Sensory design

The 100 m² residence occupies the sixth floor of a typical 1960s apartment building in central Athens, enjoying unobstructed views toward Mount Hymettus.

 

Renovation Strategy

Originally, the apartment consisted of a living–dining area, hall, enclosed kitchen, and two small bedrooms sharing a single bathroom. During the renovation, the internal partitions were removed to reposition the main living area at the front, allowing it to fully benefit from the eastern light of the building’s primary façade. The two bedrooms were reconfigured to include en-suite bathrooms, while the internal stair leading to the rooftop was relocated to the hall, providing direct and more functional access from the entrance.

 

 

Functional Organization

The interior is conceived as a composition of reflections and subtle transitions. The design aims both to expand the perceived scale of the space, creating visual depth, and to establish a dynamic environment shaped by the shifting qualities of natural light and the mirrored presence of the city. Large sections of the walls are clad in translucent mirrors to create a seamless visual connection between inside and outside, while colored or metallic glass surfaces further reinforce this spatial continuity.

To mark the transition into the private zones (the bedrooms) the rear part of the apartment adopts a calmer rhythm, with a softer palette and minimal, discreet furnishings, creating a space that absorbs the noise of the city and encourages a sense of retreat.

 

 

Material Palette

The original wooden flooring was replaced with wide, matte-finished oak planks, while the bedrooms were fitted with off-white carpeting. Dark-stained oak defines the cabinetry and built-in elements of the shared areas, complemented by matte and glossy beige lacquered surfaces in the more private rooms. Grey-brown marble and textiles in varied textures were chosen for the living room and kitchen, whereas beige and off-white marble and soft fabrics characterize the bedrooms and bathrooms. Smooth beige plaster covers all interior walls, bringing visual unity throughout the apartment. Ceramic, metallic accessories and colorful lighting fixtures serve as subtle accents that complete the overall atmosphere.

Through its sensory approach, engaging sight, touch, and sound, the redesign seeks to cultivate a more profound and enduring connection between the home and the ever-changing urban context in which it exists.

 

Sectional ground

Set on a tranquil hillside within an olive grove in southern Peloponnese, this residence is defined by its distinctive Y-shaped green roof. Acting as an extension of the surrounding garden, the roof frames expansive views from the interior and integrates the building seamlessly into the landscape.

 

Spatial Organization

Circulation is designed to flow through, around, and over the house, creating a continuous promenade that links interior and exterior functions. This layout invites full engagement with the perimeter of the residence, while its low profile -never exceeding the height of the olive trees- ensures a harmonious relationship with the terrain and the natural setting.

The branching paths of the green roof define three distinct ground-level courtyards, each shaped as a hemisphere and programmed for specific activities based on the sun’s movement. The roof’s orientation is deliberately designed to cast shade at certain times of the day, enhancing comfort throughout. The western courtyard, where the main entrance is located, remains shaded until midday -ideal for breakfast- while transforming into an open-air cinema in the evening.

 

 

Architectural Features

A large perforated wall on the western façade protects the interior from the intense afternoon sun, while allowing natural cross-ventilation and passive cooling at night. The eastern courtyard, shaded from midday onward, serves as a lunch and relaxation area during the afternoon. The southern courtyard is active throughout the day, accommodating a swimming pool and functioning as an outdoor dining space in the evening.

The 12-meter pool, integrated into the southern courtyard, features a gentle slope that creates a beach-like experience. Along its southern edge, a Mediterranean-style terrace channels the overflow water. Adjacent to this area, a sunbathing deck offers uninterrupted views of the sea and the nearby island of Schiza. The interior is divided into two zones: a private wing with three bedrooms and two bathrooms oriented eastward, and a communal wing to the south, which includes an open-plan living room, dining area, and kitchen. All shared spaces have direct access to the three courtyards.

The curved wooden ceiling in the living area incorporates custom lighting and functions as a sound-absorbing element. A custom-designed bookshelf serves as a visual and spatial divider between private and communal areas. Its perforations evoke curiosity while offering a sense of intimacy for those using the bedrooms. Fixed windows, custom-fabricated from thermoformed Corian strips, feature perforations that support both natural ventilation and soft ambient lighting during the evening.

