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.

 

Winner of the European Prize for Urban Public Space 2024 in General Category

The project embraces the memory of the site through its materiality. Specifically, rubble from the Second World War that has shaped the mound is transformed into concrete to create the park’s new structures.

 

Existing Condition

The Uprising Mound, which was as dumping ground for the rubble of the city during the Second World War, is located in one of Warsaw’s most central districts and a rapidly growing residential area. In the 1990s, a memorial was erected on the top of the mound with symbols of the Polish resistance movement, turning the site into a venue for annual commemorations.

 

Design Approach

Efforts focused mainly on adapting the mound to the needs of all users. Due to the complex terrain, this required the creation of footbridges and artificial gullies. With the help of concrete specialists, technology was used to make concrete from the rubble, applying modern circular economy criteria. The slopes of the resulting gullies resemble the geological layers of an anthropogenic mound. The project also included recreational features, with the design of numerous resting and walking areas, including a children’s playground.

 

Landscape Design

In terms of vegetation, a planting plan was developed in collaboration with a specialist in phytosociology. This was based on an analysis of the natural processes initiated by pioneering and invasive species, followed by a model for new ecosystems. As part of the education and outreach work, an outdoor exhibition on the reconstruction of Warsaw -and the new type of landscape it created- was set up in collaboration with a historian and a nature educator.

 

Urban Impact

The project has strengthened the local population’s sense of belonging, who now have a better understanding of its history and can appreciate the use of the rubble that formed the mound. In parallel, the design offered the city with a new green space that is resilient to climate change by employing an array of landscape management strategies and improving the access to the park.

White surfaces

The “Salt Color House” is located in front of the so-called Mira channel in Costa Nova do Prado, a unique landscape close to salt water, filled with ample vegetation.

 

Design Philosophy

The residence features the area’s “maritime nature”, becoming a home for the architect and his family and creating a space that is both functional and aesthetically compatible. The design intent was to create an intimate relationship between the interior and exterior. Consequently, an exterior patio creates a bridge with the south façade of the house, allowing ample natural light to enter the building.

 

Functional Layout

The interior is made of half floors and double-height spaces in order to minimize the risk of flooding in the basement as well as create a vertical dynamic throughout the residence. The living and dining areas are located on the upper floor, looking down to the estuary. Furthermore, the “social” space of the residence extends outside to the terrace on the roof. Finally, the bedroom and bathroom are located on the lower floors, in order to ensure a sufficient level of privacy.

 

Material Palette & Façade Design

The materials chosen for the construction were primarily ceramic tiles, wood, and aluminum. Shades of white dominate all the spaces, creating a light and airy atmosphere that carries through to the façade of the residence. Vertical, narrow panels painted in white are placed strategically across the exterior facades providing shading and creating a playful light interplay within the interior.

Curved displays

The newly renovated fashion headquarters stands as a testament to the transformative power of design. Guided by the enduring principles of Ancient Greek architecture, the project pushes the boundaries of typical fashion retail design, introducing a new architectural language to the Greek design landscape.

 

Architectural Approach

This design breathes new life into a previously utilitarian building with an unremarkable internal space of 1500m2 that spans across two levels. The existing labyrinth of rooms was demolished, retaining only the metal columns within the showrooms. The entryway serves as the starting point, with a collection of design elements including a striking curved concrete wall seamlessly integrating with a reception desk. This bold design choice defines the space, creating a captivating first impression of the brand identity. The fluid forms are the most striking design element of the space, where curves serve as a powerful visual language to evoke a sense of organic movement, subtly referencing the unique geometry and attention to detail necessary during the fashion design process. Moreover, they act as guides, defining pathways and distinct zones and encouraging visitors to navigate the space and discover different areas.

 

Functional Organisation

The brief called for an open-plan workspace with a layout that incorporates various functionalities between the floors. The ground floor embraces flowing lines, integrating several office areas with a welcoming lobby and kitchen. Soft curves subtly define two showrooms, offering a distinct space for product display. The first-floor houses additional office spaces and essential service areas. The open concept extends upwards through a thoughtfully designed staircase that visually unifies the space.

 

Material Palette

Continuous cement surfaces on walls and floors provide a uniform backdrop with less visual clutter allowing the carefully curated furniture to take centre stage. The colour palette throughout the project leans heavily on earthy tones, which complements the modern aesthetic and creates a sense of grounding and connection, respecting tradition whilst also embracing a modern approach. The metal columns remain exposed within the showrooms; this juxtaposition between raw and refined elements creates a dynamic tension, further enriching the visual narrative.

 

Lighting Design

Lighting plays a crucial role, where strategically placed lights illuminate specific areas, highlighting the captivating curves of the walls and drawing attention to the recurring elements. Track lighting and pendant lights illuminate theproducts effectively and become decorative ceiling elements, striking a perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics and resulting in a project that transcends the boundaries of conventional design.