Industrial Aesthetic

In the center of the city of Volos, a specialty coffee shop with a strong urban character is introduced to the public through its clearly defined design identity. The core concept focuses on the creation of a minimal and fresh space, enriched with discreet industrial elements that convey energy and an intense morning atmosphere.

 

Spatial Organization

Within a compact area of 35m2, which includes spatial units such as the bar, preparation area, customer circulation zone, seating area, as well as auxiliary spaces for storage and WC, particular emphasis is placed on the formation of a functional and ergonomic layout.

Inside, the centrally positioned bar operates both as the main functional production element and as a point of daily social interaction. Behind it, compositions of metal shelving structures arranged in a grid highlight the interior height of the space, while suspended circular metal elements add an additional industrial character.

 

 

Façade Design

The extroverted character of the space is largely defined by the design approach of the façades. Slender white metal frames open the interior towards the urban environment, transforming the coffee preparation process into a daily urban experience. In addition, the handmade pine wood entrance doors introduce a distinctive sense of warmth and a gentle contrast to the predominantly white composition.

 

 

Materials, Lighting & Constructions

Both externally and internally, white surfaces dominate, while characteristic metal elements in a vivid yellow color introduce a pop-like quality. In between, the use of oak textures adds a sense of calmness and balance. The material palette is completed by the targeted use of white square tiles.

Special emphasis is placed on construction details. From the laser-cut entrance handles to the rounded planters and fluid decorative forms, all elements are the result of deliberate design, aiming to shape a unified and coherent identity.

Finally, artificial lighting plays a significant role, following a laboratory-inspired approach through the use of suspended linear lighting above the bar, as well as neon-type signage and light boxes, completing the urban character of the project.

 

Careful restoration

In the heart of Corso Italia in Milan, a small yet highly significant interior within Casa Sissa – a residential building by Gio Ponti and Emilio Lancia – has been given renewed life and purpose. The architecture of the residence balances Rationalist, eclectic, and Novecento elements, emblematic of Italian design of the period. The intervention addresses the theme of conservative restoration with philological rigor, while carefully accommodating new functions related to contemporary professional use.

 

Spatial Organization

The studio occupies a wing of the building facing Corso Italia. The plan is organized around an entrance hall equipped with full-height cabinetry, leading to a large, luminous open workspace. This is complemented by a more intimate meeting room overlooking the internal garden, a coffee area, a bathroom with an antechamber, and discreetly concealed technical zones. The original layout is respected throughout: double-leaf glazed doors, reconstructed after the loss of the originals, open onto the principal spaces, while smoked oak boiseries line the entrance, adding warmth and depth.

 

Material Palette

All design decisions stem from close engagement with the existing fabric. The original oak floors, laid in a herringbone pattern in the meeting room and in 40×40cm diamond-patterned parquet tiles in the work area, were carefully recovered, reassembled, and integrated where necessary to accommodate new technical systems. This rare flooring, discovered beneath later coverings, was restored with meticulous attention. In other areas, black cementine tiles imitating Belgian Black marble were retained; where suitable replacements could not be sourced, continuity was ensured through slabs of actual marble matched in tone and finish.

Wall surfaces were treated with an almost archaeological approach. Original 1930s plasters and decorative finishes, concealed beneath subsequent layers, were revealed, consolidated, and reintegrated where lacunae existed. In the meeting room, the green wall tone recalls the chromatic palette of the era. Windows, handles, and hinges were also restored: each metal element was dismantled, cleaned, and, in some cases, recast from molds, revealing the variety of original brass and iron finishes. Positioned between Modernism and Novecento taste, these details testify to a project in which elegance and technical precision intersect with material culture.

 

 

Furnishings & Restoration Practices

The built-in furnishings, entirely custom-designed, define functions with discretion. Storage units, consoles, and worktables in bleached ash articulate the space without interrupting the historical legibility of the interiors. The condominium entrance hall is conceived as an integral part of the project. Though still awaiting restoration, it preserves original wall cladding in Palissandro Blu marble – a rare Italian stone from Piedmont – laid in a diamond pattern, a motif echoed in the office flooring.

Other notable elements include the striped plaster ceiling, a recessed lamp beneath a marble bench, and a large, glazed window that floods the staircase with light, all poised between Novecento and Modernist sensibilities. The intervention stands as both an act of care toward the historic fabric and a clear declaration of method.

 

A vessel of life and play

And what if the home is not merely a protected and secure shelter, a “vessel of life,” as it has been described, but a space that generates a rich spectrum of sensory stimuli?