 

 

Construction Philosophy

Due to the complexity of the double-curved concrete formwork -and the lack of local contractors willing to take on the challenge- a CNC machine was purchased specifically for the project. This investment enabled the fabrication of numerous bespoke elements, including the ceiling light fixtures, fixed windows, partition bookshelf, and a range of custom furniture in wood and marble.

Every component was designed for easy on-site assembly by unskilled laborers, using construction drawings that doubled as step-by-step instructions. This streamlined approach, combined with thorough pre-construction planning and minimal reliance on traditional documentation, reduced the construction timeline by approximately seven months -without exceeding the budget or compromising the project’s quality.

 

Ground geometry

Nestled in the sought-after area of Konia, Paphos, this contemporary residence exemplifies the seamless integration of luxury, comfort, and refined architectural design. Blending harmoniously with the natural landscape, the home is a statement of sustainable architecture, where elegance meets environmental consciousness.

 

Design Philosophy

Set on a uniquely shaped plot with challenging topography, the design concept centers around a sensitive response to the land’s geometry and contours. The structure aligns organically with the terrain, ensuring minimal disruption to the natural environment. Strategic orientation plays a pivotal role in the design, offering significant bioclimatic advantages: during the winter months, the home captures solar heat for natural warmth and energy efficiency, while in summer, horizontal shading elements effectively block direct sunlight, minimizing heat gain and maintaining a cool interior. This thoughtful approach not only elevates the building’s energy performance but also enhances its long-term sustainability- delivering an elevated living experience defined by comfort and understated luxury.

 

 

Spatial Organization

Upon entering the home, visitors are welcomed by a striking foyer that features a glass-enclosed wine cellar -an elegant focal point that immediately sets the tone. Adjacent to it, a bespoke staircase, meticulously crafted, doubles as a sculptural centerpiece that anchors the interior and reflects the home’s architectural identity. Ascending the staircase leads to the dining area, where the varying ceiling heights and a dramatic suspended light fixture create an atmosphere of spatial dynamism and sophistication. This area flows effortlessly into the living room and kitchen, forming an open-plan space bathed in natural light and framed by expansive glazing that captures panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The kitchen and the custom-built feature wall -integrating a television and a bioethanol fireplace- were designed exclusively for the residence. Rich material contrasts, including wood-paneled ceilings in the living area and exposed concrete in the kitchen, contribute to a refined yet modern ambiance. One of the home’s most iconic elements is the suspended glass bridge that spans above the dining area, connecting the master suite with the additional bedrooms. This architectural gesture enhances visual continuity across levels, while offering dramatic views and a sense of openness. Each bedroom is a private retreat, featuring en-suite bathrooms equipped with modern amenities -combining functionality with an elevated sense of privacy and comfort.

 

 

Materials & Landscape Design

Defined by a minimalist yet warm design language, the residence employs a refined palette of wood, exposed concrete, glass, and steel. These materials are artfully combined to strike a balance between natural textures and contemporary form. Floor-to-ceiling openings blur the line between indoors and outdoors, inviting abundant natural light and uninterrupted views of the sea and the city of Paphos.

The exterior is anchored by a stunning infinity pool -serving as the focal point of the outdoor space and echoing the home’s architectural elegance. The landscape design complements the residence’s overall aesthetic, reinforcing the principles of modern architecture through simplicity, innovation, and grace.

 

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.

Green disguise

The residence is located in the historic centre of Ansião and is the result of the renovation of an old building. It emanates a contemporary feel that respects the memory of its historical context, while preserving the essence of the site.

 

Design Philosophy

The name “Casa Verde Gago” derives from the fusion of the name of the street where the building is located as well as the color primary chosen for the façade: green, which refers to the color palette of traditional Portuguese houses. Additionally, the presence of wood, a prominent element in the project, refers to the traditional layout of old Portuguese buildings. Its use aims to create a slight visual dissonance in the façade’s design, without however becoming disassociated from the immediate street aesthetic. This material is found both in the structure and in the interior details, giving the space an intimate and cozy feel.

