Civic framework

In the early 2000s, ‘Paspoel,’ a neighbourhood in Tongeren, Belgium, was seen as a poorly designed and poorly maintained social housing area lacking a distinct identity. Residents felt isolated within their apartments, surrounded by an underutilized, park-like landscape that was unsafe. The development included 192 homes spread across three monolithic blocks that were nearing the end of their lifespan. Faced with the decision to demolish or renovate, the Flemish Ministry of Housing opted for demolition, aligning with our client’s goal to significantly enhance social equity and living conditions.

 

Site Challenges

Because the site held archaeological significance, development was restricted to the foundations of existing buildings and the adjacent basement parking. Despite these limitations, the proposal envisioned an pioneering reimagining: a collection of urban villas, terraces, and a revitalized public realm that would serve as a new civic framework for the community.

The design integrates residents’ natural movement across the site – from the northeast to the southwest – within a ‘grid-like’ spatial layout. This creates a series of interconnected ‘outdoor rooms’ that frame daily journeys and spontaneous interactions amongst neighbors. These outdoor spaces encourage community bonding, stewardship, and healthy living through areas designated for gathering, playing, and growing.

 

 

Functional Organization

The ground floors, framed by buildings ranging from three to eight stories, offer ample opportunities for social interaction. Terraces with front doors navigate the sloping terrain, while wide ‘galleries’ allow neighbors to connect while overlooking gardens. The broad entrances of the urban villas extend over public spaces, providing shelter, pathways, and seating. New community rooms at ground level serve as venues for meetings and local events. Landscaped areas cater to all ages, featuring basketball courts, formal play zones, community gardens, and sheltered lawns for informal recreation. Trees line key pathways, serving as shelters and defining three communal areas. A pedestrian street at the heart of the project, lively with front-door activity, supports outdoor pop-up events.

 

 

Construction Strategy

A crucial aspect of the project was ensuring residents could remain on site throughout the transformation. Due to limited buildable space, a complex phased construction plan was implemented over ten years. The basement parking permitted initial phases to be built between the old structures, facilitating a gradual process of demolition, construction, and resident relocation.

The “Caring Neighborhoods” initiative launched alongside construction fostered cooperation among residents, volunteers, associations, and professionals. Emphasizing livability and community involvement, this program brought services closer to residents.

 

Clear details

The primary intention of the project was to create a residence that offers protection without sacrificing a sense of openness -an environment in which spaces are revealed gradually, guiding the experience from the urban frontage toward a luminous inner world.

 

Design Philosophy

The architectural composition is organized through horizontal volumes that slide past one another, forming shaded seating areas and carefully calibrated openings. These elements express the project’s central idea: a dialogue between transparency and privacy. Toward the street, the building adopts a more introverted stance, allowing only selective views outward. Near the garden, however, the architecture becomes almost diaphanous, as large sliding surfaces open entire façades, integrating the exterior into the everyday life of the interior spaces. Materiality follows the same logic: clean horizontal lines, textured plaster finishes, and solid surfaces convey stability, while expansive glazing introduces lightness and permeability.

 

 

Spatial Organization

Within the interior prevails a strong sense of continuity. The ground floor functions as a unified social field where the living area, kitchen, and dining space flow seamlessly into one another. The dining area, conceived as a double-height space, forms the spatial core of the house. A large skylight above allows natural light to penetrate deep into the interior, creating an ever-changing atmosphere that accompanies the rhythm of the day. This luminous void acts as a vertical connector, giving the home the character of an internal “courtyard” that links the different levels.

The upper floor accommodates the private functions. The master bedroom is positioned on the most protected side of the plot and is complemented by generous auxiliary spaces. The remaining bedrooms are designed as flexible units, offering independence to family members, while the attic functions as a workspace.

 

 

Material Palette

The interior material palette remains calm and earthy: warm tones, soft textures, and refined detailing create an atmosphere of balance and serenity – an architecture grounded in restraint and light.

 

Quiet framework

The architecture is conceived as a quiet framework that intensifies the relationship between interior space and the natural environment. Rather than competing with the landscape, the building acts as a device that frames views, regulates light, and heightens awareness of external conditions, positioning the house as a precise and deliberate insertion between forest, sky, and terrain.

 

Context Integration

The project is located in a low-density residential area near the Pacific Ocean. The clients requested a residence defined by spatial clarity, privacy, and a close relationship to the surrounding landscape. The site occupies the edge of a residential zone and is characterized by dense vegetation and long-distance views toward the sea. A mandarin orchard extends along the southern slope, while a mature bamboo forest defines the western boundary. The gently sloping plot measures approximately 5,200 m², and the primary design challenge was the precise positioning of the house within this expansive and largely undeveloped landscape.

 

 

Functional Organization

The organizing element of the project is a 20-meter-long swimming pool, 5 meters wide and reaching a depth of 2.5 meters. The pool establishes the main axis of the composition and is aligned directly with the mandarin orchard. All primary spaces are arranged in relation to this linear element, allowing visual continuity across the site and positioning the pool as both a spatial and orientational device. The reflective surface of the water mediates between architecture and landscape and remains perceptible from all major interior spaces.

Access to the house is conceived as a compressed sequence. Entry occurs through a partially enclosed approach that leads to a low-lit gallery. From this transitional space, a set of wide, heavy doors opens into the main living area, where the full length of the pool and the orchard beyond are revealed. This sequence of compression and release, articulated through contrasts in ceiling height, scale, and light, draws from principles found in traditional Japanese architecture. These contrasts are subsequently resolved into a consistent structural grid with a uniform height of 3.5 meters, establishing a clear spatial rhythm across the interior.

 

 

Material Palette

The tearoom is located at the most secluded point of the plan. It is intentionally darker and more enclosed than the surrounding spaces and is oriented toward the adjacent bamboo forest. The room reinterprets elements of the traditional tea house – natural plaster finishes, bark-covered timber, and references to the work of Sen no Rikyū – a through a contemporary lens, emphasizing restraint, proportion, and material presence.

The program also includes a wine cellar, two guest bedrooms, and a fitness room, all integrated within the same structural and material logic. A restrained palette of materials and a high degree of detail control reinforce the minimalist character of the project.

 

 

Fluid fields of knowledge

The proposal is grounded in a natural philosophy that understands design as the shaping of a unified, flowing field of knowledge, memory, and collectivity. Drawing inspiration from the idea of a “cultural structure” – those enduring spatial relationships that render a place unique – the approach acknowledges the historic building as an active participant in the continuous flow and renewal of local tradition. The metaphor of “communicating vessels” articulates precisely this ambition: an open system in which knowledge, conceived as a fluid, is distributed evenly, bringing the past into a creative dialogue with the present and the future.

 

Design Philosophy

The proposal focuses on the coexistence of the old and the new, employing imitation as a tool for architectural dialogue. Here, imitation is not understood as the faithful replication of the past, but as a mechanism for identifying those immutable architectural elements which, through a process of abstraction, can be incorporated into the new expression of the Karradeios extension. New and existing elements are orchestrated within an architecture of balance, reciprocity, and evolution.

Spaces are conceived as an open and porous system, where knowledge is not confined to enclosed rooms but diffuses through corridors, passages, and outdoor areas, encouraging spontaneous encounters and exchanges.

The neoclassical building, an authentic example of the characteristic urban residences in Chios, with influences from Smyrna, is conceived as a space of reception and public presence. Its restoration follows the principles of integrated conservation, respecting its historical identity while redefining it as an active public space within the everyday life of the University of the Aegean. The new extension emerges as a continuation and evolution of this framework, shaping a space that functions as a medium for physical, social, and intellectual cultivation.

 

 

Functional Organization

The relationship between the two buildings is articulated through multiple strategies. They are connected by an internal ramp protected by a continuous glazed enclosure, as well as by a covered bridge (roof terrace) linking them at first-floor level. This configuration establishes functional continuity, allowing, for example, the student cafeteria to extend from the new building into the ground floor of the neoclassical structure (student lounge).

At the same time, the basement levels form a unified core of service and auxiliary spaces. The structural logic of the proposal further reinforces continuity: the lounge in the neoclassical building directly connects to the dining hall in the new extension, while the office spaces on the second floor of both buildings are linked via the existing veranda and its extension. Uses are mutually reinforced, forming a single, integrated functional ensemble.

With its monolithic form, the extension respects the polyphony of the urban environment while simultaneously establishing a relationship of morphological continuity with the neoclassical building through the abstract reinterpretation of its fundamental geometric and proportional principles. This continuity is traced in the deep, non-linear spatial relationships of the historic structure and in its morphological logic, which narrates a specific way of life.

Finally, the geometric system of nine squares that defines the plan of the existing building is employed as a compositional tool for the new extension, expanded and rotated to generate new geometries. Morphological elements such as verandas and semi-outdoor spaces reappear in an abstracted form. The new building’s double pitched roof, beyond reducing the perceived mass of the façade, draws upon morphological tradition and establishes a contemporary landmark connected to history.

Restoration Strategy & Materials

While the neoclassical building is restored with respect for its original materiality (wooden linings, wall paintings, fireplace), the material language of the extension draws inspiration from local tradition without replicating it. The main façade is clad with locally produced ceramic tiles, referencing the ceramic construction tradition of Chios. The flooring of the new building is conceived as a mosaic composed of aggregates and ceramic fragments sourced from demolished elements on the site and from the old building itself, symbolically embedding the memory of the past within the new and materially enacting the concept of “communicating vessels.”

Large openings – particularly on the southern façade of the extension and along the glazed connecting volume – ensure visual continuity between the buildings and the garden. The outdoor space functions as the unifying connective tissue of the complex, embodying the core natural philosophy as a means of cultivating community and place. Specifically, it preserves the maximum possible percentage of greenery, decisively shaping the form of the new extension, and reactivates water elements (well, historic cistern, stream) as a triple aquatic trace that improves the microclimate and reintroduces the memory of the site.

 

Multilayered structure

The residential complex is comprised of eleven units organized around a system of nested spatial layers. At its core lies the “Void Core,” acting as a conduit for light and air. This central element is surrounded by the primary living “Space,” which is further wrapped by the “Buffer” – a zone formed by circulation corridors, staircases, and storage. Enclosing the system is the “Case,” the outer shell that defines and protects the living areas.

 

Context Integration

The site is located adjacent to a railway line within a densely built residential neighborhood. As a result, the design addresses the need for enhanced privacy and noise mitigation, while ensuring ample daylight and natural ventilation. In contrast to conventional rental housing – often characterized by repetitive, standardized layouts that overlook site-specific conditions – this project promotes spatial individuality, aesthetic diversity, and adaptability to context.