 

Design Philosophy

The project is conceived as an everyday living environment that nurtures the user’s experiential relationship with space. The composition aims to heighten sensory awareness and activate the “muscle of initiative,” establishing conditions that encourage participation, play, and spontaneous expression, not only for children, but for all residents. The home is organized as a flexible field of experiences, where movement, perception, and interaction form essential components of daily life.

 

 

Materials & Furnishings

Materiality and furnishing function as active agents of the architectural experience. Clear, legible geometries are selected, with alternating solids and voids reminiscent of spatial sorting games, encouraging exploration and continual discovery. Mirrored surfaces appear unexpectedly, expanding the perceived depth of the space, while glass panels and chalkboard surfaces act as canvases for everyday creative expression. Materials are chosen for their sensory qualities: variations in texture, temperature, and sheen create an environment that invites touch, observation, and interaction.

 

 

Lighting Design

Lighting operates as a fundamental tool for shaping the spatial narrative. Concealed artificial lighting, activated through automation systems, creates scenographic transitions and adapts to the users’ movements and needs. The interplay between light and materials enhances contrasts and surface qualities, generating tactile anticipation and new sensory cues. Large, shifting shadow projections trace the course of natural light throughout the day and the year, forming a poetic interpretation of time within the space. Thus, the home becomes not only a framework for contemporary living but also a stage for unique, lived experiences, especially for the youngest members of the household.

 

Well-being as design principle

The design of the pharmacy seeks to shape a spatial environment that surpasses the conventional association of pharmacies with clinical sterility. Its architectural approach is anchored in the concept of well-being, which serves as the project’s guiding design principle.

 

Design Philosophy

Inspired by the broader idea of living well, the composition develops through natural textures and warm tonalities, creating an atmosphere that is both inviting and human-oriented. This holistic view of health, embracing physical, psychological, and social dimensions, is translated into space through subtle references to nature, which act as the conceptual and aesthetic foundation of the project.

 

 

Spatial Layout

The 67 m² program is organized into two distinct zones: the main pharmacy and product-display area, and a sequence of auxiliary rooms including a workspace, kitchenette, restroom, and storage. At the core of the primary space, a low central island structures circulation while incorporating both display and storage functions. The service counter is aligned axially with the entrance, ensuring a direct visual connection and a seamless flow between interior and exterior. Perimeter shelving is arranged in precise geometric lines with integrated storage components, supporting both functional clarity and a clean visual identity.

 

 

Materials & Façade Design

The selected palette and color strategy aim to foster an atmosphere of warmth, familiarity, and calm. Soft green hues, neutral beige surfaces, transparent elements, and subtly textured finishes create a balanced dialogue throughout the space. Additional custom-designed furnishings – including the central island, the service counter, and seating pieces – follow a shared design language composed of a green base, a storage volume, and a wooden top, forming a cohesive functional ensemble.

The façade is defined by a green metal lattice divided into four panels that symbolically reference the form of herbal leaves, an aesthetic and conceptual nod to the natural origins of pharmaceutical products. Acting as both an expressive surface and a protective screen, the metal structure alludes to nature and the idea of wellness while providing the necessary security of the premises. By replacing the conventional shutter with a more organic gesture, the design allows the spatial narrative, one that connects health with balance, nature, and serenity, to be perceived even before entering the store.

 

Liquid stage

Located in the area of Analipsi, just 25 km east of Heraklion, the Stella Island Resort & Spa is a luxurious five-star resort. Its concept is unique by European standards, with water serving as the central theme and design focus.

 

Design Philosophy

The site’s relatively long distance from the shore and its nearly flat terrain inspired the creation of a bold master plan centered around water. As a result, the buildings -including the guest room wings and communal spaces- are arranged around an expansive, free‑form pool of approximately 5,000 m². Every structure has direct access to the water, creating the illusion of a floating hotel. At the heart of this “Lagoon” are the main common areas, designed as islands connected by wooden walkways and bridges. Together with the wooden platforms outside each room, serving as private terraces, this design gives the resort its distinctive character: a series of wooden, stilted structures suspended over the water. The scene is completed by timber superstructures -decorative sunshades attached to the facades and supported by tall, cylindrical columns that rise from the water. The landscaping, featuring primarily palm trees, adds an exotic and tropical atmosphere.

