Architectural gestures

Located in a quiet neighborhood of Palaio Faliro, this small-scale 1950s house is reapproached through a series of restrained and precise architectural gestures. The project seeks to preserve the domestic identity and spatial memory of the existing shell while adapting it to the demands of contemporary everyday living.

 

Spatial Organization

The original layout of the residence is largely maintained, with selective interventions enhancing functionality and spatial flow. The central design gesture is the reconfiguration of the kitchen, which transforms from an isolated, enclosed room into an open core of daily life. Its extension toward the entrance reinforces the continuity of the interior, while its relationship with the living area is organized through the framing of the existing opening, allowing visual connection without fully dissolving the separation between functions.

 

 

Reintegration of Existing Elements

Rather than disconnecting the house from its past, the intervention seeks to creatively incorporate traces and elements of its previous life. The decorative plaster ceiling moldings are preserved as carriers of memory, while the original kitchen sink is restored and repurposed within the bathroom, acquiring a new function in a different spatial context. The residence thus becomes a field of continuity, where old and new coexist without resorting to nostalgic imitation.

 

 

Material Palette

The material palette follows a calm and tactile logic, shaped by natural textures, earthy tones and clear geometries. Wood acts as the primary element of warmth and continuity throughout the interior, while the stainless-steel kitchen countertop introduces a subtle contemporary tension within the otherwise restrained composition. In the bathroom, the relationship between refinement and rawness is reinforced through materials that reference exposed concrete and rougher flooring surfaces, intensifying the tactile experience of the space.

The project approaches the idea of an “urban holiday house”: an intimate domestic environment where simplicity, material honesty and spatial clarity coexist with a subtle sense of nostalgia. Without attempting to replicate the past, the design seeks to carry its traces into the present, allowing the house to evolve while preserving its distinct character.

 

The courtyard as an extension

This project concerns the renovation of an apartment located in a 1970s residential building in Palaio Psychiko. The residence unfolds across two levels, ground floor and basement, and features an open-air courtyard at the rear, conceived as a natural extension of the domestic space.

 

Renovation Strategy

A fundamental architectural intention was to respect the morphology and materiality of the existing shell. No alterations were made to the exterior façades, apart from careful maintenance and the subtle enhancement of the original materials, preserving the building’s character within its urban context. The interior layout is structured around principles of clarity, fluid circulation and functional simplicity, prioritizing comfort and adaptability in everyday living.

 

 

Material Palette

The aesthetic direction follows a minimal approach, articulated through an earthy color palette, wood-effect surfaces and nuanced variations of texture across walls and built-in furnishings. Warm lighting reinforces a sense of calm, while concealed lighting elements and refined finishes in the bathrooms cultivate an atmosphere of relaxation and intimacy.

 

 

Courtyard Design

The uncovered rear space is transformed into a sheltered courtyard, where the preservation of the existing stone surfaces and the integration of built-in seating with planters strengthen the dialogue between interior and exterior. A generous opening in the living area visually and functionally unifies these two realms, culminating in a residence defined by quiet quality and a timeless architectural character.

 

In-between zone

The residence is located in the region of Argolis, in Ermioni, on an amphitheatrical site offering views to the sea to the north and the mountainous terrain to the east. The design field itself dictated from the outset the manner in which the building would develop, shaping an architectural gesture that mediates between the road and the open landscape.

 

Spatial Organization

The building is organized to clearly define its boundaries toward the road and neighboring properties, ensuring privacy while remaining open and extroverted toward the surrounding vistas. The residence turns decisively toward the sea and the mountain, with the distinctive curve at its southwestern edge symbolically and spatially expressing this movement, while simultaneously marking the sequence of entry.

Interior spaces are arranged to secure direct visual connections with the environment. The ground floor accommodates the living areas, a guest room, and auxiliary functions serving the outdoor spaces, while the upper level hosts the bedrooms, maintaining both privacy and unobstructed views.

 

 

Design Philosophy

In front of the residence, a swimming pool extends along the façade, its geometry following that of the building and reinforcing the coherence of the composition. The water element operates as an intermediate threshold between the built structure and the natural terrain, visually amplifying the relationship with the horizon and intensifying the dialogue with the sea.

The overall configuration of the outdoor areas underscores the continuity between interior and exterior, transforming movement through the house into a sequence of experiences shaped by light, shadow, and framed views.

 

 

Material Palette

The selection of materials – stone, wood, and earthy tones – strengthens the connection to place and anchors the building within the landscape of Argolis. The architectural approach remains restrained and austere, employing clear geometries that allow the user to experience directly the relationship with nature – the sea, the mountain, and the land.

Through human scale and natural materials, the project proposes a contemporary understanding of luxury: simple, essential, and deeply intertwined with the environment and the lived experience of the landscape.

 

Simple language

The project is situated on a narrow rectangular plot, within a new residential neighbourhood on the outskirts of Nicosia. The surrounding buildings adopt diverse architectural styles, providing a context that allowed the house to develop its own minimalist architectural language.

 

Design Philosophy

The house is organized under a table-like structure, oriented toward the street with a restrained façade, and elevated from street level. The southern portion of the plot was used for the garden. The building follows a rectangular grid of 12×24 meters, with a perimeter canopy of exposed concrete providing shading and protection. On the southern side, a 4-meter cantilever creates a generous veranda supported by a cylindrical column.

 

 

Functional Layout

The internal layout is divided into two zones: the west zone, where bedrooms enjoy the evening summer breeze, and the east zone, where living areas open to the surrounding greenery. Large openings connect the interior visually to the garden, offering continuity and daylight. A 17-meter exposed concrete wall runs the length of the house, separating the zones while maintaining a visual axis to the garden.

