Contrasting pairs

The project focuses on designing a bakery and pastry shop that combines modern, bold, and distinctive elements, while preserving qualities that foster a sense of intimacy.

 

Design Philosophy

The design approach revolves around the interplay of contrasting elements. This duality emerges from the goal of creating a space that is both modern and welcoming, as well as from the fusion of baking and pastry. Embracing this concept, the design juxtaposes the flowing curves of the ceiling and walls with the clean, simple lines of the furniture. It pairs the natural texture of birch with the sleekness of art stone and marble and contrasts the vibrant hues of the upper space with the neutral tones of the lower area.

 

Custom designs & furniture

Special attention was given to the interior column, which posed a functional circulation issue. The design tackles this challenge by incorporating it into the “core” deformation of the ceiling’s geometry. As a result, what was initially a problem becomes a key element of the space’s identity. The product display is designed as a strict, monolithic rectangular form to contrast with the bold curves of the ceiling and walls, creating a balanced composition.

 

Material Palette

The two-tone palette of black and white was selected to serve as a neutral backdrop that highlights the colorful products. A carefully curated selection of materials and textures was chosen, subtly reflecting the fundamental shades of bread -silver and cream- through the use of Corian. The floor is finished with Calacatta-textured tiles, while the product displays are painted in black, contrasting with the warm white backdrop on the walls and other surfaces.

Central atrium

The hotel is situated in the seaside village of Kamari, near the coast of Santorini. It offers views to the north-east, overlooking the sea, and to the south-west, with a stunning perspective of the Profitis Ilias mountain.

 

Functional Layout

The building is situated on a corner plot and comprises two floors, with a basement level for ancillary uses. The ground floor features the reception area, a restaurant-bar, and eight rooms, while the first floor contains an additional seven rooms. The main entrance is located on the south-western side of the building, accessible via the municipal road, leading directly to the reception area. The restaurant-bar and rooms on both floors are reached through open and semi-covered corridors and staircases, primarily positioned along the perimeter of the complex.

 

 

Design Philosophy

The primary goal of the design was to create a central atrium-water feature that serves as the core of the composition. Surrounding it, the individual volumes, functions, and circulation paths are arranged in an asymmetrical Π shape, allowing the building to open towards the view and the sea. The water element starts as a narrow strip parallel to the reception area, then curves, gradually widens, and eventually transforms into a swimming pool that runs the length of the building’s atrium. Surrounding the pool are the rooms and the restaurant-bar, with their outdoor spaces extending into the water, as if they are floating.

The rooms on the upper floor, which are in direct visual alignment with the central atrium, also feature outdoor spaces and smaller private pools, further emphasizing the central concept. The building’s form, shaped by the volumes and voids, is gently integrated into the scale and character of its residential surroundings. It takes on a simple cubist appearance, blending traditional elements with modern design.

 

 

Material Palette & Decorative Elements

The interior design draws inspiration from both traditional and modern architectural elements of the island, referencing the morphology and decorative features of its local style. It incorporates the tones and textures of the volcanic landscape, alongside the atmosphere of Mediterranean seaside hotels.

Key design elements include the shape and size of the openings, domes, horizontal slats, spindles, dry-stone walls, tiled mosaics, and the earthy hues of pressed concrete. Bright colors and natural materials are used in the furniture, fixtures, and decorations, while intricate fabric patterns, along with tropical plants, further enrich the space. These elements come together harmoniously, creating a unique and cohesive style.

 

Functional differentiation

The project aim was the design of a private institute with a total area of 486m2 in the village of Deftera, a semi-urban region near Nicosia.

 

Architectural Elements

The design concept emphasizes a clear separation between communal spaces and private classrooms. The building’s program includes a reception area, six classrooms, a computer room, a conference room, and a study room. Movable partitions are installed on the ground floor, enabling the classrooms to be combined into two larger spaces when needed.

 

 

Functional Organization

The northern outdoor courtyard serves as a space for both relaxation and educational activities. The design concept is based on the vertical division of pure prism shape into two sections, with the common areas positioned in between. These spaces feature double-height ceilings and transparent walls on both sides, allowing natural light and views of the surrounding landscape to permeate the building, thus creating a seamless connection between the exterior and interior. The common areas are intended for socialization and integration within the educational environment, while the classrooms offer a private, focused setting for teaching -both elements being equally important to the educational experience and central to the overall design concept.

 

 

Façade Design & Materials

Finally, emphasis was placed on the project’s scale and the strategic use of color to create a welcoming, user-friendly environment. The interior design is enhanced by lighting and acoustics to optimize the functionality of the building and its various spaces. Exterior blinds play a key role on the southern façade, controlling natural light and managing both the interior and exterior visibility of the classrooms, while also creating a dynamic interplay of views and colors of the façade.

 

Calm oasis

The 58m2 apartment is part of a well-known and award-winning residential complex in the area of Metaxourgeio.

 

Design Philosophy

Given the area’s bustling environment, the design adopts the concept of a “calm island,” shaping the complex as a tranquil retreat. The interiors are designed to offer both emotional and physical security, while the open-plan layout creates striking visual connections to the inner courtyard, enhancing the contrast between the vibrant city and the serene artificial “oasis”. As a result, this architectural approach reinforces the timelessness and purity that define the complex.

 

Functional Components

The kitchen becomes the apartment’s focal point, intended to transform cooking into a social experience rather than a solitary task for its future users. A series of wooden cabinets provide essential storage, while a central island serves as the room’s centerpiece.

 

Materials & Color Palette

The design features minimal shapes and geometries, complemented by vibrant colors and natural materials with rich textures, including exposed concrete, marine plywood, metal, and mosaic tiles. Walls are painted in bright colors, while construction details such as geometric recesses that serve as handles are highlighted with orange tones.

Harmonic flows

The veterinary center is housed on the ground floor of an Athenian apartment building constructed in 1973. The project aim was to update the architectural design of the animal care facilities, seeking a fresh, contemporary, and extroverted identity.

 

Layout configuration

Starting from an empty 78m2 floor plan, the proposal was shaped around the predetermined workflow of the two veterinarians. The reception area serves as the central focal point of the layout, functioning as the most “public” segment of the composition. The design also addresses the various needs of animal isolation and care by providing two examination rooms, a radiology room, a surgery room, an area for animal housing, a kitchen, and a visitor’s wc.

 

Design philosophy

The design accentuates the facade of the veterinary centre, establishing a strong presence along the street and defining its character through a thoughtful interplay of materials and textures. The facade is animated by a metal structure that opens the space to the street and lets in abundant natural light. Grey tiles, warm wooden surfaces, bright white walls and metallic inox details create a distinct identity through the contrast of cool and warm elements.

 

Reception area design

The reception area is framed by a large opening that accentuates the interior, inviting in the passing pedestrians. Upon entering the space, the visitor encounters a monolithic reception desk that features the practice’s logo. Dark tiles are used to clad both the desk as well as the floor of the space.

 

Hybrid Spaces

The reception area is separated from the adjoining private spaces through a display wall, which occasionally features animal care products. The two examination rooms are designed as both independent and interconnected spaces. The placement of the examination bed at the centre of their layout becomes the focal point of the space, while the complementary functions have been oriented towards the blind boundary of the ground floor. Adjacent to the examination spaces is the surgery room, painted in white and grey colours that coexist harmoniously.

Finally, at the rear of the veterinary clinic, a temporary animal accommodation is created, and connected through a linear path to both the main entrance and the back yard. Along that path, animal cages of various sizes form a playful elevation.