 

Spatial Layout

Another essential aspect of the residence’s design is the patio. A space traditionally used as a wine cellar is transformed into an outdoor area with a water tank and minimal landscaping interventions, thus creating a more modern and social environment for its residents. The home is divided into two one-bedroom apartments, one in each floor, consisting of a bedroom, kitchen, living area, bathroom and, in some cases, an office and closet.

 

Material Palette

The choice of materials follows a natural, albeit minimal, aesthetic. Wood is used throughout the space, found in the roof, the window and door frames as well as the furniture. Exposed concrete is used for the floors, while district chrome accents and green fabrics break up the two primary materials, creating playful moments throughout the residence.

Natural threshold

The project aims to design a modern three-bedroom residence that seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor living. Spanning 137m², the exterior features clean lines, white walls, and natural wooden accents, embodying a timeless and minimalist aesthetic.

 

Design Philosophy

A spacious swimming pool serves as the centerpiece of the outdoor area, surrounded by lush landscaping and thoughtfully arranged seating areas, perfect for relaxation and entertaining. A key design element is the outdoor storage volume, which seamlessly integrates with the house, creating a sense of architectural hierarchy. Clad in grooved, traditional Cypriot Kividas stone, this structure bridges the modern aesthetic with local heritage, adding both texture and cultural depth to the design.

 

Interior & Exterior Integration

The entrance is thoughtfully concealed behind the façade, which is composed of square perforated blocks. Visitors approach the residence gradually, passing through a pathway lined with flowers before reaching the doorway. This artistic yet functional design enhances depth and privacy, while the interplay of light and shadow through the hollow blocks creates a dynamic visual effect. Inside, the entrance hallway -featuring a stone-clad volume, lush greenery, and wooden accents- offers a serene and welcoming transition from the outside world, setting the tone for an interior that radiates warmth and comfort.

 

Materials & Sustainability

The chosen materials feature earthy tones and natural textures, creating a warm and organic atmosphere. The open layout seamlessly connects the dining and living areas, while large sliding glass doors invite abundant natural light and provide effortless access to the courtyard. Embracing biophilic design, the house integrates plants and natural materials to strengthen the connection with nature. A complementary bioclimatic approach ensures thermal comfort, preventing overheating in the summer while maintaining natural warmth in winter.

Striking a balance between functionality, aesthetics, and tranquility, the design offers a modern retreat in the heart of Aglantzia, thoughtfully incorporating elements of cultural and architectural heritage.

Modernizing tradition

Within a compact space of 34m², found at the intersection of Dionysiou Areopagitou and Tziraion streets, a store with modern aesthetic is created by incorporating layers of materials and textures, combined with classical elements.

 

Project Aim

The primary design challenge is to develop all the necessary functional zones, ensuring the best possible ergonomic utilization as well as providing seamless access for the public into the interior. In the past, the space hosted a souvenir shop and later, a coffee shop/restaurant and required many interventions in order to become operational.

The visibility towards the kitchen is fundamental element, since customers can select the choice of filling or coating for the traditional Greek delicacy ‘loukoumades’ which is the main selling product served in the shop. As a result, a narrow counter becomes the main workstation, hosting a coffee area, an ice-cream counter and finally, the traditional ‘loukoumades’ produce.

 

Material Palette

Drawing inspiration from its immediate context, the space is designed using clear lines and materials. A white marble counter, oak paneling, handmade white tiles and granite cladding on the exterior walls comprised the primary material palette. For the flooring, mosaic-like tiles were used, replicating the existing -and severely damaged- mosaic floor found on site.

 

Decorative Details

Decorative details in dark red elements -that follow the brand’s identity- combined with targeted and diffused lighting, create a performative setting that the customer or even the passerby can easily observe from outside. Finally, the store sign follows the areas’ tones and hues and is painted discretely in white.

Small-scale inhabitation

The two-family house was constructed on a small, narrow, and elongated plot between two existing -and quite mundane -buildings, situated in the coastal city of Agios Nikolaos, in Crete.