 

 

Materials & Furnishings

Natural building materials play a central role throughout the resort. The facades feature wood, complemented by local dark grey stone in the exterior spaces, creating an inviting sense of tranquility for guests. This approach is reflected in the design of the hotel’s 90 rooms, where wood predominates -including in the decking that seamlessly connects the interiors with the outdoor terrace. The furnishings and equipment have been custom‑designed for this concept, making use of natural oak, polished concrete, stone, and marble. Special attention has been paid to the design of the open bathrooms, combining functional precision with an extraordinary guest experience.

 

 

Outdoor Spaces & Amenities

The resort’s communal areas have been designed with the same focus on providing memorable guest moments. The thematic spa, located on the upper floor of the main building, embraces a sleek, modern design inspired by Eastern influences, with a central glass‑walled indoor pool offering sweeping views of the resort. The main restaurant is divided into distinct spaces -some open‑air platforms set directly over the water, some semi‑outdoor spaces with sea views, and a central area distinguished by a striking suspended wooden ceiling with a unique parabolic design, unlike any other in Greece. The open reception area, dominated by crisp white marble, welcomes guests via a diagonal pathway that allows a full, captivating view of the resort- a spectacular scene where water becomes an integral part of the architecture and experience.

 

Multidimensional space

In Hangzhou, China’s e-commerce capital, live streaming fuels a vibrant urban culture where every late-night broadcast tells a story of creativity and resilience. Vision Entertainment, a leader in the live-streaming industry, continues to grow by embracing youthful energy and instant impact through innovative celebrity-led models and multidimensional industry integration.

 

Design Philosophy

As the company expanded, it sought an office space that would reflect its brand identity and resonate with its young, dynamic workforce. The new headquarters is a space that embodies the brand’s DNA and cultural spirit. With the average age of MCN live-streamers at just 22.9, Vision’s team prioritizes experience, flexibility, and authenticity. The design team, inspired by Gen Z’s values, created a space that merges life, work, and creativity. Vibrant color palettes ignite inspiration, while open, shared areas promote social interaction and collaboration.

 

 

Color Palette & Custom Furniture

Red dominates as a symbol of vitality and classic aesthetics. Color-themed atriums and a multi-level layout enhance spatial efficiency, combining green’s natural calm with red’s energetic punch to signal a bold, optimistic future. The headquarters is designed as a “youth community,” breaking traditional boundaries between office, studio, and social space. The space is filled with “gray zones” where creativity flows freely, and everyone becomes a part of Vision’s story. A striking orange “V” structure connects the interior and exterior, symbolizing ambition and boundless potential.

Bold ceiling colors and exposed structural elements energize the space, while movable furniture supports a non-traditional, adaptable working style. Inward-facing phone booths offer private moments within an otherwise open layout, balancing focus and collaboration. Meeting areas use soft yellow-green hues to foster comfort and openness, encouraging informal discussions and team spirit. The central atrium serves as a multifunctional hub, with green tones flowing from upper levels, while a lightweight staircase enhances openness and movement.

 

 

Functional Layout

On the second floor, modular “stair” stages, reflective ceilings, and a wall-sized LED screen create a seamless blend of performance, fashion, and digital art. A built-in runway allows the space to transform into a fashion show venue, reinforcing the brand’s avant-garde, trendsetting identity. Floating metallic spheres and shifting lights turn the space into a dreamlike cityscape -an homage to Vision Entertainment’s creative essence. The result is more than an office -it’s a living, evolving environment that supports freedom, expression, and innovation for the next generation of creators.

 

Balancing contrasts

The interior of the director’s office for a Ukrainian company seamlessly blends contrasting elements- the cold precision of steel with the warmth of wood veneer, the sharp geometry of metal with the organic beauty of natural marble.

 

Spatial Organization

This compact office comprises two interconnected rooms, separated by a glass partition. The first room serves as a waiting area and workspace for the secretary, while the second houses the director’s office and a conference area. Upon entering, visitors are welcomed into a cozy waiting area, framed by a combination of metal and wooden wall panels.

Soft armchairs and a round carpet contribute to the inviting atmosphere. Warm metal lighting, along with a custom-made floor lamp featuring a dimmer, enhances the intimate ambiance by casting reflections off the textured metal wall panels.

 

 

Materials & Equipment

The reception area presents a striking contrast of raw black metal and natural marble with an uneven edge, emphasizing the stone’s organic origin against the structured, geometric design of the reception desk. Storage solutions are discreetly integrated into the cabinetry near the secretary’s workstation, where a compact kitchen with a refrigerator and coffee machine is also concealed.