 

 

Functional Layout

The primary living areas, including the living, dining, and kitchen spaces as well as the bedrooms, are enveloped by the “Buffer.” This intermediate layer, composed of corridors, staircases, and storage zones, mediates between private interiors and external conditions. In select units, the living spaces extend outward, establishing subtle visual and spatial connections with the surrounding environment. Bathrooms are strategically positioned between adjacent units, forming an additional layer of acoustic and visual separation that enhances privacy.

At the center of the building, the “Void Core” channels light and airflow deep into the complex, improving environmental performance while shaping the overall massing. By dividing the project into two volumes, a lane-like passage is created within the site, allowing even centrally located units – typically prone to enclosure – to maintain a relationship with the outdoors. This volumetric articulation, together with canopies that define the ground and upper levels, mitigates the perceived scale of the complex and ensures a more harmonious integration with the surrounding low-rise context.

Staircase Design

Rather than functioning solely as circulation elements, the staircases are conceived as spatial devices that modulate external influences, contributing to improved acoustic, luminous, and thermal comfort. In the maisonette units occupying the third floor, the staircases extend beyond their conventional linear role. They expand at intermediate points to form annex-like spaces that complement the main living areas. When viewed from the exterior, this strategy generates a distinctive articulation of projecting walls, lending visual lightness and dynamism to the overall volume.

 

An urban canteen

Tanpopo is the Japanese word for the dandelion plant and the title of a cult Japanese film from 1985 that follows the story of a young mother who is taught by a truck driver how to make the perfect bowl of ramen. It is also a distinctive space tucked away behind Klafthmonos Square, where Japanese food is served in a casual, canteen-like atmosphere that feels as if it is set directly on the sidewalk.

 

Design Philosophy

The design intent was to blur the boundaries between public and private space, bringing the act of cooking into constant interaction with passersby. Spatially, this idea is expressed through the placement of the food preparation area on the façade, at the core of the flow between the street and the interior. The peripherally open kitchen is housed within a metal solid that rises to a double height and is integrated into the space without relying on the existing structural elements, even allowing for the possibility of being relocated.

 

 

Spatial Organization

In this way, the kitchen functions as an independent universe with its own rhythm and rules. The unobstructed visibility of all food preparation processes enhances the sense of immediacy, while simultaneously transmitting the pulse of the kitchen to the visitors. Points of interaction and meeting between the two worlds – preparation and consumption – are formed by the food counters, where the chef serves the ramen directly to the guests.

 

 

Material Palette

The materials selected to dress the fast and ephemeral eat-and-go concept are raw in character, with metal taking a dominant role. Stainless steel surfaces in the kitchen interior combine with the prevailing grey tones and Aliveri marble details in the seating area, creating a sense of continuity. The variety of textures and the transition from the smoothness of stainless steel to the roughness of plastered walls and processed bush-hammered marble create tactile differentiation, while the color palette visually unifies the space, placing preparation and consumption in a constant negotiation of boundaries and differences.

The design is completed with wooden counters that evoke memories of traditional street canteens, making the atmosphere more familiar while enhancing functionality and circulation flow. The particular emphasis on the harmonious interplay of materials and structures aims to enrich the overall concept, highlighting the authenticity of the brand.

 

 

Rhythmic exchange

In an area of the city with a distinctly industrial character, near the Athens-Lamia National Road, an unfinished pre-existing structure was reconstructed with the aim of preserving its load-bearing system while simultaneously accommodating an expanded building program, including a larger surface area of office spaces.

 

Design Philosophy

A central condition for the design was the development of a new construction system that would not only adapt to the existing structure but also organize it, forming a unified architectural identity while responding to the bioclimatic requirements of a contemporary work environment. The new envelope, conceived as a thickened skin, either touches or stands slightly apart from the existing structure, thereby unifying enclosed spaces with outdoor areas, terraces, and balconies.

 

 

Spatial Organization

This envelope is fragmented into individual components that create, through a rhythmic alternation of solid and void, a system of shading and openings that moderates daylight and shading conditions within the interior. Alternating wall and window elements wrap around all levels of the building, bringing coherence to the previously independent and somewhat disparate volumes, and establishing a cohesive overall perception of the structure.

Sustainable Design

The architectural proposal, combining bioclimatic and functional upgrading with the redesign of the envelope and the reconfiguration of interior spaces, creates a comfortable and sustainable, human-centered environment. At the same time, it establishes a new, coherent, and recognizable identity that transforms the building into a point of reference within its urban context.

 

 

Sculptural imprint

The residence seeks to spatially capture the encounter between memory and oblivion, emerging from the lived experiences of its place, where the play of childhood years was transformed into a tangible architectural intention. It is a gesture rooted in light, air, the immaterial, and the silence of the Mediterranean hinterland.

 

Design Philosophy

The project is located in Kato Deftera, on the outskirts of Nicosia, in an area defined by a mild, dry Mediterranean microclimate and a landscape of low valleys and plains. Agricultural use of the land persists, engaging in a dialogue with the new residential fabric. The house does not intrude; it integrates, allowing the site to remain the protagonist.

The design process begins with the floor plan, which structures the logic of dwelling through a typologically compact, disciplined core. Two distinct single-storey volumes, placed in parallel, define an intermediate courtyard that becomes the spatial and experiential heart of the home.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The volumes accommodate the primary functions of the residence, while two “boundary walls” complete the inward-looking envelope, establishing conditions of protection and seclusion. The plan rejects unnecessary circulation areas, guiding movement through clear, intentional functional zones. Living centers around the courtyard: a solar, social, collective, and at the same time introspective space.

The house unfolds from the inside out, with the unbuilt perimeter zone acting as a natural buffer. Vegetation is planned to engage with the built form, offering organic integration into the landscape and softening the presence of the structure over time. Orientation follows bioclimatic principles: living spaces face south, opening to the courtyard; service spaces are arranged to the north, overlooking the plain and Mount Pentadaktylos. The first volume, oriented toward the street, forms the façade and filters contact with the public realm. It houses storage, an atelier, technical areas for the swimming pool, and an outdoor kitchen.

 

 

Materiality & Geometry

The residence does not seek to impress; it rejects material excess, superficial textures, and verbose geometries. Its architectural language is rooted in simplicity, spatial clarity, and the primacy of light. Set upon a modest plinth of exposed concrete, it becomes a sculptural invention, a gentle imprint within the landscape. A structure that listens and remembers.

 

Seaside hospitality

Overlooking the unspoiled beach of Agia Paraskevi, the project integrates harmoniously into the emerald waters, rugged landscapes, and unique flora of the area. Emerging from low vegetation, shaped rocks, and natural sand dunes, it offers a serene retreat in this untouched bay.

 

Design Philosophy

The design approach is based on the harmonious union of aesthetics and functionality, with respect for the natural environment and the character of the place. Each space has been carefully designed to provide comfort, flexibility, and a natural flow between the living area, kitchen, and bedrooms, enhancing the sense of freedom and tranquility. The design prioritizes the guest experience, creating conditions that allow both social interaction and privacy depending on individual needs. Spacious living areas, open kitchens, and well-organized bedrooms ensure fluidity and adaptability.

 

Custom Elements

Large glass surfaces take advantage of the views towards the Aegean, allowing natural light to flood the interiors and creating a strong sense of continuity between inside and out. Plants, natural decorative elements, and color palettes inspired by sand, rock, and wood strengthen the connection with the landscape.

 

Materials & Lighting

Materials such as exposed concrete, local stone, and warm wood combine with earthy tones and subtle textures, while a crafted patina adds depth and a sense of handmade detail. Lighting has been meticulously designed: concealed fixtures and ambient lamps create a warm, understated atmosphere that enhances the materials and textures of the space.

Every element of Cavo Ilya Villas reflects the philosophy of creating a place where serenity, elegance, and functionality coexist harmoniously, offering guests a distinctive experience of coastal living.

 

Strict geometries

Lucky No 5 is an espresso and aperitivo bar housed within a two-story building. Situated in the heart of the city, the project reimagines the urban bar as a space that breaks from convention, merging industrial rawness with a vivid pop sensibility. The result is an interior that feels both authentic and playful – a setting where everyday ritual meets expressive design. The concept sought to create a venue with a distinctly urban character, defined by strict lines, essential geometries, and an absence of decorative excess. The aesthetic draws from industrial influences infused with pop-inspired energy, resulting in a space that is direct, structured, and visually engaging.

 

Design Philosophy

Within the 38m² ground floor, the layout was carefully organized to accommodate the main bar, the product preparation zone, and a compact support area for production. The first floor, spanning 25m², houses the restroom and an additional open space. Located at the corner of a narrow urban arcade, the bar fully embraces its distinctive position. Large window frames and a continuous counter dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior, inviting guests to sit comfortably both inside and along the façade. This gesture transforms the small footprint into an open, fluid environment, extending the café-bar’s atmosphere into the public realm and creating a lively interaction between the sheltered arcade and the vibrant interior.

 

 

Spatial Organization

At the heart of the composition lies the bar, the social and visual nucleus of the space. Its green metal base and crisp, minimal surfaces convey strength and precision, while slender blue stools with circular seats introduce a light, playful rhythm. Behind the counter, open deep-blue shelving integrates functional elements – glasses, tools, ingredients – into the visual identity of the bar, blending utility and design.

Lighting defines the atmosphere and transitions of the space. Linear fixtures accentuate the exposed industrial ceiling, while spherical wall lamps soften the mood with a theatrical note. A violet LED strip behind the bar adds depth and a subtle club-like character, allowing the ambiance to evolve fluidly from daytime espresso bar to nighttime aperitivo lounge.

 

 

Branding & Materials

Light blue metal chairs and tables echo the cheerful tones of the interior, while a striped orange-and-blue awning lends the façade a recognizable, upbeat identity. Illuminated signage above the entrance and the violet glow emanating from within draw attention to the energy of the space. Upon entry, the eye is immediately caught by the bold three-dimensional signage on the mezzanine; more than a branding element, it serves as an architectural centerpiece and a defining visual landmark.

The material palette is guided by contrast. Exposed concrete and worn plaster reveal the building’s history, forming a raw, industrial backdrop that lets color and light take prominence. The terrazzo-style flooring introduces subtle texture and resilience, balancing the intensity of the surrounding hues. Together, these elements establish a dialogue between permanence and playfulness.