 

 

Material Palette

The restrained architecture is expressed through carefully selected materials: large ceramic tiles in communal spaces, wooden floors in bedrooms, exposed concrete walls and soffits, and white plaster on vertical surfaces. Doors, cabinetry, and kitchen fittings were crafted in oak, introducing warmth and a domestic atmosphere.

The garden is planted exclusively with Mediterranean vegetation, ensuring minimal maintenance while enhancing perspectives and reinforcing the relationship between interior and exterior spaces.

 

Minimal structure

This single-family residence is situated in Panorama, Thessaloniki, on a plot offering amphitheatrical views of the Thermaic Gulf and the cityscape. The homeowners envisioned a ground-level dwelling with a swimming pool, designed to fully capitalize on the panoramic views of the sea and the adjacent forest. This vision became the guiding principle for the design of the main residence.

 

Design Philosophy

The architectural design leverages the site’s natural topography and orientation. The panoramic views, proximity to a forested area, the linear shape of the plot, and the location near a busy urban thoroughfare inspired a design that opens outward, embracing the surrounding landscape. This resulted in a strong zoning strategy, culminating in the outdoor living space -the terrace with a swimming pool- where the family’s private life unfolds, sheltered from nearby buildings.

The façade features minimal openings, except on the southwest side, which incorporates expansive glass panels. These create a seamless connection between interior and exterior spaces, allowing for unobstructed views. The residence’s clean, modern structure is framed by a perimeter canopy made of exposed concrete, providing both aesthetic continuity and functional shelter.

The living and sleeping areas are organized as distinct, perpendicular volumes -spatially and functionally separate- linked by a transparent corridor that acts as their connecting element. The design is characterized by simple lines and pure geometric forms. Overall, the architectural solution and material palette work together to produce a balanced and cohesive outcome.

 

 

Functional Layout

The shared living spaces are visually and functionally connected to the outdoor environment and the pool. A surrounding canopy provides shaded areas that adapt to weather conditions and sunlight throughout the day. The bedroom wing extends perpendicular to the main volume, while a separate guesthouse, together with the living and sleeping zones, frames the central outdoor space, enhancing the connection between interior and exterior life. The main entrance is tucked into a recessed area of the building, accessed through a landscaped garden with a pergola, which will be planted with flowering and aromatic plants to create an inviting arrival experience.

 

 

Landscape Integration

The landscape design remains as natural as possible, emphasizing soil and native vegetation. Vehicles enter the property from the northeast corner, following a ramp along the edge of the site to an open parking area that provides direct access to the house. The stunning views, forested surroundings, and desire for seamless integration with the natural landscape were the key elements that shaped both the design and form of the residence, which ultimately serves as a private sanctuary, shielded from external disturbances.

 

Floating volume

Situated close to the shoreline of the densely populated suburb of Artemida in Eastern Attica, this small house engages critically with its surroundings while conceptually addressing its broader context.

 

Design Philosophy

The project seeks to redefine the ephemeral and adaptable character of coastal habitation. It aims to provide comfortable, high-quality indoor and outdoor living spaces using economical means, to frame selected views toward the sea, and to ensure the residents’ privacy from neighboring properties. Elevated on a distinctly articulated concrete base, the two-story structure is composed of two intersecting volumes arranged at a right angle. The white, seemingly floating volume with its gabled roof creates generous covered spaces beneath its overhangs, forming a fluid, ground-level living area that merges interior and exterior environments within the garden boundaries. This suspended volume accommodates two strikingly tall bedrooms and a bathroom, organized around a bright stairwell–study space. Adjacent to the party wall, a rooftop terrace extends the interior into an outdoor room connected to the study. Each bedroom opens onto a private loggia, with the bathroom located between them.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The contrasting forms of the two volumes are echoed in their interior finishes. On the ground level -conceived as a shaped terrain- earthy, robust materials dominate. Cement terrazzo flooring extends seamlessly into both levels of the garden, while exposed concrete surfaces are complemented by dark-painted metal elements and joinery in deep black tones. In contrast, the upper volume is defined by a palette of white surfaces and wooden flooring, which continues uninterrupted through the enclosed and open-air rooms. Folding timber shutters, in the same tone as the flooring, break the uniformity of the white prism and provide shading above the openings.

 

 

Construction Strategy

Structurally, the house employs a composite system that minimizes its footprint on the compact site. The basement and ground floor are constructed from reinforced concrete. The ground floor is pared down to its essential structural elements -two concrete walls and four slender steel columns- maximizing spatial flexibility and enhancing visual continuity with the garden. The upper floor slab combines cantilevered steel beams with a 10 cm concrete deck. The floating volume and its pitched roof are built using a lightweight steel frame of columns and beams.

 

Multiple levels

The project involves reconfiguring a 60m² apartment situated on the second floor of a typical 1960s Athenian apartment building. The layout includes an open-plan kitchen and a living room, a bathroom, and a bedroom.

 

Layout Organization

The architectural design focuses on creating a studio apartment where spaces are separated by alternating levels. The floor plan is clearly organized: the entrance is located on the lower level, the living room and kitchen occupy the intermediate level, and the bedroom, bathroom, and wardrobe are situated on the uppermost level.

 

Design Philosophy

The interior design pays careful attention to both the resulting geometries and the selection of materials and textures. Specifically, the geometries complement the existing structure of the Athenian apartment building, preserving the linear, austere style characteristic of that era.

 

Material Palette

Given the limited natural light in the apartment, materials have been selected to reflect or help natural light penetrate deeper into the space. The floor features a combination of light grey tiles and wood, while the kitchen and living room surfaces are defined by dark wood, creating a striking contrast with the white walls. Black metallic details serve as accents within the space, adding depth and sophistication.