 

 

Custom Structures & Construction

The director’s office is divided into two distinct zones. The meeting area features a large marble table supported by steel legs shaped like rounded squares at the base. The director’s workspace is distinguished by a handcrafted wooden desk, custom-designed for this project, with rounded edges and elegantly curved legs. Complementing the overall aesthetic, shelves made from marble and steel serve both functional and decorative purposes, displaying samples of the company’s products.

The project required close collaboration with three specialized contractors -metalworkers, stonemasons, and furniture artisans. Nearly all furniture and structural elements were custom designed, incorporating intricate joinery and detailing in each piece.

 

Overlapping Volumes

The project is situated amongst the rolling hills of Torricelle, in the picturesque landscape of Verona. Set within a 2500m2 plot, the residence occupies 300m2 of living space, arranged in two monochromatic rectangular volumes, perfectly blending with the surrounding natural beauty.

 

Functional Layout

The home unfolds across two levels. On the ground floor, an expansive open-plan living area is highlighted by a striking steam-powered fireplace, which divides the dining-kitchen space overlooking the garden. A dramatic, backlit suspended staircase leads to the first floor, where the Japanese-inspired master suite is found, complete with an open bathroom and walk-in closet. The master bedroom opens onto a panoramic terrace with a hot tub, offering breathtaking views of the hills. Additional spaces on the first floor include a second bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, a study, and a laundry area. A large terrace wraps around the entire upper floor, imitating a vast telescope, formed by slanted surfaces near the perimeter walls, thus framing the stunning view of the hills.

 

 

Lighting & Materials

Within the interior, light takes center stage through a series of double-height windows. In parallel, the south-facing walls have been treated with textured plasters and golden tactile surfaces, creating a light interplay throughout the space. The project utilizes natural materials such as clay for the walls, which regulate humidity and ensure optimal living comfort. The suspended ceiling houses motorized roller blinds and an integrated climate control system, ensuring visual continuity between the interior and exterior spaces. Custom-made kitchen cabinetry and furniture further enhance the residence’s design aesthetic.

 

 

Sustainability Approach

The exterior has been meticulously designed to optimize energy efficiency, incorporating insulating and light-transmitting materials. The building’s orientation plays a crucial role: south-facing rooms harness sunlight for heat recovery during winter, while service areas on the north side reduce thermal loss. A large overhang protects the south-facing facade during summer months, offering comfort. Finally, the ventilation system and custom-designed lighting, featuring warm 3000 K lights, further enhance the home’s quality of living.

Urban identity

Worship.Coffee is an emerging chain of coffee shops designed as elegant “places of worship,” featuring a retro urban style. With its unique atmosphere, the coffee chain is quickly gaining popularity among a discerning clientele.

 

Design Strategy

The brand was conceived with franchise development as its core focus, requiring flexible elements that could be adapted to different square footage and layouts. At the same time, these elements needed to maintain a strong visual identity with a distinctive aesthetic that fosters an immediate sense of familiarity. To achieve this, the design aimed to create a welcoming meeting space with a distinctly urban vibe, accomplished through the thoughtful selection of natural materials. These materials were chosen for their flexibility while still possessing a strong, recognizable character.

 

Materials & Furniture

Dark retro-toned wood, copper, marble, and terrazzo, complemented by a corporate royal blue, “dress” the spaces, creating an inviting atmosphere from the moment a customer steps inside. The warm wood paneling, brown leather sofas, and the ’70s-style fixtures evoke the feeling of a modern living room. Inspiration from the ’60s and ’70s is also evident in the geometric design, seen in the striped rattan wood paneling and the layout of the sofas. This linear design extends into the counters and snack displays, enhancing the flow of both customer and employee traffic.

 

Graphic Elements

The custom illustrations -murals that subtly depict imaginary scenes from the coffee’s countries of origin- contrast with the bold geometry and dark tones, adding a playful touch to the overall atmosphere.

Marble foundation

Amid the growing trend of repurposing abandoned buildings in central Athens, this project underscores the importance of innovative redesign as a cornerstone of contemporary architectural practice.

 

Spatial Layout

The apartment is situated on the fourth floor of a 1970s building in one of Athens’ most lively and youthful urban neighborhoods. The initial layout has been reimagined to create a functional connection between the kitchen, dining area, living room, and office. A solid wall that previously separated the kitchen from the dining room has been replaced with a kitchen island, enhancing the interaction between the spaces while introducing more natural light into the formerly enclosed kitchen.