 

Design Philosophy

With the only volumetric possibility being the treatment of the building’s main façade, the design concept from the beginning sought a small scale approach befitting the size of the plot. It focused on the archetypical elements of a traditional residence: the pitched roof and the open external staircase, as reminiscent of the houses in a small village where external stairs lead to the “upper floor”.

This small scale approach engages in a dialogue with the overall character of the town, where nature prevails, and emphasizes the value of minimal design against the phenomenon of intense and rapid urbanization -a common issue found in highly touristic areas in Greece.

 

Functional Layout

The first residence is developed on the ground floor and features a courtyard for ventilation and outdoor living. The second one is developed across two levels, comprised of a first floor  and an attic. The entrance to both residences occurs through a secondary, shared courtyard, facilitating daily “conversations” amongst tenants. Specifically, residents can communicate both through the front courtyard and as well as via the numerous balconies.

 

Materials & Morphologies

The building is constructed with reinforced concrete, which remains exposed throughout the house interior. Two cantilevered volumes protrude from the main façade, creating small canopies that shelter the staircase and balconies. One of them enters the interior of the residence, emphasizing the continuity between inside and outside, while interrupting the double-height living room space and forming a cozier interior.

Theatrical atmosphere

Located in the heart of Kifissia, this restaurant exemplifies understated luxury and culinary artistry. Its design embraces minimalism, drawing inspiration from the principles of Japanese aesthetics.

 

Functional Organization

The restaurant’s floor plan is elegantly divided into two horizontally aligned zones: a covered indoor area and an open-air section, subtly differentiated by a small elevation change. Guests can access the outdoor zone either via the main entrance, which features an external walkway to the right, or directly from within the restaurant.

The outdoor area is a distinctive courtyard defined by its striking metal structure, shaped like an L-shaped grid. This architectural feature, paired with lush greenery, creates a visually captivating frame for the stone bar that serves as the space’s focal point. Dark-toned dining chairs and a beautifully illuminated tree add to the ambiance, perfectly complementing the interplay of metal and stone elements to craft an inviting and atmospheric setting.

 

Interior Layout

The interior design showcases the essence of Japanese architectural tradition, with a striking wooden trapezoidal ceiling intricately crafted to resemble a woven jug. The seating arrangement is thoughtfully varied, featuring round and rectangular tables as well as comfortable sofas, positioned either along the perimeter or freely dispersed throughout the central area. A bronze-toned metal prismatic bar serves as a focal point near the main entrance, seamlessly blending function and style. Meanwhile, the utility spaces and restrooms are discreetly located at the rear of the floor plan, ensuring an uncluttered layout.

 

Material Palette & Lighting Design

The color palette unfolds as a harmonious symphony of earthy monochromes, enriched by the natural textures of stone walls and handmade concrete floor tiles. Adding a vibrant contrast, a blue porcelain wall, inspired by traditional Japanese art, punctuates the space with elegance. Lighting has been meticulously designed to enhance the mystical ambiance of the high-ceilinged room, casting a warm glow that accentuates its architectural features. Completing the theatrical atmosphere are metal pedestals adorned with exquisitely handcrafted ceramic vases and a striking thematic artwork depicting a dark forest, adding depth and intrigue to the space.

Solid volumes

This 150m² residence is situated in Cholargos, a quiet suburb of Athens characterized by diverse building typologies and varying heights. Designed to challenge the conventional rental market, the project preserves the original dimensions of the 1960s structure while emphasizing the value of the surrounding greenery. The design aims to repurpose the existing structural framework to create a low-rise home with a garden, offering a tranquil retreat within the dense urban landscape.

 

Architectural Approach

During construction, the original supporting structure and foundations are preserved, while the central portion of the slab is removed to create a double-height space. An additional floor is added to the existing building, supported by a reinforced metal frame with anti-flexural stiffening connectors to withstand the area’s high seismic activity. Surrounded by neighboring apartment buildings, the residence faces privacy challenges for both its interior and exterior spaces. To address this, the design incorporates a compact volume with a large, angular opening on the southwest facade, maximizing natural light while maintaining privacy. Custom metal sliding shades and strategically placed trees provide essential shading for the home.