Green, blue, and orange dominate the space’s chromatic identity. These vibrant tones infuse the space with pop dynamism, while the neutral terrazzo flooring and raw architectural surfaces maintain visual balance. This interplay of opposites – industrial honesty and pop exuberance – shapes a bar that is more than a place for coffee or cocktails. It becomes a design experience: a microcosm where structure meets spontaneity, precision meets play, and urban authenticity finds expression in color and light.

 

Sequential experience

The project explores the relationship between architecture, craftsmanship, and the experiential dimension of space, moving beyond mere composition or addition. The design unfolds beneath a sequence of vaulted ceilings that define the atmosphere of each room while uniting them into a continuous whole. Instead of dividing the interior, these curved forms guide the gaze, extend perspectives, and introduce a sense of lightness and fluidity throughout the space.

 

Layout Organization

Central to the spatial concept is a piece of custom-designed fixed furniture, conceived as both a storage element and an architectural device. It traces a continuous path from the entrance through the living area and onward to the private quarters, establishing a seamless spatial narrative. This uninterrupted flow organizes the domestic landscape with clarity and coherence, allowing functions to transition naturally while maintaining visual and physical continuity.

 

 

Material Palette

The material selection emphasizes natural refinement and balance. Marble introduces depth and variation through its texture and veining, while its dialogue with warm wood tones and soft light generates subtle contrasts. These interactions enhance the character of each space, reinforcing its identity without overpowering the overall harmony of the interior.

 

 

Custom Structures

Craftsmanship permeates every aspect of the project. Meticulously executed joinery adds warmth and tactility, complementing the apartment’s precise geometries. Ornamentation is deliberately restrained, replaced instead by a disciplined language of proportion, clarity, and material authenticity. By aligning spatial rhythm with artisanal precision, the design achieves a luminous and coherent domestic environment – an apartment that embodies both the rigor of architectural design and the sensitivity of handcrafted creation.

 

Low profile

Located near the North Berwick coastline in Scotland, the residence engages directly with the surrounding environment. The low profile of the building ensures minimal visual impact, while its orientation captures optimal daylight and panoramic sea views. Outdoor spaces, including sheltered patios and the central courtyard, extend the living experience into the landscape. The project represents a contemporary interpretation of coastal domestic architecture – rooted in context, responsive to climate, and enduring in its simplicity.

 

Design Philosophy

The project explores the relationship between architecture, landscape, and the changing coastal environment. It was conceived as a low, courtyard-style residence that responds to the specific conditions of the site – its orientation, prevailing winds, and natural light. The design aims to provide shelter and openness simultaneously, offering framed views toward the sea while ensuring privacy and protection from the coastal climate.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The house is arranged around a central courtyard that forms the heart of the composition. This space acts as both a social and climatic core, mediating between the interior and exterior. Circulation occurs around the courtyard, linking the different wings of the residence and creating a rhythm of compression and expansion as one moves through the spaces. The organization of volumes promotes a dialogue between solid and void, light and shadow.

The plan divides the building into three main zones: living areas, private bedrooms, and service spaces. Each zone is connected visually and physically through glazed corridors that maintain transparency without sacrificing comfort. Open-plan living and dining areas extend toward terraces, allowing flexible use of space throughout the seasons. Finally, functional clarity is achieved through simple geometry and a coherent structural grid.

 

 

Material Palette & Sustainability

A refined palette of natural materials was selected to harmonize the building with its context. Natural timber, stone, and expansive glazing surfaces were combined to balance solidity and transparency. The tactile warmth of wood contrasts with the precision of metal details, while the stone base anchors the structure to the landscape. Sustainability was integral to the design, incorporating high-performance insulation, passive solar control, and locally sourced materials.

 

Spatial experiment

The project reflects Shanghai’s evolving urban culture. By creating a curated immersive environment, the café acts as both a neighborhood gathering place and a statement of global coffee culture. It connects the local context with international design trends, enriching the city’s cultural fabric.

 

Design Philosophy

The project was conceived as a commercial space that transcends traditional functions. Instead of a conventional café, it represents an immersive curatorial experience, where design, commerce, and community intertwine. The design emphasizes a new urban lifestyle -open, experimental, and centered around creative exchange.

The original building’s spacious design and rugged industrial features offered both challenges and opportunities for the project. Instead of using traditional walls, the design features low, wooden walls and modular display racks to create a space that feels both open and organized. The plant installations at the entrance and the creative exhibition square blend together, marking the start of the commercial transformation while also telling a cultural story. The space is designed to grow organically: the modular racks can be rearranged to update product displays, and the central area can be quickly changed into a conference or event space by moving the coffee cart and adjusting the seating. This flexibility is key to balancing the space’s function and aesthetic appeal.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The spatial concept blends circulation, display, and social interaction. Multiple levels of platforms and corridors connect seamlessly, allowing people to experience the café dynamically from different perspectives. The arrangement encourages movement, interaction, and exploration, making the space part café, part gallery, part social hub. Zones for coffee, exhibition, and creative workshops are integrated within a single cohesive narrative. Flexible furniture and modular installations allow the space to adapt to different events and activities. The functional design ensures both day-to-day café operation and the potential to host curated events or art showcases.

 

 

Material Palette & Sustainability

Natural textures like wood, stone, and metal are layered with experimental finishes. Contrasts of raw and refined materials reflect the blend of commerce and creativity. Lighting plays a key role, highlighting architectural gestures while shaping intimate atmospheres. Finally, the modular display systems and flexible plant arrangements make the space adaptable to seasonal changes, events, and the natural rhythms of the plants. This method goes beyond traditional design, giving the space the ability to adjust and stay lively. It’s sustainable not only because it uses natural elements to save energy, but because the design allows commercial activities to blend with the space’s natural flow.

 

Fluid integration

The residence has a built area of 300 m² on a 200 m² plot. The plan was designed for a social lifestyle, with fluid internal spaces and strong integration with nature.

 

Design Philosophy

Located on a street full of greenery in Jardim Paulistano, the residence represents well-planned contemporary architecture. The striking contrast between the floors defines the architectural aesthetic of the residence: while the ground floor is characterized by its transparency and spatial fluidity, the upper volume presents itself as a distinct monolithic block. This upper floor is surrounded by vertical Arkos slats that act as movable brises, concealing structural surfaces and modulating sunlight. This strategy goes beyond aesthetics, ensuring thermal balance, intimacy, and a unique identity.

 

 

Functional Layout

On the ground floor a large integrated social area unites kitchen and living room, opening to the garden through generous openings. Moving up on the first floor, two spacious suites ensure privacy and comfort. The penthouse is comprised of a versatile room and a sunny deck, offering views of treetops and becoming immersed in nature within the urban setting. Accessibility features include wide passageways and a lift, allowing long-term usability.

 

 

Material Palette & Vegetation

Durability and low maintenance guided the material choices. Specifically, porcelain tiles were used for the ground floor, while the exterior walls and floors were cladded with natural stone. Moreover, wood dominated the interior, used for the louvres, the panels and the joinery.

Lastly, the landscaping plays a central role. Tropical vegetation surrounds the house, creating privacy and a cozy atmosphere. A preserved pitangueira tree in the garage provides shade and respects natural heritage, while other species enhance integration with the urban landscape.

 

Unified space

The residence is organized around a single defining line: an 80-meter wall that stretches across the entire plot, from the entrance to the navigable canal. This element defines the structure, organizes the program, and unifies the project. More than a formal gesture, the wall is a strategy: structure, program, technical concealment, and architectural language.

 

Design Philosophy

The project was designed for a couple seeking to merge their countryside and beach lifestyles. The presence of the mountains and the canal guided the positioning, views, and flows. Standout features include the swimming pool with a helical ramp for accessibility and bathrooms with retractable roofs, demonstrating harmony between architecture, nature, and daily living in Angra dos Reis, Brazil.

 

 

Functional Layout

On one side of the wall are the technical areas: service spaces, functional circulation, and systems. On the other, the living experience unfolds through the pool, the lounge, and the outdoor areas. The architecture allows the space to open seamlessly towards the exterior with sliding doors that retract into the wall itself.

On the lower level, service and functional spaces are hidden behind the wall. Above, a suspended volume contains the private quarters, while the main living room occupies the void between. The layout prioritizes openness, seamless flow, and strong indoor-outdoor relationships.

 

 

Material Palette

The material palette is direct and expressive: exposed concrete, pressed bamboo, and Brazilian marble. Post-tensioned structure spans distances of up to 12.5m with cantilevers of 6.5m. Vernacular construction techniques were preserved, such as ribbed formwork, native wood supports, and precise, simple solutions.

 

Cycladic minimalism

Xylo is a carving gallery situated in one of Santorini’s villages, Megalochori, whose beauty and spirit still capture the essence of Cycladic culture. Xylo is the Greek word for “wood”.

 

Design Philosophy

The gallery is a paean to modern Cycladic minimalism, a place destined to express the essence of Xylo, communicate the craft of wood carving and showcase the artist’s creations. The project’s starting point was the naturalistic and simple beauty of Greek tradition. More specifically, our studio draw inspiration from Greek arts and crafts.

 

 

Custom elements

Metallic and wooden panels recreate, in a contemporary manner, details of traditional embroideries and are used as semi-transparent partitions or shelving systems to display the artist’s sculptures. Another key aspect is the meticulously preserved carpenter’s workbenches placed in the gallery.

 

 

Layout & Materials

The gallery’s layout is an open-plan space with display spots on each wall. A central display unit creates a discrete division while maintaining the openness of the space, thanks to its thin structure. The selected colors and materials, inspired by traditional Cycladic architecture, aim to highlight the gallery’s wooden sculptures. The final composition is a serene and subdued environment, acting as a cool white canvas for the exhibits.

 

 

Intermediate transparency

The two-story residence was designed for a four-member family, with the aim of creating a modern, minimal, and functional space that integrates harmoniously into the Mediterranean landscape. The composition is based on clean geometric volumes and horizontal lines, with a strong emphasis on transparency and continuity between interior and exterior spaces. The combination of white surfaces, wood, and metal creates an ensemble of understated elegance and tranquility.

 

Design Philosophy

The residence offers a contemporary way of living that focuses on functionality and continuous contact with the natural environment. The architectural approach combines simplicity with the quality of light and space, creating a residential whole that meets the family’s needs.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The ground floor is organized around a central living area, where the living room and dining room are directly connected to the large terraces and garden. The kitchen, in contact with the main space, is supported by utility areas and connects to a covered veranda that hosts an outdoor barbecue. The interior layout follows the logic of an open plan, allowing for visual continuity and the flow of natural light. On the upper floor, three bedrooms and their corresponding bathrooms ensure the necessary privacy for the family members.