 

Material Palette

Ioannina marble, a characteristic material of its era, serves as inspiration for the project’s material palette. Consequently, the floors of the kitchen, corridor, and balcony, as well as the walls of the building’s entrance, influence the choice of colors such as dark red and green hues. To accommodate the limited budget, the kitchen cabinets are painted the same shade as the walls, ensuring cost efficiency while maintaining aesthetic cohesion. The kitchen countertop is finished with small yellow tiles, adding a vibrant touch. The wooden floors in the bedrooms are preserved, while in the living room, large openings are visually unified with curtains that soften the view of the nearby building, creating a filtered connection.

 

Custom Furniture Design

The storage spaces have been thoughtfully reimagined, with bedroom cabinets serving dual purposes beyond functionality. They incorporate recessed areas that house a desk and a bedside table, ideal for storing books or decorative items. In each bedroom, the custom furniture is seamlessly integrated into the space, adhering to the project’s cohesive color palette.

Timeless structure

In the medieval settlement of Avgonyma on the island of Chios, a two-storey stone residence has been meticulously restored, through delicate and precise interventions which preserved its authentic, original form.

 

Restoration Strategy

Following the typical architectural style of the period, the ground floor was originally used for housing animals and storing goods, while the upper floor served as the family’s living quarters. The entire structure is built with load-bearing masonry using local stone, featuring thick 85cm walls and an elongated vaulted roof. The building is comprised of four rooms -two on each level- and a total footprint of 14m2. The ground floor room, used for the animals, was primarily built on rock, while a sloping staircase that led to the first floor via a wooden mezzanine and a fireplace have been completely destroyed.

 

Functional Organization

The project’s aim is to re-occupy the building, while preserving its traditional architectural features, emphasizing its unique character as well as providing comfortable living conditions and timeless aesthetics. The lower level includes the dining area, office, kitchen, a small storage room, and a bathroom, while the upper level was allocated for the living room and bedroom. The rock floor on the ground level was removed to make the space more livable and was replaced by solid brick. The mezzanine floor was reconstructed, and the walls were coated with white lime paint to improve the breathability of the masonry, while retaining their texture.

 

Custom structures

Handcrafted furniture and artwork were selected to decorate the interior, while fixed equipment was integrated into the existing structure. A new cast iron wood stove was installed on the ground floor, utilizing the existing chimney to meet the heating needs and provide a warm atmosphere. The stonework on the exterior was carefully grouted, and the original dimensions of the openings were preserved. The form of the building remained unchanged, while minor interventions were carried out in the courtyard.

Colorful displays

The project features a 90m2 apartment, located at the heart of the city, which was renovated to meet the everyday needs of its residents, while preserving and highlighting the original characteristics of the property.

 

Layout Organization

Apart from housing the traditional residential functions, the apartment had to become reconfigured to display and store the family’s records and books. An open-plan layout combined with a series of lightweight, open furniture -instead of traditional wooden cabinets- accommodate all the collections, while providing a more fluid and looser aesthetic.

 

Custom Furniture

Key parts of the wall are demolished, uniting two separate rooms and creating a nook for a new storage closet. In parallel, the master bedroom is integrated with the bathroom, providing a more efficient circulation route as well as ample space for the collection displays. Walls and dividers are interrupted by asymmetrical openings that serve as visual connections between the spaces, holding at the same time irregular display shelves.

 

Color & Material Palette

A series of natural materials such as exposed concrete and wood, are used throughout the space. At the same time, different colors and patterns define different accent features such as the metal orange frames and red shelves, creating vibrant moments within the apartment. Finally, the entrance and kitchen floors are cladded with a blue porcelain floor, which serves as a discrete boundary within the open floor plan.

“Butterfly ceiling”

The project entails designing a new 250m2 office space for a company specializing in environmental surveys. The focal point of the design is an innovative “butterfly ceiling”, which features an organic and dynamic shape.

 

Layout Organization

The objective of the new layout is to maximize the use of all facade openings to allow natural light into the interior. Consequently, a central core is established, comprising the reception area and open-plan offices. In contrast, the private offices are arranged around the perimeter and separated by glass partitions for independence. Between these closed offices, a meeting room with a capacity for 10 people is situated, featuring wood-lined surfaces to ensure high acoustic standards. Additionally, a fully functional kitchen is designed as a welcoming break-out area.

 

Privacy & Soundproofing

At the workstations, free-standing partitions with integrated plants are installed to limit the view of screens and provide privacy. At the same time, instead of creating a separate filing room, storage cabinets are built along the peripheral walls, thus conserving usable space while also enhancing sound insulation between the different rooms.