Soft materiality

The design of the new space focuses on creating a warm and welcoming environment that exudes safety and tranquillity, offering a carefully crafted experience for every visitor.

 

Material Palette

The choice of materials is central to this goal, with wood being one of the main elements, combined with natural textures and neutral tones such as white and beige. This combination creates a balanced backdrop that promotes relaxation and comfort while maintaining a sense of cleanliness and elegance. The furnishings and layout have been thoughtfully arranged to ensure ergonomics and ease of use, while soft materials and gentle hues enhance the feeling of intimacy and care.

 

Layout Organisation

The interior layout ensures that visitors feel comfortable and safe throughout their visit. The examination rooms are designed to foster a sense of safety and protection, allowing visitors to feel calm and relaxed during their appointment. Soft materials and soothing tones contribute to this feeling.

 

Lighting Design

Special emphasis is placed on lighting, which shapes the atmosphere of the space. Soft, indirect lighting has been selected to create a gentle and welcoming environment, while natural light is maximized wherever possible. In areas with limited natural light, light fixtures in warm tones are used to enhance the cozy atmosphere. The combination of these elements creates a space where comfort, tranquillity, and aesthetics coexist harmoniously, providing a pleasant and human-centred experience for every visitor.

Urban Extension

The building is located in a focal point, in the heart of Engomi, a rapidly growing district with a particular character, which results from the local University campus and its satellite student housing.

 

Urban Integration

The district has now become a center, with a youthful, extrovert, dynamic profile. It is a meeting place for occasional visitors, who only stay there for as long as they need to. Therefore, interactions happen outside of the domestic environment into the urban fabric, and the apartment becomes a place of rest and relaxation from everyday experiences.

 

Functional Organization

In this context, the ground level becomes a place of interaction and sociability, an intermediate space between public and completely private, as an extension of the city. The apartments float above this level and turn outwards. Their interior is simple, but meticulously designed in clear lines and white shades, imbued with aesthetic and spatial qualities.

 

Façade Design

The building shell is serenely introverted, instilling a feel of security, and concurrently reflects the dynamic personality of the district. This double character on the façade is expressed with the use of solid and perforated panels. The choice of one single material results in the seamless flow of the façade, while perforated panels materialize the need for introverted protection, providing a filter for observing the city.

Unobstructed views

This 236m² apartment is redesigned as a vacation home for a family of five, without however making any major modification to the existing newbuilt property.

 

Design Aesthetic

The entire structure and internal finishes, such as the floors and finishes are preserved, with the design focusing mainly on the lighting and furniture within the space. The overall project aesthetic is minimal, featuring neutral tones in order to highlight the stunning views of the sea. A significant challenge was defining the layout of the open-plan space, which was redesigned to optimize the panoramic view of the beach that stretches across the entire Barra Sul. In parallel, the kitchen area, which includes a barbecue, is seamlessly integrated to the space, equipped with a large bench that serves for both work and family gatherings.

 

Functional Layout & Materials

The furniture is positioned strategically in relation to the all-glass façade, offering comfort while not obstructing the stunning views. Two types of carpentry panels are installed made of wood and white lacquer, which hide the cabinets that serve both as storage for the kitchen and as hidden doors for the bathroom and the corridor. Finally, the use of natural materials such as light wood, stone and fabric create a cozy environment.

 

Lighting & Furniture

Led panels and soft lighting is used throughout the space as well as a series of furniture from Brazilian designers Arthur Casas, Sérgio Rodrigues and Jader Almeida were carefully selected, offering style and comfort. Finally, an array of indoor plants and curated artwork complete the space.

The project for the new regional headquarters of Guardia di Finanza (Financial and Customs Police) transforms a marginal urban condition into a work of architecture that exudes both composure and rigor, all while seamlessly incorporating a diverse range of spaces and establishing connections with the urban fabric and distinctive elements of the city of Bologna.

 

Contextual Design

The project is situated within a complex context: an area on the edges of the city enclosed by urban partitions and characterized by a series of heterogeneous spaces. To the north, the railway line and Bologna’s high-speed train station create a continuous boundary of partitions and infrastructures. To the south, there’s the dynamic area of the DumBO Social Center and to the east, the building is bordered by Via Tanari street. As a result, the design delves into the concept of the “boundary”, which is envisioned as a transformative “third space”, fostering the emergence of interactive and innovative architectural dynamics as well as interprets this marginal urban condition as an opportunity for connection and regeneration within the district.

 

Design Approach

The new structure, perpendicular to Via Tanari and seamlessly integrated with the original core of the Bertarini barracks, functions as a compact element with a bespoke elevation. A series of terraces are designed as outdoor extensions to the program. These elevated gardens, gradually descending along the five floors, are conceived as spaces that not only enhance the environmental quality of the office spaces but also establish a visual connection with the urban landscape.

Despite being part of a military complex and, therefore, a confined and protected area, the new office building strategically establishes a series of connections with the urban context. More specifically, on the southern facade an elevated footbridge is designed to connect the new offices to the existing spaces of the Bertarini barracks. Towards the west, the new architecture rises in front of the partition separating the barracks area from the temporary urban regeneration space DumBO, housed in the former railway freight yard. This creates an additional opportunity for visual interaction between the military complex and the social life of the city.

 

Façade Design

The facades are composed by a series of panels that result in a modular pattern featuring the dominant red tones found in the material textures of Bologna. The relationship between the facades and their environment enhances the overarching theme of order and transformation within the architectural composition.