 

 

Materials and Lighting

Inside, natural textures and earthy tones dominate. The wooden flooring, leather furniture, and metal details in the staircase highlight the minimalist aesthetic and convey a sense of warmth. The subtle integration of lighting enhances the simplicity of the form and accentuates the clarity of the lines.

 

Preserved materiality

Near the iconic Pôr-do-Sol Square in the Alto de Pinheiros neighborhood of São Paulo, a couple with two daughters and a dog acquired a beautiful house with vaulted roofs, originally designed by modern Brazilian architect Ennes Silveira Melo and completed in the 1970s. The project adopts an approach that respects the existing geometry and materiality of the house, preserving its original character while incorporating new elements.

 

Renovation Strategy

Besides the geometry of the roofs, the house featured exposed concrete structural elements that needed updating to meet the new family’s needs. The residence required a redistribution of the layout, as the split-level organization limited the integration of living spaces. With this challenge in mind, the main intervention was relocating the kitchen, previously small and hidden on the intermediate floor, to the lower floor, thus integrating it with the residence’s social areas, including the TV room, barbecue area, and garden.

 

 

Functional Layout

On the intermediate floor, which serves as the entry level, there is a generous living room organized into two distinct environments. The first dedicated especially to musical practice, while the second is more intimate, featuring a fireplace and designed as a library for the residents’ literary collection.

On the upper level, the office visually protected by the canopy of native trees. A generous restored wooden sideboard runs along the entire lateral facade, adding a touch of elegance and functionality. Despite the spacious areas and different levels, the layouts designed to bring coziness and integration, providing visual permeability that allows each social environment to seen from different points in the house. Finally, a linear balcony is created to connect the bedrooms and shade the living room on the lower floor.

 

 

Materials & Lighting

Key decorative elements are the rugs along with the carefully selected furniture, combining new pieces with items from the owners’ collection. The upholstery follows the earthy palette of the furniture, including sofas and armchairs in caramel brown fabric and leather. The existing materiality marked by the wooden floor and concrete railing carefully restored as well as all the windows and doors.

The natural light that enters the space through the glass facade reflected by the vaulted roof and white walls, maximizing the interior’s brightness. On the bedroom floor, the original layout, which included one suite, two bedrooms, and one bathroom, updated to three suites. Skylights were installed in the new bathrooms, taking advantage of the original architecture’s structural modulation. In parallel, indirect lighting fixtures such as wall sconces and linear lights illuminate the curved roof.

 

Urban refuge

Located in a heritage building from the early 20th century, this project serves as a bridge between past and present -an exceptional fusion of history and modernity. The restoration of the building, recognized as a historical landmark, was carried out with a focus on preserving its original architectural elements, rescuing details that tell stories of bygone eras and allowing its essence to remain alive.

 

Design Philosophy

In the heart of the city, this space has been transformed into a place where coffee is not only tasted but also experienced and lived. More than just a café, it is a tribute to tradition and contemporary culture, a meeting point where the aroma of freshly roasted beans blends with the rich history of the building and the warmth of its design. Conceived to breathe new life into the urban center and challenge the growing disconnect with these spaces, the studio designed a renovation that reinterprets the past without losing its authenticity, offering an atmosphere of introspection, connection, and discovery.

 

 

Functional Organization

The journey begins at the soul of the project: a coffee roaster that, beyond being a key element in production, stands as a symbol of the artisanal process that defines the character of the space. Adjacent to it, the experimentation lab serves as an alchemical stage where baristas and experts refine recipes and explore new ways to extract the essence of coffee. Finally, the experience culminates in the tasting area, a warm and immersive environment where visitors can savor the result of this meticulous process. These spaces intertwine seamlessly, allowing guests not only to enjoy a beverage but also to witness the journey each bean takes -from roasting to cup.

 

 

Restoration Strategy

Rather than imposing itself on its history, the design embraces the past, carefully restoring original elements such as wooden paneling and stone-carved frames. These details, combined with handcrafted contemporary furniture and materials like wood, metal, and textiles, create a harmonious dialogue between old and new. This intervention is not just about renovating a building but about redefining its meaning, integrating modern elements without losing its identity.

Beyond its aesthetic value, this transformation is a commitment to the revitalization of the urban core, encouraging the community to reclaim the space and fostering a stronger sense of connection. At a time when cities have prioritized mobility over livability, this project demonstrates that design can be a powerful tool to reconnect people with their surroundings. Here, among the aroma of freshly roasted coffee and the warmth of a thoughtfully restored space, visitors find a refuge where time slows down and history can be savored in every sip.

 

White cube

On the southern side of Mykonos, in the area of Kalafatis with a view of the sea and Tragonisi, this single-story residence of 200 m² stands out for its clean, square lines and sleek, minimalist volumes.

 

Design Philosophy

The design revolves around a captivating interplay of geometry between crisp, perforated white volumes, natural stone, and water surfaces. The master plan is composed of two U‑shaped elements -the building and the pool- which embrace one another, creating the impression that the residence is floating on water. The layout is divided into two sections: the living spaces and the bedrooms, separated by a central swimming pool. Upon entering through the double wooden door, one is met by a serene water feature with three concrete and granite “floating” steps that lead to the bedroom wing. The living area, located on the southern side, is framed by sliding glass doors that open to the pool. At the rear, a large sliding glass door connects the living area to a cactus‑planted courtyard, creating a seamless indoor‑outdoor space where the pool becomes an integral part of the experience -an intimate, sheltered, and idyllic heart of the home.

 

 

Functional Organization

The kitchen forms the eastern extension of the living area. Its design celebrates a harmonious mix of wood, granite, and steel, complemented by anthracite‑toned cement flooring and walls, as well as dark furnishings and lighting elements -a deliberate fusion of contemporary design with traditional Mykonian character. The three en‑suite bedrooms are located on the northern side, offering southern views of the sea and direct access to the pool via a long, narrow veranda. Geometric forms in crisp whites and deep anthracite separate the sleeping spaces from their open‑concept bathrooms. The master suite occupies the western end of the residence, featuring a private terrace shaded by a pergola. To the east, a staff room completes the layout.

 

 

Outdoor Amenities

The strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces was a fundamental priority for the design. The relatively flat site allows for expansive terraces aligned with the level of the house. To the east, extending from the kitchen, an outdoor dining area is complemented by a built‑in barbecue. To the west and south, extending from the living area, are spaces dedicated to relaxation and sunbathing -open‑air extensions of the interior, where comfort and tranquility are fully embraced.

 

Athenian reflections

In the heart of Athens’ commercial triangle, along the bustling pedestrian street of Ermou, a discreet arcade breaks through the continuous facades, gradually revealing Building No. 18. Its original spiral staircase leads to Apartment No. 9.

 

Design Philosophy

This project involves the renovation of a narrow, 36m² shell, designed to accommodate a hotel-style studio. The goal was to maintain a strong connection with the identity of the past, expressed through subtle reflections of Athenian charm. A single yet striking opening in the space prompted a unified layout, allowing natural light to reach the full depth of the interior. Invisible boundaries help define zones for primary and secondary functions.

 

 

Functional Layout

At the core of the design is a marble volume, placed transversely along the long axis of the apartment, dividing the space into two asymmetrical parts. This creates a sequence of transitions- from the smaller section to the larger -enhancing the gradual unveiling of the main living area. Toward the rear, a vestibule conceals auxiliary functions such as the WC, storage, and a compact resting nook.

Within this white canvas, a marble frame outlines a passage that cuts through the volume, drawing the eye toward the city beyond. The ceiling height lowers here, reinforcing the sensation of spatial transition. The impression of a carved-out cave is intensified by the rich materiality: the space is entirely clad in a matte-finished, reddish Greek marble, whose natural texture comes to life at the touch, evoking intimacy, grounding, and a quiet sense of luxury. Behind ribbed glass partitions lies the shower area, subtly hidden from view.

A semicircular column emerges between these spaces, gently embracing a low piece of furniture. This curved geometry is mirrored on the opposite side of the corridor in the reflective surfaces of sliding closet doors, offering fragmented glimpses of the surrounding volumes. The ceiling height resumes, while the side walls host a metal pipe framework -an informal structure for arranging movable furniture and integrating fixed elements such as bedside tables and lighting.

 

 

Material Palette

The identity of the space is further defined by a stone floor made of brushed, fine-grained terrazzo tiles, rising up into a 60-centimeter baseboard. The unpolished marble, coarse stone, soft wooden surfaces, and metal details come together in a tactile composition of natural materials that shape the core experience of the interior. This sensibility extends to other elements as well: a handmade ceramic wall sconce and custom ceramic tableware were created specifically for the space, embracing a holistic design approach. The space culminates in a freestanding marble bathtub placed in front of the opening -an element that harmonizes with the living area to complete the experience.

 

Split-level

The project consists of the design of a two-story single-family house. The plot has a significant slope of approximately three meters between the street level and its midpoint. To address this challenge while also taking advantage of the site’s potential, a “split-level” system was adopted.

 

Context Integration

The façade facing the public road appears as a single-story volume, while the rear part of the house is developed across two distinct levels. Thus, the pedestrian and vehicular entrances are positioned at the street level, leading to an upper half-floor where the private areas are located, and to a lower half-floor designated for social areas, situated approximately at the existing ground level. Although this lower level is designated as floor -1, none of the living areas are underground, as the entire façade faces east, south, and west, ensuring natural light and ventilation. This solution takes advantage of the steep slope of the terrain, integrating the construction harmoniously into the existing topography.

 

 

Functional Layout

The programmatic organization of the project is structured into three distinct areas. Upon entering the house, there is a hall from which all residential spaces are distributed. On the same level as the entrance, there is also access to a covered garage with capacity for three vehicles, a technical area, and a guest room/home office with a private bathroom. The private areas include a master suite and two smaller suites, all equipped with bathrooms, walk-in closets, bedrooms, and balconies. The entire upper floor, including the garage doors, is clad in solid wood slats, providing a uniform look and creating a warmer, more welcoming atmosphere.

The lower floor is dedicated to all leisure areas, with direct access to the outdoors through large, glazed openings. On this floor are the living room, kitchen, laundry room, guest bathroom, and a small game room. The large openings create visual and functional continuity between the interior and exterior spaces, through two covered terraces that offer access to a garden and a swimming pool. The social areas were conceived as a single, continuous space, integrating the living room, dining room, and kitchen.