 

Color Palette

The proposal incorporates shades of white and grey, complemented by light wood tones. In parallel, distinctive geometric elements are painted in green -the brand’s color identity- adding a sense of vibrancy to the space.

Geometric contrasts

The project involves the complete reconfiguration of a 95m² apartment situated on the fourth floor of a typical 1970s Athenian building. The residence comprises of a separate kitchen and living room, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms.

 

Layout Organization

The architectural design aims to create distinct zones for public and private use. The floor plan is organized into clear zones, since the kitchen and living area as well as the private bedroom zone are clearly defined. The master bedroom is ensuite, while both feature a walk-in closet.

 

Custom designs

One distinctive element is the dividing wall between the living room and the kitchen. It features a combination of a solid section and metal vertical louvers, establishing a visual connection between the two spaces. On the side of the living room, it also serves as TV furniture. Hidden lighting is incorporated into most of the furniture in the apartment, highlighting the intricate design.

 

Material Palette

The apartment’s design focuses on the interplay between the thoroughly considered forms and geometries and the careful selection of materials and textures, creating a series of distinctive aesthetics within a minimal space. The extensive use of metal contrasts with the natural wooden flooring, while the off-white tones and dark elements introduce a variety of material textures and atmospheres within the space.

Contrasting materialities

The residence is located in Valencia’s historical district, close to the river Turia’s park. The building dates back to the 19th century, occupying a distinct corner and comprised of two main facades as well as an interior courtyard filled with trees.

 

Design Philosophy

The project aim is to visually connect the different interior spaces, creating a series of continuous circulation routes. The residence is organized in two main volumes with views towards the city’s dense urban fabric as well as the serene interior courtyard. The new architectural elements compliment the preexisting construction, further exposing the original structure.

 

Contrasting Elements

The design introduces a complex materiality, painting the original solid walls and foundations in an abstract, white matte finish and making the space permeable to natural light. In contrast, the new elements are designed in a more contemporary and refined approach. More specifically, the flooring and custom-made cabinetry provide functionality, emanating a warm ambiance.

 

Material Palette

A natural material palette enhances the building’s traditional character through a series of carefully selected textures. Oak veneer is used for the different furniture pieces, while the floor is made of terracotta tiles. Finally, brass is used for various accent elements such as kitchen and bathroom fixtures.

Colourful pockets

The project aim is to combine the Cycladic Island beauty with the modern aura of Athens, creating a contemporary Greek identity.

 

Layout organization

The ground floor features an open-plan design, fostering an environment for collaboration and communication amongst employees. A series of sinks and manicure benches occupy the walls. On the first floor, the hair salon takes center stage. This area is dedicated to a wide range of hair care services, providing clients with a tranquil and stylish environment where they can enjoy personalized treatments. The distinct separation between the two floors allows each space to specialize in different aspects of beauty and wellness.

 

Colour Palette

White tones are contrasted with dark elements such as a wooden pergola and benches. The walls are clad with colorful mosaic tiles and the floors are made of polished, white marble, exuding a sense of tranquility and elegance. Α series of walls are painted with colorful geometric shapes, which along with custom-made furniture in vivid blue shades, become accent features.

 

Custom Elements

To serve the functional needs of the space, custom-made storage units are constructed, creating a flexible and interactive workflow. One of the most innovative elements is the manicure bench, which includes sinks to promote practicality and allow manicurists to perform their tasks seamlessly without having to move to different stations.

Harmonic space

The project aim is the renovation of a 46m2 apartment situated on the 4th floor of a traditional Athenian polykatoikia built in the 1970s, with unobstructed views of the city and an abundance of natural light and ventilation.

 

Functional Organisation

The aim of the design is to create a fully equipped, modern apartment for Airbnb uses with an open plan concept that offers a coherent architectural effect, while at the same time maintaining a high level of privacy. This is achieved through the integration of the kitchen and living area and the demolition of the wall that separated the living room and the bedroom. The new layout allows a large amount of sun light to enter the space and enhances the natural ventilation of the apartment.

 

Balanced Material Palette

The material and colour selection follow the same open-plan concept. More specifically, wooden flooring is used throughout the space, seamlessly integrating with colourful geometric kitchen tiles, complemented by an array of custom furniture in beige and wooden tones, thus creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.