In this regard, various vantage points, contribute to a visual progression that unfolds both horizontally and vertically. The true element that disrupts and simultaneously reconfigures the internal spaces is the long staircase, which unfolds linearly along the entire length of the building and guides the movement as well as the gaze of the visitors.

Fluid Movement

This high-end residential development is adjacent to the famous golf course, in Glyfada. The articulate form with the playful geometries of the street-facing façade, derives from the interpretation of local planning regulations, creating a wireframe that engulfs the volume of the building.

 

Architectural Language

Curvilinear balconies with alternate directionality, create a lively, fashion-forward rhythm on the façade. This rhythm spreads around the side façades, incorporating the architectural extrusions of the building onto the same design language, providing a sense of movement. The architectural language of the balconies re-emerges on the exterior walls.

 

Façade Design

The corner towards the golf course, interpreted as curved glazing, serves as a nod to the landmark of the neighborhood. The sense of movement is kept throughout the design. The double-height living area of the penthouse apartment intensifies this perception, briefly interrupted by a fly-bridge connecting the mezzanine to the balcony.

 

Interior Layout

The feeling of openness on the ground floor is achieved by a double-height interior, connected to the adjacent private garden. On the interior, vertical louvers are used as a functional shading device that highlights the vertical geometry. The overall sense of elegance is enhanced by custom-made space dividers and furniture, with the combined use of materials such as wood and marble.

Urban presence

The new, modern office building, with its clean lines and strong urban presence, exudes a distinct identity. Designed in an L-shape, it opens onto a square, offering a captivating view of a neighboring olive grove, while the structure itself, with its dynamic architectural projections, sharp angles, and soft curves, appears to float. It stands as a model of sustainable development, having the highest (A+) energy rating and obtaining a LEED Platinum certification in the Core and Shell category.

 

Design Philosophy

The project spans 13,857m², with 6,682m² dedicated to the upper structure, comprising seven floors in total: two basement levels, a ground floor with a shop, lobby, and office space, and four office floors, two of which offer direct access to green roofs. The site posed a unique challenge due to its triangular shape and the presence of an independent three-story building at its center, having a resulting Π-shaped area as the final layout of the plot. This configuration allowed for the creation of a garden and a generous semi-circular diagonal opening that enhances circulation and highlights the entrance. Special attention is given to integrating greenery, with the garden serving as a space for relaxation and recreation, and the planted terrace acting as a “fifth facade.” The new L-shaped building wraps around the existing three-story structure on both sides, forming a lush garden square.

The two interior sides of the building are curved to “soften” its appearance, especially close to the independent three-story building that intervenes in the design. Horizontal architectural cantilevers are added on every floor, allowing for both shading and the placement of vertical louvers. A slightly curved geometry, with variations and alternations from floor to floor, emphasizes the corners to enhance the sense of movement and highlight the dynamic nature of the composition. With a focus on horizontal lines, the subtle curvature of the facades creates a continuous interplay of shadows.

 

 

Façade Design

The facade facing Fragokklisia Street is accentuated by alternating cantilevers, suggesting the building’s openness to the city through dramatic shadows and the deliberate utilization of its architectural form. The sense of “movement” is heightened by reflective surfaces, using a special reflective aluminum that visually “doubles” the height of the semi-open space. A dynamic light interplay is created by water features and the movement of people, while at the entrance and in the floor lobbies, boundaries become fluid and blurred. The facades are made of exposed white concrete and continuous glazing, featuring both mobile and fixed sections, along with high-performance energy-efficient, sound-reducing glass.

The south-east and south-west facades feature electrically operating vertical rotating blinds of varying widths, made from anodized perforated aluminum sheets. These blinds are automatically adjusted via the building’s BMS (Building Management System) to enhance visual comfort for occupants and reduce internal cooling loads. Differentiated by floor, the blinds highlight the sense of movement and add to the dynamic appearance of the facades. On the ground floor and part of the first floor, an “air base” is created—a secondary layer of anodized perforated aluminum positioned away from the glazing, offering both views and a sense of privacy for the interior spaces.

 

 

Sustainability & Lighting Strategies

All workspaces benefit from natural light and ventilation. Planted windows on the 1st and 4th floors provide opportunities for spontaneous breaks and interaction among employees. The air conditioning system uses a VRV Heat Recovery system, enabling simultaneous heating and cooling. To meet ventilation and air quality standards, separate A+ class water-based air conditioning units have been installed for each floor section.

To promote the efficient use of water as well as its conservation, rainwater is collected in a tank to meet the irrigation needs of planted areas, supplemented by groundwater. A portion of the building’s electricity consumption is offset by a self-generation system, by installing photovoltaic panels on the roof that have a total capacity of 42KW.

The lighting design of the Element Office Buildings in Maroussi is conceived as an integral component of the architectural strategy, supporting both the workplace environment and the building’s contemporary identity within the urban fabric. Specifically, artificial lighting follows a restrained and highly integrated system of linear and recessed luminaires that emphasize clarity and spatial continuity. Even, glare-free illumination supports focused work while maintaining a calm and balanced atmosphere throughout the office interiors and shared spaces. At night, subtle exterior lighting accentuates the geometry of the façades and the transparency of the glazed surfaces, allowing the building to appear as a softly illuminated volume that contributes to the contemporary character of the business district.

 

Open facade

The architectural office is situated within a shopping centre in the heart of Voula, which houses both shops as well as offices.

 

Design Philosophy

The project aims to showcase the philosophy of Alpha/Sigma Architects while creating a functional and inviting workspace for both employees and clients. The design was shaped by questions such as what defines the aesthetic of this architectural practice, its construction methods, and its overall professional direction.

