within a solid structure. Within this interplay of mass and void, the program unfolds, reflecting the client’s core philosophy: the shaping of a continuous flow of information. Much like water gradually erodes stone, the architectural form emerges as a constructed “nature.” The result is a dynamic, sculptural building defined by its strong presence, articulated through the use of limestone, complemented by aluminum, bronze, and wood detailing.

 

 

Spatial Organization

At the main entrance, a three-story-high “cavity” clad in linear wooden elements creates a striking threshold that welcomes visitors. The concept of carving extends into the interior, where a central, light-filled “canyon” is formed. Through the subtraction of volume, bridges connect the opposing office wings, while vertical voids allow natural light to penetrate deep into the building via a glazed roof, reaching even the lower levels. In plan, the building is organized in a horseshoe configuration, with office zones facing the central atrium. This permeable space extends across five floors and incorporates smaller atria and sculptural bridges, establishing visual connections between levels and enhancing transparency throughout.

Due to the site’s elevation differences, a secondary entrance is located at the rear, combined with access to the underground parking. This entrance leads directly to the studio level, where all media-related functions such as the newsroom, control rooms, and support spaces, are arranged on a single plane, forming a unified and operationally efficient media hub with direct access to the surrounding environment.

Landscape Design & Sustainability

The television studios, designed according to the same principle of porosity, are clad externally with perforated aluminum panels that are internally illuminated. During the day, they appear as solid metallic volumes in dialogue with the central atrium, while at night, light filters through their perforated surfaces, revealing a lighter, more ethereal presence and expressing the activity within.

The surrounding landscape is organized to accommodate both vehicular and pedestrian flows, as well as the operational requirements of the studios. At the same time, a series of outdoor green areas is introduced, offering spaces for relaxation and extending the workplace environment. These gardens incorporate seating areas within diverse planting zones, forming an urban green enclave that enhances the local microclimate – both within the building and its surroundings, including the integration of sky gardens.

The project adheres to the highest environmental and acoustic standards. The careful integration of the complex technical requirements – particularly those associated with studio functions – into the architectural design ensures a seamless dialogue between technical performance and spatial quality. As a result, the building maintains a coherent architectural language and a distinct, unified identity.

 

Youthful Atmosphere

The project encompasses the transformation of a three-storey building dating back to the 1960s, located in the city centre, into a contemporary student accommodation. This redevelopment will yield 14 apartments along with shared common areas tailored for the residents.

 

Functional Organization

Each of the first three levels of the building features four fully equipped studios, while the top level, hosts two additional apartments. The objective was to craft functional spaces that are also aesthetically enhanced, catering to both the studios as well as secondary facility spaces. To achieve this goal, the storage rooms in the backyard were repurposed into relaxation and entertainment zones, while the attic storage area was reimagined as a collaborative study space.

 

Colour Palette

Cladding the perimeter walls with brightly coloured corrugated sheet metal, installing custom-designed neon fixtures, and incorporating large openings for permeability, elevate the common areas to the most vibrant element of the building. The same principles were applied to the design of the apartments. The colour palette continues to be intense, incorporating pop elements in an open plan space to create a sense of spaciousness despite the limited square metres available. Functions and volumes are separated through different colours that harmoniously cover the walls and ceilings.

 

Façade Design

The focal point on the facade is the graffiti by artist Asteris Dimitriou, exclusively designed for this project. It extends along the central axis of the building, tracing the staircase, and delivers a visually captivating effect, particularly at night when it is stunningly illuminated. The public corridors are clad with bold black and white tiles, while linear lighting fixtures and vibrant warm colours combine to create a striking effect warmly welcoming occupants into a unique environment.

Secluded shelter

The boutique resort in Agia Pelagia, built along a rocky peninsula, consists of 49 suites and villas. It was designed as an elegant and secluded retreat, with unobstructed views and complete privacy.

 

Design Aesthetic

The building’s architecture perfectly integrates it with the rocky landscape, placing it in constant dialogue with nature through the choice of materials, textures, and colors. The hotel’s design draws inspiration from the harmonious blend of organic traditional and contemporary elements, infused with the raw character of the Cretan landscape where it is built.

 

 

Material Palette

During construction, natural materials, such as the local Mylopotamos stone and the antique Egyptian Sinai marble were used for the flooring, while Phaistos marble was used for the custom-made furniture placed throughout the different rooms. All metallic components are painted in rusty tones and have Corten details, while the sound-insulating hidden aluminum frames frame the sea through large windows, allowing plenty of natural light to fill the interior spaces. Woods such as chestnut from Mount Athos, reed wicker, solid oak and niangon complete the composition, while coats of polished concrete in earthly tones are used for the interior walls.