 

Material Palette

The transition between these areas is subtle, reinforced by the use of uniform materials, such as wood for the furniture and microcement for the flooring, promoting a sense of continuity and spaciousness. The transition between the living room and kitchen can be closed off using two wooden panels, allowing the level of openness and privacy to be adjusted as needed. The kitchen was also designed with a panel system that, when closed, conceals all the functional elements of the space -cabinets, countertops, appliances, and utensils- reinforcing the multifunctional character of the environment.

This residential project is characterized by a contemporary approach, integrating natural materials and architectural solutions that favor the blending of indoor and outdoor spaces. The house design emphasizes spaciousness and flow, providing a welcoming and functional atmosphere. The volumetric composition stands out for its interplay of materials, combining exposed concrete, wood, and stone, which give the construction a robust yet elegant character.

 

Industrial memory

In a quiet neighborhood of Pagrati, a 100m² ground-floor space is reimagined through thoughtful architectural intervention. With a rich history and diverse uses dating back to the 1970s -from a handmade fabric flower workshop, car repair garage, and photography studio to its current life as a boutique for clothing and jewelry- the space now embraces a new identity: contemporary, warm, and approachable.

 

Design Philosophy

The design bridges past and present by preserving and celebrating the materiality and layered history of the space. Rather than mimicking its former functions, it pays tribute to them. A two-tone treatment on the walls -beige at the base and a deep, warm burgundy above- softens the shell’s verticality and introduces a more human scale. This color palette also highlights the original mosaic flooring, which remains intact as a living memory within the space.

 

 

Materials & Custom Elements

Natural wood brings warmth and tactile richness, reinforcing a sense of friendliness and simplicity. Cement blocks, echoing an industrial aesthetic, are employed both structurally -such as in partition walls- and decoratively, forming tables and planters.

Custom-designed furnishings feature clean, minimal lines that allow the focus to remain on the products themselves. Jewelry display tables are inset with discreet vitrines that subtly frame each piece. Soft fabric curtains, used to conceal the old interior mezzanines, add a theatrical quality and enhance the visual clarity and continuity of the main space.

 

 

Spatial Layout

A key aspect of the redesign is the repositioning of the jewelry workshop. Once a hidden, utilitarian space, it is now an open, active feature within the store, inviting visitors to observe the creation process in real time -a direct link between craftsmanship and customer experience.

With an emphasis on detail and cohesion, the intervention avoids excess and honors the character of the original space. The renovation creates a quiet yet unmistakable transition -from past to present- transforming the venue into a contemporary landmark in the neighborhood.

 

Textural composition

Situated at the foot of Lycabettus Hill, between the neighborhoods of Exarchia and Kolonaki, the apartment is a typical example of 1970s Athenian architecture. The project involved the renovation of a 58m² flat to become the home of two young professionals working in the arts. Given their profession, love of art, and frequent travels, the residents have curated an eclectic collection of artworks, ceramics, and furniture. From the outset, it was clear that the apartment would need to accommodate a wide array of objects from around the world -elements that played a central role in the design process.

 

Design Philosophy

The goal was to compose a space infused with vivid color, varied textures, tactile materials, striking forms, and abundant natural light. The design aimed to reflect contemporary Greek architectural creativity while also embracing and thoughtfully incorporating elements of the country’s architectural heritage -many of which have only recently been rediscovered and appreciated. In alignment with the clients’ wishes, the design retained and restored key original features of the apartment, integrating them seamlessly into the new layout. These included brown marble floors, colorful mosaics, wooden parquet, and an original marble sink. Following the apartment’s layout reorganization, the amount of natural light entering the space was maximized, by removing interior longitudinal walls. This intervention allowed for the unification of the living room, dining area, kitchen, and hallway, resulting in an open, fluid, and interconnected plan. Crucial to organizing this open space was the design and placement of a series of custom-built elements that serve as focal points around which daily life unfolds.

 

 

Custom Structures

Upon entering the apartment, visitors encounter a striking white metal bookshelf that displays a selection of the residents’ favorite objects and artworks. This structure was placed where the old dividing wall once separated the hallway from the interior corridor. Merging this contemporary installation with the preserved brick wall became a defining moment for the spatial composition, both conceptually and technically.

During construction, a selected portion of the original wall was carefully preserved, and the new metal structure was built around it. Across from the entrance, a dedicated section of wall was intentionally left bare to host a painting -offering visitors an immediate artistic welcome into the space.

 

 

Material Palette & Lighting

Since cooking is an essential and cherished part of the residents’ daily routine, the kitchen was given particular emphasis, both functionally and spatially. At its center lies a custom-designed island clad in green tiles, placed between the kitchen and dining area. This element serves as the heart of the home and the focal point of daily activity. The island’s unique shape creates an inviting and efficient workspace, supporting a range of simultaneous activities, with the cooktop placed directly on its marble countertop. Around it, carefully crafted niches and handmade marble shelves provide storage and display for kitchen tools, cookbooks, ceramics, and personal items. Suspended above the island is a transparent white metal shelving structure, subtly defining the boundary between kitchen and dining space. Its open design creates an ever-changing interplay of light and shadow throughout the day.

The kitchen cabinets, made of light oak veneer, form a warm and textured backdrop to the cooking space. Their sculptural design wraps around a small window and a new transom installed to bring natural light into the previously dark bathroom located behind the kitchen. A second transom between the hallway and office brightens the entrance area and visually connects the front of the apartment to its full depth. Following these interventions, daylight now flows freely through the home -from the northeast-facing bedroom and office to the southwest-facing communal areas- enhancing the apartment’s sense of openness and continuity.

 

Alternating surfaces

The project is an all-day bar-restaurant located on Evia’s Lake, in Greece. Its interior design combines classic and contemporary elements praising the building ’s neoclassical character.

 

Functional Layout

The interior space has a central arrangement with the bar at the back, and large openings on the façade, maximizing the view towards the lake. The building ’s original form guided the distribution of table seats. Various seating types occurred, from linear banquettes and booths to a central sofa element and free-standing chairs accompanied by custom made marble top tables with wooden frames. The exterior seating arrangement combines fer forgé chairs, striped patterned sofa cushions and wooden tables.

 

Design Philosophy

The goal from the beginning was to create a welcoming and atmospheric space recalling moments from the past. The concept draws inspiration from the Art Deco era, which is attributed through an abstract and modern approach. A significant design aspect that brings us back to the ‘20s in popular European capitals, is the black and white marble mosaic flooring with the marble skirting. The well-known pattern merged with the brightness of white marble pieces reminds us of traditional Parisian bistros.

 

 

Materials & Furniture

Marble is also carefully placed on the floor of the bar area, creating an elegant separation between bar and dining hall. The elements made of wood, the bright hues of the walls and flooring along with the dark green touches of the sofa and ceiling, the brass details of the lighting fixtures and the colorful vitraux, form a fresh palette of contrasts. The space is characterized by continuous alterations between smooth and embossed surfaces, sharp and curved forms, solid and transparent elements. Natural plants are integrated in the central sofa volume to add an overall summer feeling to the interior.

 

Coherent integration

This project was born from a heartfelt desire: a young family with two children seeking a countryside retreat that could offer warmth, togetherness, and functionality. The starting point was an existing house, whose structure proved insufficient to accommodate an ambitious program that included five suites, a game room, gym, sauna, wine cellar, and gourmet area, among other spaces. The challenge lay in enhancing the original architecture while expanding it in a sensitive, coherent, and contemporary way.

 

Design Philosophy

The intervention was significant, involving both structural changes and a renewed connection with nature. Part of the original roof was preserved to honor the home’s architectural language, while new spaces were introduced through volumes constructed of glued laminated timber -a key feature of the new design. This material brought both structural lightness and aesthetic fluidity, reinforcing the visual and functional integration between areas such as the master suite, gym, and sauna, all linked by a pergola.

 

 

Functional Organization

The interior layout was completely reimagined to incorporate five suites. The once narrow hallway leading to the private quarters was enhanced with shed-style skylights, bringing in natural light and transforming a transitional space into one of quality and comfort. The former kitchen was redesigned around a central island and opened up to the living area, creating a hybrid space suitable for both intimate family meals and professional-level cooking. This flexibility extends to the adaptable partitions, which allow for both open-plan living and private moments.

A previously disproportionate mezzanine above the old living room was removed to make way for a new glued laminated timber volume housing a playful, versatile children’s suite. The fireplace, now a focal point, anchors a fluid living space organized around a custom-designed piece that combines concrete and fine joinery. This multifunctional element seamlessly accommodates dining, lounging, games, and wine storage, adapting to the needs of each setting.

 

 

Landscape Design & Materials

One of the project’s key features is the expanded terrace. A new structure with black-painted metal beams contrasts with wood and aluminum elements to create a sense of visual lightness and openness. The pool area flows into the interior through a continuous rustic granite floor, reinforcing the home’s seamless indoor-outdoor integration. The landscape design complements the architecture by connecting natural elements with built forms. It creates moments of visual respite, strengthens the bond between indoor and outdoor spaces, and reinforces the continuity of the architectural vision.

Material choices reflect a dialogue between rustic charm and contemporary design. Green hydraulic tiles in the bathrooms and black hexagonal flooring in the kitchen add character, while reclaimed wood brings warmth to bedrooms and corridors. Repurposed wood was also used for bathroom countertops, emphasizing the project’s sustainable ethos. A notable technical solution was the introduction of shed-style openings above narrow corridors, ensuring natural light and spatial quality in these often-overlooked areas. Throughout the home, bespoke carpentry -designed by the architectural studio and executed by a local craftsman- serves as a unifying thread, carefully tailoring each space.

 

Material lightness

This 209 m² apartment, located in the Bigorrilho neighborhood of Curitiba, Brazil, was thoughtfully renovated to suit the daily life of a couple and their daughter. The project was guided by a clear vision: to blend comfort, functionality, and a sense of lightness within a contemporary design that emphasizes fluid, well-planned spaces.

 

Design Philosophy

The key transformation involved integrating the social areas, combining the living and dining rooms into a single, spacious environment. This open layout fosters a welcoming atmosphere, ideal for shared family moments and entertaining. A cozy lounge with a fireplace offers a quiet retreat for the family, while the kitchen was reconfigured to be more functional and aligned with their daily routines. The couple’s bedroom was also redesigned with a focus on intelligent storage solutions and optimized spatial use, balancing aesthetics with practicality.