 

Materials & Lighting

Functionality is integrated with the office’s brand color palette, while a focus on materiality, transparency, and the use of artificial lighting creates a space that supports the architects’ daily activities. Brightly colored wallpapers and tiles are strategically placed, providing contrast against surfaces painted in white tones. Finally, the space is significantly upgraded in energy efficiency through an extensive renovation.

 

Spatial Organization

The floor plan is organized into zones that offer varying levels of privacy and transparency. The main work areas and meeting room connect directly to the exterior through a large, glazed façade, promoting openness to the city. The workstations are functional and tailored to meet the specific needs of the office, providing a visually “quiet” atmosphere while ensuring ample storage space. Transparent and translucent elements separate the workstations from the meeting area, which is adjacent to the material library. Finally, all utility rooms are situated at the back of the office and can be fully isolated when needed.

Ground reflections

The aim of the project is to craft a design concept that emerges from an extensive understanding of the site as well as creating a series of spaces that provide privacy and sensory experiences throughout the residence.

 

Functional Organisation

Programmatically, the spaces are arranged in regard to how “open” and “public” their functions are. A main circulation axis is established, creating multiple solids and voids that offer views to the north garden. As a result, the residence is read as an interplay of dense volumes from the street that conceal any point of entry to its interior.

When crossing the main entrance, a central axis gradually leads to the house interior, eventually arriving in a large, open space that guides the visitor to the garden and provides views to the golf course beyond the immediate building. Moreover, a wooden staircase offers access to the first floor, where the bedrooms are located.

 

 

Landscape Design

A series of stone tiles loosely define a route amidst the sloping lawn in the garden, which is filled with different tree species as well as a shower, a hot tub and built-in planters. More specifically, the landscape is carefully crafted to allow for the greenery to “take over” the house. Additionally, water becomes a primary element in the design, since the structure is surrounded by a swimming pool as well as an array of smaller pools that playfully reflect natural light during the day.

 

Material Palette

The material palette is subtle and simple: all the wall finishes are made of chukum, a natural plaster from Mexico that adds character, crispness and texture to the architectural volumes. Furthermore, a set of carefully placed wooden screens contrast the solid exterior, while marble and wood are used throughout the interior surfaces.

 

Natural aesthetic

The vision behind the project is to lead the way in the building industry and show how “rethinking buildings” can help solve some of the global climate and health challenges. The concept is based on five key principles that aim to make homes that are healthy, adaptive, simple, shared over time, and scalable and become guidelines for both new constructions and established communities.

 

Sustainability Practices

The project is located in the Railway District in Copenhagen and demonstrates how to build homes with a CO2 footprint of 3.85 kg/CO2/m2/, and an overall cost that matches the market price for a one-family house or a small-scale rowhouse. Additionally, strong emphasis is placed on creating healthy indoor climate using daylight and fresh air. As a part of the project, a complete Life Cycle Assessment was carried out, thus carefully considering and evaluating each material, design and building technique in terms of the emissions they project compared to a typical Danish household.

 

Spatial Layout

The structure features a vernacular, contemporary form and is developed in two levels. The ground floor is designed in an open-plan layout that includes a living and dining area as well as a kitchen. A wooden staircase leads to the upper floor where the master bedroom is located. The house is placed on a public, wooden deck that offers ample space for walking and relaxation and is planted with low vegetation.

 

Materials & Furniture

The material selection is primarily based on sustainability and passive-house design principles. Light timber is used throughout the residence to clad the floors, walls and ceilings as well as the structure’s exterior. Large openings and skylights placed in the double-height space allow an abundance of natural light to enter the building, while a series of minimally designed furniture complete the cozy interior atmosphere.

Simple design

Overlooking the endless blue of the Aegean Sea, the new hospitality complex features three holiday homes and is located in the pristine location of Katodio, Karpathos.

 

Landscape Integration

The new hotel name evokes one of the island’s most intimate rituals: evening gatherings with family and friends. Situated in the rugged topography of Katodio, the three villas are designed in an amphitheatrical setting, becoming integrated with the natural landscape and offering panoramic sea views. By adhering to the traditional architectural scale of the site, the design incorporates open spaces between the structures, while ensuring each villa’s privacy.

Architectural Language

The architectural volumes are meticulously clad in dark and whitewashed surfaces to seamlessly blend into the natural landscape. Each villa features its own swimming pool with direct access from the living room, as well as a private courtyard enriched with aromatic herbs to enhance the authentic experience. Large openings merge the indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in nature during their stay.

The rustic charm of the island inspired the simple design of both the exterior and interior of the houses, while the wild, raw beauty of the landscape influenced the color palette, where earthy and stone tones playing a dominant role.

 

Materials & Textures

Modern contrasts throughout the design come together in a minimalist setting, featuring natural materials in shades of grey and ranging from black to white. Raw wood is used in furniture as well as an accent and, along with natural textures and fabrics, creates a balanced blend of traditional and contemporary elements. Nothing appears superfluous, with all components and materials operating in complete harmony.

Traditional typology

The vacation residence, situated on a rocky slope overlooking the Aegean Sea, draws its character from the traditional Cycladic settlements. It features minimalist, small volumes that are closely integrated into the hillside and oriented towards the stunning sea view.

 

Project Aim

The building, with a total area of 500m², is designed for a family of four seeking a modern residence that blends harmoniously with the architecture of Syros. The design features a distinctive presence in the landscape, using natural materials and neutral colors. The owners requested spacious interiors and ample accommodation for frequent guests. The proposal creates a cluster of low, rectangular volumes connected by a network of pathways, linking enclosed spaces with the roofs, gardens, and courtyards. The functions are arranged on different levels, taking full advantage of the steep slope of the site to provide unobstructed views from every angle.