 

Spatial Layout

The interior layout follows an open floor plan centered around the patio, linking the living room, dining room, and kitchen to the bedrooms, as well as a separate studio featuring a skylight that fills the space with soft, diffused light. All communal areas open onto the garden, which spans three levels and is newly planted with various tree species. A key feature of the design is a slim, light pink metal staircase, adding a modern and elegant touch to the interior.

 

Materials & Sustainability

The walls are painted in soft white tones, creating a bright and spacious atmosphere that accentuates the staircase design. The flooring combines wood, terrazzo, and cement mortar for the bathrooms, adding a touch of traditional elegance. Thoughtfully selected materials and subtle colors create a harmonious flow between the indoor spaces and the garden outside. The house is equipped with an autonomous energy system for hot water and climate control, including underfloor heating and cooling through air-thermal technology. This system is powered by solar and photovoltaic panels installed on the new flat roof.

Prismatic volumes

Casa Cally is a two-story house in Kifissia, organized around a central diagonal axis that unifies the entire space.

 

Architectural Volumes

The composition is defined by two primary, monolithic volumes. The ground floor, arranged in a square plan, forms a parallel plane that serves as a “pedestal” for the structure and houses the main living areas. Above it, the prismatic volume of the upper floor projects outwards, tracing the diagonal axis and further emphasizing the design’s dynamic form. This upper volume accommodates the bedrooms and bathrooms, while showcasing the building’s distinctive geometry.

 

Exterior Spaces & Vegetation

Outdoor spaces are integral to the overall design. The backyard serves as a natural extension of the living room, achieved through a large corner glass wall that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor areas. On the first floor, a rooftop terrace with seating and lush vegetation offers a unique experience; a circular opening in the floor visually connects the two levels, enhancing interaction between them. The greenery is thoughtfully integrated into these outdoor areas, creating a unified and harmonious environment.

 

Color Palette

White dominates the color palette, allowing natural light to enhance the furnishings while charcoal accents emphasize the exterior openings. The clean geometry casts shadows and reflections, creating a dynamic interplay across the volumes. This composition is further enriched by the prismatic volume, whose openings feature adjustable blinds for flexible shading and privacy.

Discrete integration

The three-story hospitality complex, situated on a corner plot in a quiet district overlooking the bay of Argostoli, harmonizes with the traditional urban fabric through its thoughtful scale and design.

 

Urban Integration

Blending neoclassical character with modern accents, the building is subtly integrated into its surroundings, allowing visitors to connect with the city through its orientation, views, and carefully curated decorative elements. It houses eight suites and features a serene communal garden with a swimming pool on the landscaped terrace.

 

Functional layout

The entrance, centrally located, leads into a wide corridor that divides the floor plan, providing access to the reception area and a wellness space in the basement. The building’s eight suites, each around 25 square meters, are arranged across three levels in varied layouts, each offering a unique relationship with the city. On the ground floor, two rooms are symmetrically positioned on either side of the main corridor, with views of the garden. The first floor features three rooms with views of both the city and the sea, while the top floor, beneath a tiled roof, includes one single room and two duplex suites. These duplexes span in two levels, each including a loft area.

Inside the suites, bathrooms play a central role, enhancing the accommodation experience. Rather than using doors, the rooms are subtly divided, with the bed positioned behind a light partition. Each suite includes spacious, full-length washbasins, freestanding bathtubs, while a series of large windows allow ample natural light to enter the space.

 

Material Palette

The material palette and decorative choices throughout the building evoke a traditional, historic ambiance while preserving a distinctly contemporary character. The structure is rendered in a monochromatic, earthy hue that subtly accentuates its neoclassical details. Light-colored terrazzo mosaic slabs, white marble, and travertine stone are used for the floors and wet areas, while the fixed furnishings and interior partitions are crafted from natural oak, complemented by large woven wicker panels. Fabric selections follow the same aesthetic, featuring monochromatic, light earthy tones with distinctive weaves and textures.

 

Lighting Design & Furniture

The color and material palette deliberately avoids strong contrasts, while the movable furniture and lighting introduce dynamic accents with slender metal elements in dark or bronze finishes and curved shapes that contrast with the clean, linear layout of the spaces. Local character is conveyed at every scale, from large architectural details to smaller decorative elements. Particularly notable are the custom porcelain ceramics by Victoria de Borbon, adorned with motifs of Kefalonian wildflowers. Their bold, sculptural forms blend retro aesthetics with a modern flair, encapsulating the guesthouse’s unique character and ambiance.