 

Interior Lighting

The lighting design further enhances the idea of a unified, cohesive space. Elegant wall fixtures and distinct hanging ceiling lights are chosen for indirect and direct lighting, respectively. The lighting fixtures and decorative elements are painted in earthly tones -terracotta, golden, brown, and green- adding intensity to the space.

Refined simplicity

An existing residence on the coast of Ornos was transformed into an elegant, luxury holiday home equipped with guest houses and a spa. It comprises of a series of successive terraces that reach down to the sea, maximizing the plot’s orientation and topographical features.

 

Open Layout

The main building, positioned at the plot’s highest level, boasts impressive flat roofs, white sculptural shapes, and wooden doors that evoke the traditional architecture of Mykonos. Its immediate outdoor space, featuring a carefully designed pergola that houses a dining table and seating benches, overlooks a large swimming pool situated above the guesthouses nestled into the hillside.

Wide steps and dry-stone walkways guide visitors from the main house to the lower level of the guest rooms and descending further down to an outdoor area adorned with a large table and bar beneath a reed bed canopy. This space is characterized by an outdoor kitchen and a series of dividers made of dark artificial rock. When reaching the lowest level, a final plateau emerges, leading to a pier at the shoreline. The in-between slopes are planted with cacti and other drought-resistant plants, shielding the exterior spaces from the heat.

 

Design & Materials

The exterior’s architectural style seamlessly transitions into the interior of the house, blending straight lines with soft curves in a contemporary, minimalist design. The main house is comprised of a kitchen, living room, master bedroom, and a children’s bedroom and playroom. Its walls are smooth and off-white, made of successive layers local stone, marble dust, and pigments, which are meticulously waxed and polished. Light-coloured wooden beams in the living and spa areas, along with exposed local stone from excavations, introduce additional textures and contrasts to the overall colour scheme.

The guesthouse wing is furnished with elegant, simple elements. Platform beds and wooden reclining chairs as well as a series of chairs are upholstered in off-white fabrics, reminiscent of Cycladic sculptures.  Positioned in front of mirrors the furniture’s forms are accentuated through thin, dark bronze frames. Bronze light fixtures and sculptural tables painted in gold and silver further complement the design aesthetic. Finally, the alcoves constructed behind the beds subtly reference the interiors of Mykonos’ famous dovecotes, adding a touch of architectural charm to the project.

The guesthouse bathrooms maintain an equally sophisticated ambiance: free-standing stone bathtubs and pedestal washbasins take centre stage, accented by bronze taps and rain-effect shower fixtures. The shapes of both the mirrors and the side wall recesses are harmoniously integrated with the bedroom’s style. Throughout all rooms, the seemingly simple yet meticulously considered colour palette is enhanced with wooden accents, dark leather, bronze, and gold details, as well as shades of grey and light brown stone.Αρχή φόρμας

 

Custom Furniture & Lighting

The minimally designed fixtures, furniture, and untreated linen colour fabrics, blend seamlessly with the interior architectural aesthetic. In the spa areas, pebbled floors offer a tactile roughness, while the bathrooms are clad with large, oval stones. A single piece of marble is used for the sink and countertop, while a series of shelves are embedded in the walls. A large opening offers views of a small, enclosed garden. In the massage room, instead of using traditional shelves, rectangular pockets are built into one wall. The sink, is crafted from grey stone, retaining its natural, rough texture, apart from its polished top.

Bronze taps and pendant wall lights introduce a contrasting touch of luxury. Large sliding openings oriented towards the sea allow an ample amount of natural light and ventilation to enter the gym. Furnished with dark brown leather and wooden equipment, the gym features a few distinct sculptural tables in the same dark wood tone. The hammam’s design draws inspiration from the local cave dwellings in the Cyclades, nestled within the island hills, forming a semi-circular enclosed space with a dome made of irregular curves. Finally, the residence’s technological infrastructure and architectural lighting are subtly integrated into the design, resulting to a serene yet striking visual effect.

New hospitality experience

The project is a reconstruction of a historic hotel from the 1950s, located in the northern suburbs of Athens, and aims to create a new hospitality experience. Nestled in the lush green Kefalari Grove, the building is architecturally characterized by its geometric appearance and the austere style it exudes, which is set against its rich and colorful interior.

 

Renovation Approach

The redesign challenge began by removing several structural elements as well as the façade and strengthening the load-bearing structure. By eliminating structural elements, it opened up opportunities for design freedom, ultimately striving to create functional floor plans. The hotel’s orientation, its size as well as the vertical white blinds of the façade, contrast with the dark repetitive symmetrical balconies and create a vertical geometry that visually elevates the building’s volume.