 

 

Functional Organization

The main residence includes a master suite and a second bedroom, along with a freestanding, open-plan lounge room. Two guest rooms provide additional sleeping quarters and are connected to the main structure through shared utilities and strategically designed openings. The central courtyard acts as a plaza and serves as the “heart” of the residence, directing movement towards the infinity pool and outdoor seating area at the lowest point of the plot. This courtyard offers unobstructed views of the horizon. The underground level features a gym and yoga terrace, providing a private, tranquil environment.

 

 

Material Palette

The simple material palette of unpainted local stone, wood, and plaster, along with the scattered arrangement of the building volumes, gives the complex the appearance of having naturally emerged from the arid island landscape. The light, natural colors, terrazzo mosaic floors, traditional sunshades, and pergolas are complemented by a garden of native vegetation and a planted roof, enhancing the building’s seamless integration into the Syros environment. The ensemble exudes a sense of understated luxury, featuring large, spacious interiors and a wealth of meticulously crafted details and materials such as Olympus marble, travertine stone, reeds, and natural oak.

The architecture reflects the owners’ wish for a residence that evokes the feel of traditional Aegean settlements, offering a diverse array of spatial experiences and qualities. Leveraging the large size of the plot, the design seamlessly connects the interior and exterior spaces, creating visual narratives and oriented views throughout the property.

 

Geometric sculptures

The plot is located in Asprochomata, a promising residential area in the suburbs of Nicosia enclosed by fields of olive groves. The proposal explores a fundamental relationship between architecture and a response to its surroundings whilst also facilitating an essential design for the daily necessities of a modern family.

 

Architectural Volumes

The project is comprised of three individual structures; a single storey detached house, an external cooking and storage area as well as an outdoor shower for the swimming pool. The residence follows a rectangular shape of 23mx13m within which all living spaces are arranged. The interior layout is divided into two sections: a communal area and a private zone where the bedrooms are located. A central courtyard, situated at the heart of plot, leads to the outdoor spaces through large openings from the living room and kitchen, while framing views of the garden and the surrounding landscape and allowing an abundance of natural light to enter the space.

 

Material Selection

The architectural language encompasses simple forms, complimented by the project’s material palette. All structures on the plot are made of poured concrete, set in contrast to terrazzo floors that extend seamlessly throughout the building. Doors, storage cupboards, a bespoke kitchen unit and the bedroom flooring are made of oak wood, emanating a sense of warmth and tactility.

 

Landscape Design

The south facade overlooks the garden and swimming pool through three equal openings sheltered by external awnings. The garden is divided into three zones: low vegetation, tall trees and an array of impressive volumes constructed out of red pigment concrete -a material also used for the exterior paving, maintaining a visual consistency with the surrounding landscape. These structures are placed at optimal distance from the main building, serving as an abstract, spatial extension to the residence whilst also acting as sculptural forms within the garden.

Dialogue with the city

In the developing area of Makedonitissa, a new two-story residence that includes a basement and swimming pool introduces a modern design concept for urban living.

 

Design Morphology

The project aims to emphasize the dynamic interplay between privacy and transparency, providing an immersive residential experience. Situated on a plot of land with a steep uphill slope, the building turns the challenging topography into a design advantage. The façade is characterized by a tall, perforated wall that enhances privacy and security, facilitating a dialogue between public and private spaces and clearly defining the residence’s boundaries.

 

Spatial Configuration

On the ground floor, the interior layout provides rich visual experiences and seamless connections to the outdoor areas. A spacious atrium, located at the heart of the residence, serves as a central axis that functionally and visually connects the staircase, living area, and dining spaces. This design fosters a sense of openness and brightness, promoting social interaction and visual continuity with the surrounding environment. The infinity pool, positioned near the perforated wall, introduces an impressive aesthetic dimension and creates an atmosphere of tranquility and relaxation, establishing unique views that enrich the residents’ experience. On the first floor, three en-suite bedrooms are strategically positioned to maximize the plot’s uphill slope, providing panoramic views of the city. The integration of these spaces into the natural topography achieves an impressive and functional configuration.

 

Material Selection

The residence’s materiality is based on earthy tones and high-quality textures: white oak, marble patterns and concrete become the dominant textures, combining modern aesthetics with warmth and elegance and creating an intimate and harmonious environment that compliments the urban fabric.

Reverse trajectories

The 370m2 residence’s architectural form follows two existing walls with reverse trajectories, with the aim to guide the user into a dynamic pre-entry space that acts as a threshold between the interior and exterior.

 

Circulation Space

The design intention is to create an experiential circulation route throughout the building. Large window openings and thin dividers lead from the courtyard to the entrance, while a water feature compliments this slow sense of transition and establishes a connection with the pool and hillside view. Angular volumes and linear voids on the roof, subtly separate the open-plan spaces and allow natural light to enter the interior.

 

Spatial Organization

The communal spaces are organized around a fireplace, which acts as an element that conceals the existing structural columns. Each room is oriented towards a different section of the property: the kitchen faces a private garden to the east; the living room leads to the pool and an exterior lounge, and the master bedroom hovers over the garden. A sloped overhang provides shading, continues into the interior space and is interrupted by consecutive skylights creating beams of strong light in the living and dining space, while the kitchen, hallway and bedrooms are illuminated more subtly. The roof’s construction was one of the most challenging aspects of the design due to its size, shape and integration with the existing structure.

 

Material Palette

Parts of the façade are cladded with fiber cement panels in white color, to ensure that the residence complies to all the necessary fire regulations. In contrast, dark stone is used to clad the walls creating a sense of depth to the space and separating the vertical from the horizontal elements.