Refined character

The apartment, built in a privileged location that enjoys views to Ibirapuera Park, has a clever distribution of social, private, and service rooms, and benefits from natural lighting and ventilation, developing a pleasant connection to its surroundings.

 

Architectural Approach & Materials

The project integrates the balconies to their respective interiors and creates more ample spaces. This continuity between inside and outside is enhanced with indoor plants and a garden wall. The joined balconies, high ceiling, and view to the park in the living and dining rooms, provide a grand yet intimate space, consistent with the client’s request for a place suited to socializing and relaxation.

The social area and main bedroom display three main shades: cement, wood and black. Cement is the basis of the apartment aesthetics: it is displayed on the floor, walls, and ceiling. In counterpoint, wood tones provide warmth and intimacy, while black adds sophistication, in a variety of textures.

 

Spatial Layout

The redesign of social areas consolidates the entrances and organizes movements: Initially, five doors led to the living room; three were eliminated, and a single hall was created, with access to the elevator and to the guest bathroom. The slatted oak wall masks the doors and becomes a monumental piece, integrating all interventions. The minimalist concept is elaborated in the adjacent hall, a single volume that houses multiple functions, including the dining table and the fireplace.

The elongated, ebony-clad dining table doubles as a sideboard, a barbecue, and a beer and wine cellar, in one single unit characterized by simple, pure lines. A slender granite surface accommodates the fireplace and gently supports the TV counter, an oak monolith hiding all electronic appliances. The joinery of both elements is highlighted with a slim line, allowing ventilation of the mechanical equipment, and bringing lightness to the piece.

 

Custom Furniture

Minimalism characterizes all furniture; the interior features select pieces, celebrating Brazilian design. The sofa embodies all concepts at play in the apartment: It is a grand, monumental piece, with memorable texture in a simple design. Its modular configuration adds flexibility to the layout, and allows multiple uses, making it ideal both for celebrated social occasions and for quiet moments of relaxation.

Central island

Located in downtown Oakland, the project reflects the second generation of Bay Area brand, Mr. Espresso, serving as an example of how a diverse cultural landscape can heavily nourish a community’s heritage identity.

 

Functional Design

The design is inspired by Italian culture, using minimalism and contrast to create an experience similar to that of a traditional Italian caffe ritual. The espresso bar becomes the central feature of the space to accommodate the large number of people. It is designed as a central island, featuring a custom, elegant pastry display, reminiscent of a jewelry shop.

 

Material Palette

The material selection is inspired by the Italian tradition, which is masterful at creating spaces with great complexity using minimal elements, thus leading to carefully choosing materials such as natural wood, stone and marble. The term “chiaroscuro” -the Italian notion of contrast- provides further inspiration. More specifically, hand polished copper contrasts with the organic nature of wood and stone and acts as a reflective backdrop for the espresso bar.

Architectural Sculpture

Above the bar, a lightweight, wooden sculptural form highlights the verticality of the space and defines the heavy, wooden island. The sculpture also serves as a gestural move, acting both as an object -a nod to the domes and arcades of the Renaissance and Baroque periods- as well as a spatial boundary that constructs an interplay between solid and void surfaces.

The sculpture is composed of 272 slats formed from a total of 528 pieces, all made of birch plywood, designed and laid out to minimize waste. An array of prototypes are made and tested, focusing primarily on the staining process, which is eventually achieved with Ethiopian Shantawene coffee.

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.

Volcanic landscape

The new resort, located near Messaria, seamlessly blends old and new aesthetics. The project refurbishes existing hotel units and connects them with new structures, resulting to a total capacity of 121 rooms. The outdated functional layouts are being reimagined in favour of a cohesive, modern design that views the surrounding landscape as a key element.

 

Integration with Nature

The reception is accessed through a garden filled with climbing plants, providing ample shade. A suspended pergola made of wire mesh discreetly hides its supports and plant trunks. On either side of an accessibility ramp, a water path flows over stepped lava slabs, paying homage to the island’s volcanic history.

