Spatial scenography

The aim of the project was the complete conversion of a residence originally designed in the early 1980s by architect N. Valsamakis. Located in Panorama, Thessaloniki, the building now accommodates the Siskou Derma Clinic, a contemporary dermatology center that seeks to redefine the typology of the medical space in Greece, creating an environment of refined familiarity, far removed from the conventions of the typical medical office.

 

Design Philosophy

The original residence is a characteristic example of the modern movement in the city, defined by clear geometric compositions, balanced volumes and a striking white plaster finish that emphasizes the plasticity of its form. The intervention sought to preserve the architectural identity of the initial design while introducing new elements that ensure functional upgrading and spatial coherence.

The design strategy focused on reinterpreting the experience of a medical environment, drawing references from contemporary European clinic architecture. Through subtle interventions and a careful management of materials and proportions, the project achieves a balance between respecting the existing building and accommodating a new functional program.

 

 

Spatial Organization & Materials

The interior environment is organized around the idea of domestic comfort, creating spaces that convey calmness and trust to visitors. The spatial atmosphere draws inspiration from refined modernism and the aesthetics of mid-century design, with materials and objects acting as key carriers of the overall ambiance.

Oak wall paneling, velvet armchairs and carefully selected lighting fixtures compose a palette of materials and textures that expresses understated luxury. The composition remains strictly minimal, allowing the materials to stand out through their texture and natural presence without unnecessary formal gestures. Each object is carefully placed within the space, contributing to a coherent spatial experience defined by clean lines and balanced aesthetics.

 

 

Lighting Design

The scenography of the interior unfolds through subtle shifts of light, textures and visual focal points that guide the visitor’s movement through the space. Lighting operates as a primary tool for shaping the atmosphere.

The lighting design enhances the sense of privacy and comfort while simultaneously highlighting architectural surfaces and interior details. Through discreet lighting interventions, a balance is achieved between functionality and spatial experience.

The final spatial composition is complemented by selected artworks that are integrated into the architectural narrative of the project.

 

Visual flow

From the very first visit to the 98m² apartment in São Paulo, the future owners felt an immediate connection to its history. The exposed concrete structure -with its visible pillars, beams, and raw-finish slabs- carried the marks of time, evoking a sense of authenticity. However, the outdated infrastructure and rigid layout called for a renovation that could preserve the apartment’s original character while meeting contemporary needs.

 

Design Philosophy

The central challenge was to unify the spaces, fostering a physical and visual flow that would support interaction in everyday activities. For the couple, both of whom work from home, the conventional idea of a closed-off office did not resonate. They sought an integrated, open layout that encouraged connection rather than division. The original floor plan included two bedrooms and a strict separation between the social, service, and private areas. In the renovation, nearly all interior walls were removed -except for those enclosing the powder room and main bedroom. Activity zones are now defined by cabinetry and furniture rather than structural barriers. Three core materials create the base of the design: exposed concrete, which remains visible as a tribute to the building’s history; white-painted masonry, chosen to amplify natural light from the large windows; and wooden plank flooring, which spans the entire apartment except for the bathrooms.

 

 

Custom Structures & Furniture

In the entrance, custom Freijó wood cabinetry arranged in an L-shape serves a dual purpose. On one side, it forms a workbench that organizes the home office. Above it, open shelves in the same finish, supported by French brackets, house the couple’s book collection and add a distinctive design touch. On the other side, the cabinetry holds a turntable and handmade speakers -an homage to the owners’ passion for vinyl and music, now deeply embedded in their home life.

At the far end of the apartment, the living room reflects the seamless integration of old and new. A poster brought back from New York decorates the wall, while other vintage furniture punctuate the space, blending eras and styles. To address the asymmetry revealed by the cantilevered beams after the walls were removed, metal sheet shelving was custom-designed to conceal these irregularities. The addition of houseplants on the shelving brings a touch of nature into the interior.

In the kitchen, Freijó wood cabinetry continues the visual language, offering cohesion across spaces. Marble countertops add sophistication, while a central island -rounded at the edges and clad in terracotta-colored tiles- provides a softer contrast to the apartment’s orthogonal architecture. This island also functions as a practical space for quick meals. The kitchen flows directly into the dining area, encouraging easy interaction between cooking and socializing during gatherings.

 

 

Lighting Design & Materials

Lighting throughout the apartment is achieved with electrified tracks, which illuminate the exposed concrete slabs while preserving their aesthetic integrity. In the bedroom, a neutral palette creates a serene environment conducive to rest. White walls and wooden-finish furnishings echo the warmth of the social areas, while the suite continues the same inviting tone. In the bathroom, ceramic tiles offer a gentle chromatic transition: terracotta at the base rising into white above, creating a subtle interplay of texture that continues across the countertop. A sink in the same terracotta tone, paired with a wooden cabinet, completes the harmonious design.

 

Transitional spaces

The private vacation home is located on the western side of Antiparos, facing the sea, enjoying unobstructed views of the nearby island of Paros.

 

Design Approach

Antiparos keeps limited exposure to mass tourism, and the visitors, the island caters to for seasonal stay require their vacation homes to be equipped with the same amenities they are accustomed to from living in the city. Concurrently, the site is bound by strict building regulations regarding the form and materials of new constructions, because of its adjacency to the vernacular Ayia Kyriaki chapel.

 

Interior & Exterior Organization

The building is laid out on one level only, bringing together the seasonal inhabitants and the outstanding Cycladic landscape. The floors extend seamlessly from the indoor to the outdoor areas; this connection is further highlighted by generous transitional spaces, sheltered under pergolas. The openings, whose number and size had to be kept limited due to local regulations, provide views and outdoor connections to all the main rooms; dark shutters on their inner side are consistent with the local building tradition. The lounge, the kitchen, and the master bedroom are oriented towards the view, together with the outdoor living spaces and the swimming pool.

 

Material & Lighting

Inside, all walls are clad in grey facing applied by hand; strategically positioned openings on the ceiling bring abundant natural light to the interior, illustrating the rustic treatment of the vertical surfaces, whose appearance changes according to the time of the day. The color palette of the furniture includes opposing black and white tones, complemented by the texture of natural wood and woven straw. The hard surface of the floor is treated in cement facing and comes at a stark contrast to the natural sloping ground.

Artisanal local stone on the exterior surface of the walls, matched with sensible, discreet landscaping, complete the architectural impression, whose objective is to remain consistent with the principles of traditional island building. The biggest challenge in this project was to merge tradition with modernity, high architectural aesthetics with cutting-edge mechanical equipment; at all times, the reference had to be the sparse Cycladic landscape, local materials and relaxed island living.