 

 

Lighting Design

A standout feature of the renovation is its carefully curated lighting design, aimed at highlighting the textures and finishes throughout the apartment while enabling a range of moods. A mix of recessed ceiling lights, continuous linear lighting, and targeted spot fixtures creates flexible lighting scenarios -perfect for both lively gatherings and relaxing evenings.

 

 

Material Palette

The project adopts a neutral color scheme, with shades of white, gray, and natural wood that reinforce a warm yet modern identity. Premium materials such as marble and custom millwork are strategically used to add sophistication and purpose to each space, ensuring a harmonious balance between elegance and everyday functionality.

 

Reflection upon deep waters

Milos Cove, a contemporary five-star inception resort, stands in serene seclusion, far from the lively rhythms of Cycladic island life. Nestled in the Agkali area on the northeastern edge of Milos, it rises above a site of great archaeological significance -Europe’s largest known prehistoric obsidian workshop. Its only true boundary is the vastness of the Aegean Sea, which it overlooks from the edge of a dramatic cliff, suspended high above sea level.

 

Landscape Integration

Here, below Milos’ volcanic rock formations -rich in texture and hue- the landscape speaks in silence yet resonates with a profound sense of mystery. Milos Cove does not seek to overshadow this grandeur but to embrace it fully, allowing the terrain to flow through its design. The resort unveils itself gradually, in a mythical, almost cinematic progression. A steep, rugged road winds between ancient stones that stand like timeless guardians, guiding visitors to a striking first glimpse of the structure framed from above.

 

 

Design Philosophy

Humbled by the majesty of its surroundings, the architecture seems to fold inward, as if shielding itself from the natural elements. Its design evokes the organic complexity of a Cycladic village: narrow alleys, external staircases, stone retaining walls. Openings of varying sizes offer shifting vistas. Pergolas provide shade; greenery softens the space, offering coolness and beauty. These distinctly Greek architectural features are interlaced into a balanced composition that responds to the bright, unyielding sun of the Aegean.

 

 

Material Palette

The color palette is earthy, echoing the tones of the natural environment. The materials -stone, marble, wood, water, dark glass, light, and shadow- speak the archetypal language of the island. They form a symbolic dialogue between the built and the natural world. Reflective surfaces -whether pools of water or expansive glass facades- create liminal spaces where light plays and boundaries dissolve, allowing the landscape and architecture to intermingle, blurring the line between the real and the imagined. In this one-of-a-kind setting, guests enjoy the comforts of a modern luxury resort while also being invited on an inward journey -a space to reflect, to be still, and to discover their own echoes in the deep waters below.

 

Multidimensional space

In Hangzhou, China’s e-commerce capital, live streaming fuels a vibrant urban culture where every late-night broadcast tells a story of creativity and resilience. Vision Entertainment, a leader in the live-streaming industry, continues to grow by embracing youthful energy and instant impact through innovative celebrity-led models and multidimensional industry integration.

 

Design Philosophy

As the company expanded, it sought an office space that would reflect its brand identity and resonate with its young, dynamic workforce. The new headquarters is a space that embodies the brand’s DNA and cultural spirit. With the average age of MCN live-streamers at just 22.9, Vision’s team prioritizes experience, flexibility, and authenticity. The design team, inspired by Gen Z’s values, created a space that merges life, work, and creativity. Vibrant color palettes ignite inspiration, while open, shared areas promote social interaction and collaboration.

 

 

Color Palette & Custom Furniture

Red dominates as a symbol of vitality and classic aesthetics. Color-themed atriums and a multi-level layout enhance spatial efficiency, combining green’s natural calm with red’s energetic punch to signal a bold, optimistic future. The headquarters is designed as a “youth community,” breaking traditional boundaries between office, studio, and social space. The space is filled with “gray zones” where creativity flows freely, and everyone becomes a part of Vision’s story. A striking orange “V” structure connects the interior and exterior, symbolizing ambition and boundless potential.

Bold ceiling colors and exposed structural elements energize the space, while movable furniture supports a non-traditional, adaptable working style. Inward-facing phone booths offer private moments within an otherwise open layout, balancing focus and collaboration. Meeting areas use soft yellow-green hues to foster comfort and openness, encouraging informal discussions and team spirit. The central atrium serves as a multifunctional hub, with green tones flowing from upper levels, while a lightweight staircase enhances openness and movement.

 

 

Functional Layout

On the second floor, modular “stair” stages, reflective ceilings, and a wall-sized LED screen create a seamless blend of performance, fashion, and digital art. A built-in runway allows the space to transform into a fashion show venue, reinforcing the brand’s avant-garde, trendsetting identity. Floating metallic spheres and shifting lights turn the space into a dreamlike cityscape -an homage to Vision Entertainment’s creative essence. The result is more than an office -it’s a living, evolving environment that supports freedom, expression, and innovation for the next generation of creators.

 

Sustainable Development

Eurohub’s Logistics Center, located in the Keratea Industrial Park, is one of the most advanced facilities in Southeastern Europe, classified as Z2. This state-of-the-art project boasts a zero environmental footprint, prioritizes safety, and offers exceptional conditions for both employees and visitors.

 

Design Philosophy

The facility spans an area of 16,904.93 m², with the building itself covering 14,185.92 m². The design and permitting process took 16 months, while the project was completed in just 11 months. The south-facing complex is spread across four levels and a basement, which contains a fire tank. The ground floor, which serves as the main section of the building, features the primary entrance, a visitor and staff foyer, changing rooms, waiting areas, and a loading and order deposit area. The design enables the loading process to be fully automated, eliminating direct contact between workers and drivers. This system not only saves time but, more importantly, enhances the safety of the workforce.

 

 

Technological Integration

Additionally, the Logistics Center utilizes advanced VNA (Very Narrow Aisle) technology, enabling the efficient placement, storage, and retrieval of the company’s pharmaceutical products. This system is integrated with a Personal Security System (PPS) and energy-saving features, optimizing storage density and maximizing available space.

 

 

Functional Layout

The first floor houses a second storage area, along with an outdoor semi-open break area for staff. The second and top floors are dedicated to office spaces for employees and administrative staff, along with the necessary support facilities. The building is fully accessible to people with disabilities. Furthermore, the facility features automation for energy consumption and maintains a zero environmental impact from the company’s operations, making it an exemplary model of sustainable development.

 

Modern locality

The Digital Innovation Center of Pfizer in Thessaloniki is the first of its kind globally. The concept is built around the idea of localism, using the city’s unique culture, distinctive features, dominant colors, and materials as inspiration. These elements are seamlessly integrated into a modern, interactive workspace that reflects the essence of Thessaloniki.

 

Design Philosophy

The 7,000m² campus, focused on developing innovative digital solutions, is organized into workstations, breakout areas, and collaboration zones. It also features a cafeteria, wellness center, and fitness rooms for all employees. The layout is designed to promote close proximity, fostering interaction and strengthening social connections. Around the perimeter of the main building, “working neighborhoods” have been established, with shared spaces strategically placed next to the offices to encourage teamwork.

 

 

Spatial Layout

The heart of the campus is the “Agora,” a large, flexible workspace featuring rooms of various sizes and shapes. These spaces are separated by sliding writing surfaces, eco-friendly cork boards, and acoustic felt panels. Designed with the principles of flexible architecture, the layout allows for quick modification and adaptation to the needs of different groups. Connecting the central space to the private meeting rooms is the “Arcade” –a corridor adorned with hanging acoustic panels, illuminated signs, and a floor that evokes the charm of cobbled alleys. This corridor links the northern and southern “neighborhoods.” The interior design draws heavily from the cultural identity of Thessaloniki, incorporating sustainable, local materials and bold graffiti art. This fusion of heritage, contemporary culture, and technology is evident from the entrance colonnades, known as “Meet & Greet.”

 

 

Material Palette & Furniture

Natural timber is paired with perforated, colored terracotta bricks, reminiscent of the red brick found in Thessaloniki’s architecture. These organic materials are contrasted with the project’s core element -technology- highlighted by digital images displayed in a suspended lightbox above the entrance gates. From here, visitors are guided to an amphitheatrical “Square,” with a capacity of 260 people, serving as the primary gathering and presentation space. Work cafés, designed to resemble traditional Greek cafés, and a large central kitchen create a collaborative environment for work and dining, emphasizing this aspect of Greek culture.

The importance of feeling “at home” is immediately evident in the choice of furnishings and the harmonious materials on the lower level, which houses a wellness center complete with a gym, workout rooms, and massage areas. In the open space of this level, game “corners” and a reading room are also incorporated. The project stands as a successful example of a modern, inclusive work environment that encourages people to meet, connect, co-create, and interact.

 

Diagonal markings

The office space, spanning 1,100 m², is located on the 7th floor of a newly built landmark on Syngrou Avenue. The narrow and elongated floor plan, combined with the intricately shaped main façade, served as the foundation for the architectural design. This layout accommodates closed offices, meeting rooms, and an open, free-flow zone, all tailored to meet the needs of over 100 employees, creating a modern and functional work environment.

 

Design Philosophy

From the early stages of the design, the goal was to break away from the uniformity and standardization often found in workplaces, while ensuring a comfortable environment through visual and acoustic comfort, privacy, and the use of natural light. To achieve this, the layout was designed perpendicular to the sloping main façade, tilting the floor plan to avoid non-functional areas within the enclosed offices and create an engaging complexity in the open space.

This diagonal layout formed the primary compositional axis, around which the administration area, with its large conference room, was positioned on one side, while the other side housed office rooms, two smaller meeting rooms, and the open space. The new axis is also reflected in the ceiling design and lighting, where the closed sections integrate with exposed electrical installations, designed as part of the overall composition. A hanging rail, which also follows the axis, is distinguished by its color and functions as the general lighting system.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The conference rooms, centrally located within the floor plan and adjacent to the reception area, are designed as transparent volumes that allow ample natural light. These rooms can be enclosed with electrically operated sound-absorbing curtains, ensuring both acoustic comfort and privacy. The administration offices are positioned in the most visually isolated section of the floor plan, while the other enclosed offices are placed along the perimeter facades, functioning as free-standing “boxes within a box.” This layout promotes the diffusion of workstations across the offices, creating “individual spatial experiences within the larger space.”