The reception itself is an open structure adorned with billowing curtains. The main pool begins at the entrance, framing a stunning view of the sea, and follows a curved path towards the restaurant, forming an artificial beach-like area. Natural materials dominate the water area: at the pool bar, makuti covers the lower part on the pergolas, while the restaurant roof features illuminated wicker baskets. The presence of nature continues in the upstairs bar, which boasts a large, planted wall, as well as on the terrace, where new metal pergolas support an array of climbing plants.

 

 

Material Pallet & Vegetation

In both the bar and the central internal staircase, mosaic floors are paired with marble, creating surfaces rich in color. These material combinations preserve the memory of the volcanic island fragments and the diverse pavings found in the alleys of Santorini. The introduction of earthy, charcoal, and reddish hues subverts the traditional Cycladic color palette, enriching the off-white architectural volumes with sharpness and contrast.

A new garden, situated lower than the pool surface, leads to the spa. This introspective building features gentle curves that unfold around a linear courtyard. Brick partitions create porous boundaries and a shadow interplay, reintroducing one of the most successful architectural idioms from Santorini’s reconstruction following the 1956 earthquake.

 

 

Architectural Geometries

The architectural volumes of the new suites are developed in a staggered manner, nestling into the natural landscape, reminiscent of a traditional settlement. Typical Cycladic geometries are reinterpreted through singular, fragmented gestures, acquiring a subversive dynamic aesthetic that gradually unfolds within the space. The shutters of the suites evoke the distinctive vineyards of Santorini, with their characteristic “kouloura” shapes creating a unique interplay of light and shadow.

Within the existing linear buildings surrounding the pool, the central circulation corridor has been replaced with a new open-air pathway, which features abundant shading, large, two-storey openings, and brick patterns that act as filters. The incorporation of curved grooves becomes a key feature in shaping the rooms, both on the facades and the interior, where modern “caves” are formed.

The ground-level rooms feature courtyards with metal pergolas covered in makuti, visually connecting them to the surrounding fields. In the existing bungalows, fences following the terrain contours construct private gardens in fluid, organic shapes. Throughout the existing unit, canopies were removed, while the design adopted an architectural language of sloping sections and freestanding walls. This facade treatment not only adds variety to the overall appearance but also simulates shadow interplay amongst the array of volumes.

 

Natural sensation

The hotel, situated in Imerovigli at the edge of volcanic rocks, is comprised of five undercut residences with courtyards arranged along the plot, creating the impression of an open terrace overlooking the Caldera and the Aegean Sea. One distinctive feature is the central pedestrian street that splits the design in two parts.

 

Location and Orientation

At the upper level, a villa is situated alongside the reception. Below the pedestrian level, four additional suites are developed, connected by a central outdoor staircase. The rooms are designed through varying typologies and oriented to maximize views of the Caldera and the volcano. Each suite features a courtyard that leads to a swimming pool, creating a seamless visual connection with the water.

 

Design Philosophy

Special emphasis is placed on ensuring the privacy the outdoor relaxation areas around the pool. The interior design follows a minimal approach, in keeping with the island’s traditional architecture. This achieves a harmonious blend of the traditional and the modern elements. The decor is simple, featuring Cycladic elements like built-in furniture and raw materials. The material selection imparts a sense of naturalness as well as subtle gloss to the space. The interior is dominated by pressed cement mortar, marble, and oak, while warm wood tones are seamlessly combined with the natural simplicity of cement mortar.

 

Landscape Design

In the exterior, the extensive use of raw, natural materials ensures continuity with Santorini’s landscape. This is evident in the monolithic treatment of the floors, featuring fine-grained and rough light-colored mosaic flooring in the outdoor and pool areas. The lighting design focuses on creating a uniform light diffusion throughout each space. Accent lighting is used to illuminate selected elements such as bathroom and office countertops, producing a more atmospheric effect. Special emphasis is placed on planting the exterior spaces, primarily with local low-height flora that harmoniously alternates with the existing natural features of the Santorini landscape.