Austere aesthetics

The project aim is to create an open-plan arrangement that allows an abundance of natural light to enter the building, visually increasing the spaciousness of the apartment and establishing a sense of three-dimensionality.

 

Aesthetics & Functionality

Even though the spatial aesthetics feature an austere, minimal environment the apartment is very comfortable to live in and includes an array of amenities: hidden storage systems, kitchen appliances, cozy furniture as well as a covert utility room that can be accessed through a wardrobe. The concrete ceiling is preserved and complemented by a series of geometric objects also made from concrete. The initial intention was to use them as plant pots however, in order to maintain the bare aesthetic, the objects became “vessels of emptiness”, embodying the idea of a minimal, clean space.

 

Lighting & Materials

Spots placed on linear tracks fill the space with soft, diffused light, complimenting the natural lighting. The color tones are primarily monochrome, emanating a sense of calmness to the space. Shades of grey are slightly disrupted by neutral beige and white accents, while black is used for all lighting and utility fixtures within the apartment.

 

Minimal Design

The interior design is uncompromising and honest, fully reflecting the inner world and philosophy of the clients. It embodies a purity of form and function, devoid of any imitations or unnecessary decorations and instead, every element serves a purpose and contributes to a cohesive, authentic environment. This approach creates a space that is both meaningful and deeply personal to those who inhabit it.

Fluid routes

The studio is founded by a professional ballet dancer, Mariia Dreihaupt, who became a prominent inspirational figure during the project’s conceptual stage.

 

Design Philosophy

The interior layout was reconfigured to create a fluid, elegant space, by rounding up the sharp corners and using curtains as dividers. A central corridor leads to the changing rooms and showers, which are cladded with small mosaic tiles, drawing inspiration form public bathrooms with modernist aesthetics. At the heart of the studio, an open room is used to hosts yoga classes, accommodating up to 15 people. A flexible and discrete lighting system as well as large mirrors along the walls, create an “aethereal” and harmonious atmosphere.

 

Construction Initiatives

During construction, the primary aim was to source local materials as well as reuse existing ones found throughout the city, placing emphasis on the project’s environmental impact and sustainability. A series of custom furniture were carefully crafted, based on meticulously drawn blueprints and diagrams, such as a bespoke, curved sofa at the center of the reception as well as minimal wooden lockers, complimented by elaborate graphic key tags and numbers.

 

Materials & Textures

A 1970s Gobelin fabric, sourced second-hand from an old fabric manufacturer, became the material protagonist of the design. In parallel, heavyweight materials such as stone, sourced from a local warehouse, and concrete were used to construct a series of small tables as well as the reception furniture piece. Finally, the walls are painted in off-white tones and the floor is cladded with gray microcement, thus creating a minimal and soft aesthetic.

Sloping roof

The project’s aim is to create a small guesthouse and rental unit, replacing an old, abandoned garage, situated on a steep forest hill.

 

Design Morphology

The new Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is constructed by retaining the original footprint of the garage, while the overall design is inspired by the existing topography. More specifically, the roof mirrors the slope of the site and is comprised of a large clerestory window above the cabinetry wall that provides ambient natural light to the interior space. A smaller window, shaped by the roof’s playfully designed form, provides impressive views of the forest.

 

Fire Prevention Strategy

Cement boards are used to provide a fire-resistance cladding and reduce any additional maintenance requirements. A deck is added to the front of the ADU to create a large, inviting exterior space, thus allowing visitors to enjoy the mild California climate.

 

Layout Organization

The 38m2 guesthouse is carefully organized through flexible programming: a movable kitchen island maximizes working surfaces in both the interior and exterior, while a large murphy bed transforms the space into a bedroom. The loft is accessed through a wooden ladder that tucks into the wall. The bathroom is split into two smaller rooms: a wc and a separate shower cladded in forest-green tiles and isolated through a door that doubles as a full-size mirror.

Home aesthetic

The design direction of this pie bakery dine-in café follows the sense of a home-like aesthetic. It serves as a tribute to the co-founder’s residence, which was the original space in which the pies were made.

 

Façade Design

The façade was completely remodeled, seamlessly incorporating the existing nooks and openings to create a cohesive and inviting exterior. A distinctive feature is the creation of an exterior “pocket” next to the entrance, which adds a unique architectural element and enhances the welcoming atmosphere. This thoughtful design invites guests to step inside and experience a sense of warmth and hospitality.

 

Interior Layout

Inside, the space is organized into various seating zones: the living area provides a relaxed environment with comfortable sofas and armchairs, the dining area, with its elegant tables and chairs, caters to those who prefer a more formal setting for enjoying their pies and finally, the lounge area, featuring an array of bespoke and cozy furniture, offers a tranquil space for guests to unwind and savor their desserts in a more intimate setting.

 

Material Selection

The color palette uses off-white tones and soft textures completed with dark wood accents. Soft lighting, warm colors, and thoughtful decor elements turn every corner into an inviting and cozy space, suited for enjoying a gustatory experience.

Contrasting materialities

The Bella Gamma transport station, an iconic building constructed in 1910, is situated on the city’s waterfront at the junction of Othonos-Amalias and Gerokostopoulou streets. After 123 years, the building is renovated, retaining its original function, and serving as the new transport center for the Kaimakas company.

 

Exterior Shell

During the renovation, the neoclassical character of the building is preserved, with minimal interventions made to revive and highlight the original structure. The additional decorative and structural elements such as signage and other alterations visible on the facades of the building are removed. The distinctive metal canopy is retained and clad in glass, allowing plenty of natural light into the interior, while at the same time acting as a reference to the station’s original canopy. New signage is discreetly placed on both sides of the building, promoting the corporate identity without obscuring the building’s existing architecture.