 

 

Materials & Sustainability

The interior architectural design encompassed the complete layout of both open and closed offices, coordination of other studies such as electrical, mechanical, and lighting, as well as the full design of the fixed furniture and selection of movable equipment. In alignment with the company’s philosophy and the LEED standard, the majority of materials used are certified recycled products that are fully recyclable, minimizing the energy footprint and setting a new design direction focused on sustainability.

 

Uninterrupted movement

The logistics center is situated on a 27,000-square-meter plot, strategically positioned near the National Highway, Attiki Odos, and the center of Athens. Its location ensures the seamless and efficient transportation of shipments via the port of Piraeus, Athens International Airport, and the national road network. The building’s external form is directly shaped by its function, allowing the various uses and transitions within the building to be clearly “read” from the outside.

 

Functional Layout

The urban planning parameters of the area allowed for the development of a ground-level sorting hub with a minimum area of 10,000 m². This space was designed to offer maximum flexibility for loading and unloading -a core operational requirement for the company- as well as a large underground parking facility. All primary operations have been consolidated into a single building.

With a total built area of 33,000 m², the facility is organized across three levels. The basement houses a spacious parking area with a capacity for 242 vehicles and infrastructure for electric vehicle charging, functioning as a fully integrated extension of the ground floor, where the main sorting center is located. Adjacent to the main entrance is the customer service area, where the company’s new corporate identity for its retail network was implemented for the first time. On the upper level, the building hosts administrative and staff offices, meeting and presentation rooms with a capacity of 250 people, as well as dining facilities for employees.

 

 

Design Philosophy

The project’s primary objective was to create a modern and highly functional sorting hub capable of meeting the company’s growing needs. The uninterrupted and efficient flow of goods within the facility was paramount, especially given the presence of large-scale sorting machinery and the high number of loading and unloading docks along the building’s perimeter. These requirements became the core around which the design process was structured. The facility follows a clear rectangular footprint of 120mx 82m. Within this framework, a system of conveyor belts distributes shipments to and from the perimeter docks. The innovative steel structural system enables reduced column dimensions, allowing for larger open spans, which enhance the building’s flexibility and operational efficiency.

 

 

Sustainability Approach & Lighting

Energy efficiency and environmental performance were key design drivers, resulting in a Net-Zero Energy Building certified in the A+ category. Photovoltaic panels with a capacity of 1MW have been installed on the building’s roof, significantly offsetting the annual electricity consumption. The building also allows for independent operation of each functional unit, optimizing energy consumption based on usage patterns. All machinery and equipment were selected based on their energy efficiency and performance.

Natural daylighting is maximized through the use of light tubes in all office areas and selected common spaces. High-efficiency LED lighting, controlled by occupancy and motion sensors, provides artificial illumination in common areas and the parking garage. In addition, a comprehensive monitoring system was installed to oversee critical energy consumption points, allowing for continuous optimization of the building’s energy performance.

During the construction phase, significant archaeological findings were uncovered. Two major artifacts have been preserved and are now on display within the basement, while, in collaboration with the archaeological service, additional methods are being explored to showcase smaller ceramic findings discovered on-site.

 

Multiplying space

“Humans are endowed with great versatility as a species, because we are adaptable to any kind of space.”

 

Design Philosophy

Designing for a specific client, always entails personalized approaches to functionality and taste. Talking with the owner of this 42m² apartment in Taiwan about his own desires and needs, made us feel that the space available was simply not enough.

 

 

Interior Layout

To accommodate the program, we made a site-specific classification of activities into “predictable”, “unpredictable” and “adaptable”. An example of space assigned to predictable activities is the kitchen and the dining table, which involve standard functions. Unpredictable activities are structured around leisure, such as watching TV, dining and having a conversation; those always involve active decision-making by the users.

Adaptable activities are the most interesting ones, considering their requirements for space: we lie down when sleeping, or sit when working and reading, but stand up when walking. Predicting the positions of a body in such a framework, provided the key to our design.

 

 

Custom Structures

This strategy was helpful but still inadequate, therefore we suggested multifunctional configurations: our design approach integrates different uses. For example, we combined the open kitchen with a rotating dining table: Besides working as a unit, they may function individually, to accommodate separate needs. So does the wall, that provides mobile storage to meet with the owner’s temporary usage needs.

 

Circular movement

The 400m² space is situated in an Athenian apartment building along a central pedestrian street. Its previous use was as office spaces, but the design and layout were not aligned with the character or functional needs of the law firm.

 

Spatial Organization

The layout is based on a single-storey apartment, with the main vertical circulation (staircase and lift) centrally located. At the rear, there is a secondary connection to the apartment building’s arcade. The new design accommodates at least 32 employees, distributed across group or private offices based on the needs of the work teams. A key design feature is the creation of a circular circulation path at the center of the floor plan, which separates support areas from the primary office spaces.

In section A of the floor plan, the previous curved walls and large reception area have been removed to allow for maximum natural light throughout the space. The reception area is now integrated into the central circulation layout as a sculptural element with curves, while also serving as a waiting area through carefully designed furniture and special structures. Along this side, the offices for the teams and their managers are arranged in a linear fashion, with an open space designated for the trainees at the core of the layout.

 

 

Custom Constructions

The new office divisions are primarily achieved through glass partitions, maximizing natural light while also fostering a sense of teamwork. In section B of the floor plan, more private offices are located, designed for greater isolation. A parallel internal corridor connects these offices, further separating them from section A. The spaces in between are efficiently utilized with custom-built libraries, both hidden and visible storage, printer rooms, lockers, and cloakrooms. At the junction of the two sections, a main office library with a reading area is created. On the opposite side, in section C, two hybrid meeting booth/rooms are designed to accommodate both team and client meetings, whether through calls or face-to-face discussions.

 

 

Materials & Lighting

The use of glass and custom constructions is designed to optimize the functionality of the space while ensuring aesthetic cohesion. At the end of this section, a dining area for employees is created. An elongated bench with built-in storage extends along one side, while a large central table dominates the space, encouraging interaction. Section D serves as the purely utilitarian zone, housing the kitchen, storage areas, bathrooms, and electromechanical spaces. The overall color palette consists of white and neutral tones, light woods, and black accents. Minimal, linear lighting elements are strategically used to accentuate the central circulation path.

 

 

Sense of unity

After a devastating fire completely destroyed KRITI TV, reconstruction and upgrades began, transforming the station with modern functionality and a bold new aesthetic.

 

Design Philosophy

The design aimed to fully accommodate employees’ needs while fostering collaboration, innovation, and productivity. At the same time, it sought to highlight the station’s identity by creatively and harmoniously integrating its unique features into the space. Every detail has been carefully considered to shape the experience of both visitors and employees, from the entrance to the work areas. The creation of a pleasant and functional environment enhances efficiency, uplifts morale, and strengthens a sense of unity and teamwork. This project marks a renaissance for KRITI TV, redefining its workspace and laying the foundation for a new era of production and communication.

 

 

Functional Organization

The building’s exterior captivates with its architectural grandeur and lush green entrance, offering a warm sense of hospitality from the very first approach. Inside, every space is thoughtfully designed to balance functionality and aesthetics, ensuring optimal support for the station’s team. Meeting rooms, relaxation areas, and workspaces are strategically arranged to foster collaboration, communication, and productivity while enhancing employee well-being.

 

 

Material Palette

The space embraces an industrial aesthetic, characterized by clean lines, metallic structures, and natural materials, creating a modern yet refined atmosphere. Earthy elements like wood and metal blend seamlessly with striking metalwork and a carefully curated color palette inspired by the local culture and environment. Custom-made wooden structures and furniture add warmth and sophistication, while the thoughtful lighting design enhances both functionality and the space’s inviting energy.

 

Double meaning

The project is a complete renovation of a first floor 25m2 apartment -a tiny flat trying to be bigger than it really is.

 

Project Aim

The proposed scheme has a clear intention: it is seen as a carefully arranged piece of furniture, made from the same material. Everything in this space has a dual function -the corridor is the kitchen; the backsplash is its storage, and the angled mirror is a window to the outside world. In parallel, the intervention happens in both plan and section, since the sleeping area is situated above the kitchen space, taking advantage of the space’s full height.

 

 

Spatial Strategies

The notion of comfort is challenged; elements that are expected to be found in a flat such as a washing machine are omitted to give way to a disproportionately large console in the living space, prioritizing leisure. At the same time, storage space is carefully planned and considered through a meticulous process of archiving, organizing and grouping the resident’s items in an orderly manner -a necessary task within small domestic spaces.

 

 

Lighting and Materials

The material pallet is carefully selected, opting for natural materials such as exposed concrete, small white tiling, stainless steel surfaces and wood for cupboards and furniture. A series of mirrors are situated in specific angles throughout the space in order to bounce off natural light as well as “open up” the small-scale apartment. The project is a study on comfort as well as an exercise that explores the question of what is truly necessary in order to “feel at home”.

 

Sculptural volumes

The project focuses on renovating a 1970s penthouse apartment in the bustling Kolonaki neighborhood. Retaining only the structural frame, the redesign transforms the floor plan to meet the modern needs of the city’s residents. The result is a series of serene, harmonious spaces enriched with earthy, contemporary design elements.

 

Existing Layout

The original floor plan featured a compartmentalized layout that divided the apartment into numerous small rooms, blocking the invaluable sunlight and the stunning views of Athens. It included a main entrance with a hallway, a closed-off kitchen, a maid’s room with a separate entrance, a dining room separated from the living room by double sliding doors, and bedrooms sharing a single bathroom. The interior was dominated by gold and blue wallpaper, complemented by extensive dark wood paneling, which further darkened the space.

 

Functional Organization

The renovation aimed to create a brighter, more open, and airy space, maximizing the abundant natural light while optimizing the views of the sea, the Acropolis, and Lycabettus Hill. The newly added structural and decorative elements subtly conceal the building’s skeleton and mechanical systems, drawing inspiration from the curved, sculptural forms of the Cycladic islands.

The redesigned spaces are defined by a seamless blend of organic architecture and geometric elements, with subtle touches of Art Deco. The new floor plan features a spacious open area to the east, overlooking Lycabettus Hill, which houses the entry hall, main living room, secondary living room with fireplace, bar, kitchen, and dining room. To the west, with views of the Acropolis, a minimalist hallway with hidden doors leads to the bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom.

 

Materials & Furniture

All furniture and fixtures are custom designed, seamlessly integrated into the architectural concept. The primary materials used include wood, glass, marble, metal, and cement. By blending earthy and industrial styles, a contemporary yet tranquil atmosphere has been created, offering a serene retreat within the vibrant urban fabric of Athens.