 

 

Functional Organization & Sustainability

The communal wellness facilities include a heated indoor swimming pool, a 300m2 yoga room made entirely of bamboo, a hammam cladded with Sinai marble slabs and rainforest green -following the spirit of the Byzantine tradition- and a gym.

The sustainable thermal façade, along with the KNX automation systems, effectively lowers electricity usage. The ample water features located in the public spaces as well as the private rooms improve the overall humidity levels, fostering better microclimate conditions in both indoor and outdoor spaces, while controlling abrupt temperature fluctuations. The integration of pergolas used for shade, outdoor seating, rock gardens filled with Cretan herbs and typical Cretan architectural elements such as domes and arches, create a journey of simplicity and subtle luxury.

 

Dark contrasts

This 260m² apartment is located in the city of Curitiba, in the State of Paraná. The project’s aim was to create an interior, versatile space that combined different functions for both work and leisure.

 

Design Philosophy

The inspiration behind the renovation was to select high quality materials and furniture elements that were in tune with the client’s design preferences. The design was complemented with bold, dark tones and the integration of contemporary furniture. The main space is organised as an open-plan layout, where the living room becomes harmoniously integrated with the kitchen, dining and barbeque area. The apartment also has four private bedrooms -one of which is flexibly tranformed into an entertainment room- as well as a private office.

 

Bespoke Elements

A series of bespoke elements were designed to complement the flexibility and versatility of the space. A custom sliding door that separates the kitchen from the rest of the living room as well as an elegant light fixture, which hangs above the dining table, become focal pieces, adding a layer of sophistication and exclusivity to the space.

 

Color Pallete

The overall aesthetic of the apartment disseminates a contemporary ambiance, complemented with dark shades of grey and black tones and lighter natural materials, such as the kitchen’s stone flooring. The material composition as well as furniture that serve as focal elements throughout the space, strike a careful balance between subtle tones and darker colours. Wood flooring and grey tapestry is used in the bedrooms to create a cozy and comfortable ambiance.

Terraced Architectural Development

Karpathos, known for its beautiful traditional settlements, is the backdrop for a new architectural project by OOAK Architects. This article explores the gradual development and design of a residence that embraces the island’s traditional architecture while offering a unique perspective on the surrounding landscape.

Embracing Traditional Architecture in Karpathos:

Karpathos is renowned for its stepped roofs and courtyards, which are characteristic of the island’s traditional architecture. The project in the picturesque village of Diafani pays homage to this distinctive style, incorporating elements that capture the essence of the local architectural heritage.

Location and Character of the Project:

Situated in the charming village of Diafani, the project occupies a site that partially extends over the terrace of an existing building. This location offers breathtaking panoramic views of the harbor, the Aegean Sea, and the surrounding settlement, immersing the residence in the authentic atmosphere of the island.

Preserving the Terrace as a Private Observatory:

Despite the need to construct a new house, the design prioritizes the preservation of the terrace’s unique character. The terrace becomes a private observatory, offering an unobstructed view of the surrounding landscape while maintaining a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors.

Designing a Suspended Volume for Private Areas:

A suspended volume, inspired by traditional island architecture, hovers above the terrace. This architectural element houses the private areas of the residence, ensuring privacy and creating a distinct visual identity for the project.

Open Ensemble of Shared Spaces on the Terrace:

The shared spaces of the residence are organized as an open ensemble on the terrace. This layout encourages interaction and socialization while capitalizing on the stunning views. The large opening of the ensemble blurs the boundaries between the interior and exterior, creating a seamless transition between the two.

Blurring Boundaries between Interior and Exterior:

The design of the residence aims to create a harmonious relationship between the interior and exterior spaces. By blurring the boundaries, the architecture merges with the natural surroundings, offering a multisensory experience for the occupants.

Enriching the Interior Experience with Sea Views:

The interior of the residence is carefully designed to enhance the experience of the breathtaking sea views. Each space is thoughtfully oriented towards the views, allowing occupants to immerse themselves in the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Collage of Colors and Materials in the Interior:

The interior design features a collage of colors and materials that reflect the coastal environment. Natural wood, cement-coated walls, and shades of blue inspired by the sea create a tranquil and serene atmosphere, evoking a sense of connection to the natural surroundings.

Capturing the Essence of the Traditional Settlement:

Drawing inspiration from the materiality and architectural elements of the traditional settlement, the design of the residence harmoniously blends with the overall architectural context of Karpathos. The variations in heights and shapes of the interior spaces add depth and character, creating a unique and engaging living environment.
In conclusion, this project in Karpathos showcases the gradual development and integration of traditional architecture into a contemporary residence. The design embraces the island’s rich cultural heritage while providing a refined and elegant living experience that celebrates the natural beauty of the surroundings.