 

Interior Organization

The spatial organization addresses the two primary needs of the company. The part that is directly associated with the main street is used for the main loading and unloading of large parcels. Consequently, the design focuses on the complete restoration of the primary structure, creating a purely functional space. Existing partitions and decorative elements are removed, exposing the space’s double height, while conserving the timber roof. An additional small loft is used for surveillance of the transportation process.

The second part of the building, accessed from Gerokostopoulou Street, is designed to accommodate the company’s additional services and utility rooms. This existing section was partially submerged into the ground, resulting in low ceilings and insufficient natural lighting. To address this, a large portion of the loft was removed, creating a double-height space enhanced by natural light entering from an existing skylight on the roof. The remaining part of the loft is planned as a break-out area, featuring a kitchen and dining space for employees.

 

Material Palette

The varied materiality of the project is a defining feature of the overall design. Specifically, the historical building is aesthetically divided into three distinct parts: a refined exterior shell, a “raw” interior section where past deterioration and original materials are preserved as well as a second part that is clean, contemporary, and uniformly colored in the tones of the company’s brand identity, clearly separating the two interiors.

Balancing materiality

The project aim is the renovation of a hair salon with over 60 years of history and roots from Alexandria, Egypt. The business was recently taken over by the third-generation owners, who wanted to modernize the space and infuse it with their own unique aesthetic touch.

 

Design Philosophy

The aim of the architectural design is to renew the commercial space, while maintaining the identity of the business and create a modern as well as familiar space. During construction, the existing curved false ceiling was simplified and retained, harmoniously becoming integrated with the minimal design of the new architectural solution.

 

Material Selection

Metallic inox elements and glass were replaced by warm wood tones, creating an intriguing contrast with the black metallic details. Additionally, the white walls provide an ideal background for highlighting the various hair products. Finally, the reception furniture is clad with green Tinos marble, adding a subtle luxury to the space and becoming a reference to the old “aristocratic” Athens.

 

Lighting Design

Particular emphasis was placed on the interior lighting, tailored to meet the demands of a professional hair salon, while at the same time creating a relaxing environment for the customers. Linear lighting fixtures and warm-coloured LED strips are chosen for the general lighting, while hidden LED strips are installed in the reception furniture as well as on the display shelves to highlight the array of products.

The beauty of imperfection

Located in the Bay of Korfos, on the western side of the island of Mykonos, the project is a new luxury hotel proposal focusing on authenticity and expressive simplicity.

 

Contemporary Minimalism

The design philosophy revolves around sleek, contemporary spaces interrupted by the juxtaposition of raw, unrefined materials in specific areas, offering a delightful contrast. Faithful to the concept of contemporary minimalism, colors, shapes, and textures avoid excess, leading to a balanced composition that exudes a sense of calm and serenity.

 

 

Space Planning

The hotel offers unobstructed views of the sea. The main building houses most public areas, including the reception, the lounge and the dining room, a small showroom and a bar, as well as the majority of the rooms. The more spacious rooms are strategically positioned along the building’s perimeter, while the diverse range of typologies offer varying spatial qualities and opportunities. Each room has a private outdoor area with an exclusive swimming pool or jacuzzi, depending on the level it is located. The wellness centre is situated on the second floor, separated from the other public areas.

 

 

Façade Design

The wooden façade wraps around the facilities and blends smoothly with the natural landscape. The restaurant and the communal swimming pool are nestled along the hillside, adjacent to the main building. Both the dining and the seating area face the surrounding landscape, enjoying views of the lush garden and the sea.

 

 

Natural Light

In the interior, a key element of the floor plan is the impressive atrium in the center of the building, which connects three different levels as well as organizes the various uses, creating an atmospheric play of light and shadow. The light emerges from organic-shaped holes in the ceiling and is reflected on a water surface on the ground floor, leaving an imprint along its path.

 

Contemporary urban character

The residence is located on a plot characterized by considerable elevation changes, which have been leveled through a series of green steps around the property. The entrance is positioned on the northwest side of the building, ensuring that the main façade remains unobstructed. This design allows the captivating views afforded by the plot’s location to be enjoyed throughout its interior space.

 

Spatial Organization

The building’s main volume is constructed on three levels above the ground. The living quarters are located on the ground floor, the bedrooms on the first floor and the office in the attic. Each space has access to its own terrace, offering a variety of openings and privacy.

 

Material Palette

The chosen material palette imbues the building with an urban and contemporary aesthetic, seamlessly blending the interior and exterior spaces. Stone and wood materials are used as cladding for the facades. Stone cladding is also used for the entrance and the staircase, which connects the house to the street, highlighting the focal axis leading to the interior space. A series of wood panels maximize the volumetric interplay on the first floor, framing the enclosed balcony of the master bedroom.

 

Integrating Boundaries

Significant emphasis was placed on integrating the interior with the exterior, particularly in the swimming pool area. A concrete pergola connects the entrance to the rest of the house and the pool area, creating a semi-outdoor space that acts as an extension to the living room. The long glass window on the ground floor maximizes the natural light entering the space, while offering unobstructed outdoor views. The pool areas are sheltered, filtering the bright light during the summer months, and offering privacy and relaxation throughout the day.

 

Minimal Aesthetic

The unified layout of the ground floor living and dining area is accentuated by the predominant use of white in both materials and furniture selection, creating a calm and comfortable interior atmosphere. Although the overall design maintains a minimal approach, a selection of walls situated in the living room and master bedroom are cladded with wood and marble, complementing the building’s pure, minimal aesthetic identity.