The ground floor acts as an autonomous zone, suitable for hotel guests and external users alike, offering many entertainment and catering areas. Parallel to the street, an overhead canopy covers as well as marks the entrance. Upon entering the hotel, a careful combination of colors, elements, shapes, and original works of art, along with furniture from different eras and cultures, effectively communicates the eclectic personality of this building.

 

Material Palette

Using an abundance of fabrics and textures -with velvet being the predominant material, emanating a sense of nostalgia- the lobby is characterized by a bold color palette flooded with intense natural light that penetrates the ground floor’s perimeter. A large, central core on the ground floor, cladded in walnut wood and elegantly sculpted into a gentle curve, serves as the main orientation axis, directing visitors to the different spaces.

 

Interior Design and Organization

The interior design focuses on the “parallel” activities taking place in the hotel. All the ground floor spaces accommodate a plethora of uses and offer different experiences. The new restaurant, a semi-open-air Parisian bistro, and a special library housing some of the most important art publications are spaces used for business meetings or relaxation during the day. The design objective for each space is to create an atmosphere that triggers memories and unique experiences for the visitor.

A 1950s spiral staircase leads to the 28 rooms and suites on the upper floors. While ascending, a vertical glass window extends along the height of the rear elevation, offering a unique view of the natural area surroundings. The carefully lit corridors of the floors leave a sense of mystery, while the rooms are divided into five different typologies based on five distinct material palettes, colors, and tailor-made elements.

 

Custom Furniture

From the bed headboard to the open-concept wardrobe and bathroom amenities, all rooms feature custom-built wood furniture joined with brass metal fittings. On the roof, a wine & cocktail bar with a panoramic view becomes a destination for guests and external visitors, offering them a sense of being among the treetops. This flexible space works all year round, even during the winter, since a fully transparent enclosure enables its use without obstructing the view.

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.

Life in the in-between space

The complex consists of three residences with private pools built on a lush hillside. To accommodate the steep terrain and maximize ocean views, the buildings were strategically arranged in parallel, staggered formations, guaranteeing uninterrupted views from every level.

 

Design Morphology

Each house consists of a monolithic stone block with an inset single-pitched roof, parallel to the other two buildings. The distance between them creates intermediate spaces, such as entrance courtyards and terraces that are oriented towards the sea. A series of openings in the inner courtyards provide panoramic views of the sea and the pool terrace, facilitating visual connections between the primary outdoor living areas that surround the space. This duality between the two main living spaces and the residence in the middle was a key design theme: two courtyards used during different times of the day, in visual and functional continuity with the interior of the house, overlooking the sea.

 

Interior Layout

In its interior, the house is divided into three levels, following the slope of the ground. At the main entrance level there is an open-plan space, which includes the living area and kitchen. At its center, a wooden staircase leads to the attic of the first two houses, acting both as a visual divider between the spaces as well as a built-in sofa with space for storage.

 

Natural Materials

The most predominant materials are stone, excavated from the site, wood and lightweight metal structures. The contrast between the metal elements and the large glass openings with the solid stone walls, highlights the composition and offers a sense of lightness to the space.

Contemporary Thresholds

Located in a quiet neighborhood in Kipseli, this 1970s apartment was renovated and converted into a contemporary residence. The project involves remodeling a space that holds sentimental value for the client, honoring the existing space while also embracing the opportunity for a modern reinvention.

 

Design philosophy & layout

The 65 m² apartment is organized in an open-plan layout, consisting of the kitchen, dining, and living areas, and is transformed into a unified place of gathering. Several walls were demolished in order to take advantage of the apartment’s eastern orientation and unify the adjacent spaces. A new, wide opening is created between the dining area and the kitchen, connected by a long solid, white countertop used for cooking, dining, and social interaction.

 

Multi-functional structures

A series of customized furniture were designed to address the need for storage, while becoming seamlessly integrated with the aesthetics of the space. Ribbed wooden cupboards, white skirting, the bedroom’s distinct headboard and the kitchen door’s white minimal metal frame with ribbed glass material composition, follow classical references that are reinterpreted into contemporary designs.

 

Material Palette

The material selection was based on the existing palette found in the apartment. Oak herringbone flooring, white marble tiling as well as pink and white terrazzo are used to give the space a cohesive, modern aesthetic. The material finishes were also used to restore the cracks and gaps following the extensive demolition of the walls. Alongside the natural materials, pale color accents used on furniture, lighting fixtures and wall edges highlight specific corners within the space.