Communal living

More than just a housing project, Rubicon offers a vision for the future of high-density, low-rise living, by interweaving cycling, home-working, community spaces and landscapes. The project reimagines how people can live, work and connect with one another as a community of shared interests.

 

Project Aim

Rubicon introduces a new typology rooted in cycle-centred mobility, serving as a welcoming gateway and defining the urban edge of the 150-hectare Eddington master plan in northwest Cambridge. This net zero development, designed for the University of Cambridge and The Hill Group, redefines community living by merging warehouse loft-typologies with the collegiate court. Incorporating co-working spaces, sunlit courtyards and cycle-friendly apartments, the scheme acts as the urban threshold to the wetlands beyond.

The project sets the standard in sustainable living, using innovative, seamlessly integrated methods to minimize environmental impact. Key features include a development-wide rainwater harvesting system and underground waste management.

 

 

Design Philosophy

The development offers 186 homes over 0.74 hectares, 35% of which are dedicated to university and key-worker housing, in five tessellating S- and L-shaped buildings. Their distinctive architectural language, featuring glazed bricks, curved corners and undulating roofs, conveys permanence and versatility. Between the buildings, urban-facing courtyards connect with ones that look out over the landscape to ‘stitch’ these two contexts together. Drawing upon 19th century warehouse and mill typologies traditionally found bordering rural settings, Rubicon evokes a sense of historical continuity with its location, clearly defining the urban edge.

The ground floor is a catalyst for community, with semi-public co-working foyers in each block encouraging spontaneous exchanges among residents, including academics, professionals, university workers, students and retirees. These robust ‘third spaces’ create hubs of activity where residents host regular social gatherings.

 

 

Material Palette & Sustainability

A sculptural roofline that rises and falls softly unites the separate forms, echoing the Cambridgeshire landscape. The western edge of the site features a courtyard block inspired by Cambridge’s famed colleges. The glazed brick material palette of shimmering hues, from tranquil green and yellow to light blue, azure and silvery grey, gives each façade a unique identity. Deeply recessed south-facing balconies provide solar shading while offering unobstructed views.

Rubicon sets a new UK benchmark in residential sustainability as a zero-carbon operational energy development, achieving Code for Sustainable Homes (CfSH) Level 5, with 82% of the building’s operational energy generated on-site. A ‘fabric-first’ approach emphasizes low U-values and air permeability, complemented by a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) District Heating System and efficient Mechanical Heat Recovery Ventilation (MHVR) systems to minimize energy demand.

 

Sculptural roof

The project aim was to retain the existing footprint, while remodeling the envelope and the interior to create a flowing, open-plan arrangement and connecting the gardens and terraces to panoramic ocean views.

Functional Layout

The house consists of two main wings: the living and entertainment areas and the sleeping quarters. The top level has the most impressive sea views and includes an open-plan lounge and dining area flowing out onto a terrace through floor-to-ceiling glass doors. The lower level accommodates three guest bedrooms, staff quarters, a gym, a study, a games room, and another lounge that opens seamlessly onto the pool terrace. The main bedroom occupies the upper level of the second wing.

 

 

Roof & Staircase Design

A new cast in-situ concrete roof is added over the main living space, supported by a steel frame above a series of high-level windows. From the street, only a glimpse of the sculptural roof is visible beyond the entrance, whose design takes inspiration from the waves of the ocean and the mountains behind the house. Within the interior, the ceiling “pushes up” above clerestory windows to frame views of the surrounding context. These focal points enhance the residence’s connection to its beautiful natural setting as well as draw natural light into the interior. Similarly, the roof of the master bedroom in the adjacent wing has been peeled back and lifted upwards to capture the views. The upstairs living space has been transformed into a light, transparent, pavilion-like structure flooded with natural light and fresh air, that leads to a garden. Finally, perforated sliding metal screens on the façade shelter the interior spaces from direct sunlight, while a winding staircase connects the living, and bedroom wings and creates a sculptural architectural element at the entrance.

 

 

Material Palette

A restrained and consistent palette of natural materials has been applied throughout the residence, creating a tactile but neutral backdrop to enhance the colorful views of the landscape. Light oak paneling on ceilings, walls, and floors provides softness and warmth, while exposed concrete elements offer a gritty contrast, and finally, the local Cape granite resonates with the mountainside setting.

Industrial revival

The 160m² apartment, formerly a painting studio, now serves as a residence for a family of three. Located on the fourth floor of a building in the industrial zone of central Athens, the project was a significant transformation. The goal was to create a comfortable living space, involving the design of three bedrooms, a bathroom, generous storage solutions, and a unified communal area encompassing a kitchen, living room, dining space, and an office.

 

Layout Organization

The layout of the apartment was carefully planned to establish a central social hub. The communal area was strategically positioned, and at its core stands an open concrete fireplace. This fireplace serves as the heart of the residence, with the other functions thoughtfully arranged around it. Despite the spatial limitations, the design allows for a sense of free-flowing movement. The private spaces blend seamlessly with the communal areas, utilizing the available square footage efficiently, while ensuring there is enough room for both the kitchen and living area.

 

Custom Structures

The layout further facilitates the penetration of natural light through large openings, enhanced by the presence of industrial-style windows, creating intriguing plays of light and shadows. During the renovation, the existing infrastructure was removed, revealing the underlying structural framework. A distinctive feature of the space is the preserved mosaic floor, acting as a link to the apartment’s original purpose.

 

Materials & Furniture

In terms of materials, concrete and wood were the primary choices. The interior surfaces were thoughtfully clad with oak, which imparts a warm and inviting ambiance. In the kitchen area, ceramic tiles were employed, providing a contrast to the matte black surfaces, while adding an element of comfort. The children’s bedrooms were furnished with contrasting birch plywood, emphasizing clean, straightforward lines in their design. Despite the challenges posed by the layout, the project distinguishes itself through pronounced linearity and clean geometric forms, accentuated by the precise lines of the wooden structures incorporated into bookshelves and concealed storage spaces. The furniture selection adheres to a midcentury aesthetic, featuring vintage pieces that seamlessly complement the overall creative vision.

Tranquil environment

Located in the peaceful setting of Tinh An this 92m2 house celebrates the natural features of the land by incorporating a mature barringtonia asiatica (fish poison tree) as the central design element. Instead of removing the existing tree, the architects chose to preserve it and integrate it into the design. The result is a harmonious blend of nature and architecture, where the tree not only serves as the focal point of the residence but also demonstrates the project’s commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation.

 

Design Philosophy

The core philosophy of this house is to seamlessly integrate nature with architecture, creating a sustainable, harmonious, and serene living space. By placing the fish poison tree in the living room, the architects ensured that the tree would be the central feature of the house. Its branches extend upward through a rectangular opening in the concrete roof, creating an impressive visual connection between the living space and nature. In the heart of the house, an open courtyard garden sits between the communal area, the bathroom, and the two bedrooms, ensuring that each room receives natural light and fresh air.

 

Functional Layout

The single-story layout allows each room access to green space, ensuring continuous airflow. This intelligent arrangement creates a healthy, airy living environment that strengthens the connection with nature. Large glass doors provide clear views of the garden, with the greenery blending the line between the interior and the natural environment.

The façade, featuring an unfinished concrete block wall and recessed glass doors, provides privacy from the street while maintaining views from the inside. The combination of materials strikes a delicate balance between privacy and openness, ensuring that the house remains a private sanctuary while staying strongly connected to its surroundings.

 

Material Palette

Most of the walls are made from unfinished concrete blocks, providing a rough texture that complements the simplicity of the plants and landscape. The use of environmentally friendly, unburned concrete blocks keeps construction costs low, highlighting the rustic beauty and enhancing the tranquil atmosphere of the house. Reclaimed wood from local sources is used for much of the furniture to bring warmth to the interior, helping to create a modern yet tranquil atmosphere.

By opting for unfinished concrete blocks with sculptural and rustic aesthetic qualities, the design crafts a home that is both modern and blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The simplicity of the concrete blocks, coupled with the presence of trees, grounds the house in the natural environment, making it feel like a natural extension of the area rather than an outsider.

New correlations

The project involves the renovation of a 75m² apartment located in a typical inter-war building in Athens, featuring Art Deco elements. The existing layout and function of the space were preserved, with the new design tailored to meet the needs of the owner, who primarily resides abroad and uses the apartment intermittently.

 

Spatial Layout

The goal was to preserve the majority of the floor plan while maintaining the structural integrity and morphological features of the apartment. The design approach focused on redefining these characteristics. The apartment’s typical layout from the period divides the space into five distinct areas: the entrance hall, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living room. The compact, enclosed nature of these spaces and their boundaries remain largely intact, with one key alteration: the removal of a dividing wall between the entrance hall and kitchen. Previously isolated and closed off from the main view, these areas are now redefined, gaining new significance and better integration into the life and function of the apartment. This change creates new spatial and functional connections with the living room, while also allowing for a cohesive design of the interior views.

 

Custom structures

The solid wall is replaced by a central wooden structure, which is part of a broader design concept extending from the entrance to the bedroom. As a unifying element, the Greek walnut wood structure becomes the focal point of the floor plan, serving as the central reference of the home. It takes on a functional role, incorporating kitchen equipment, a work desk, and storage cabinets. The metal construction at the entrance, with its hidden storage spaces, library, and movable mirror panel, redefines the concept of boundaries. This transformation opens up the apartment, offering unexpected connections to the city from nearly every vantage point.

 

Material & Decorative Elements

A variety of materials, multifunctional elements, and dynamic features transform the once-static core of the apartment into a living, functional space. The ceilings, walls, and individual decorative elements from the period are unified by a consistent color scheme, enhancing the homogeneity and emphasizing the Art Deco characteristics of the dwelling, which seeks to blend diverse elements. The strategic interventions within the interior stand in contrast to the uniform monochrome environment, utilizing distinctive materials such as red Greek walnut and dark black metals. This creates a harmonious balance between the original structure and the new additions.

Interactive environment

Blending 1960s influences with retro-futuristic designs, the store is a modern space that emphasizes the drama and artistry of coffee brewing.

 

Spatial Layout

The entrance is located in the middle of the three façade openings, leading to an initial zone of linear table seating. The store interior features an open-plan layout, with the main bar centrally positioned and table seating arranged along the perimeter to frame the walls. A corridor extends to the restrooms and further to the staff and product preparation areas. The central bar, crafted from stainless steel to accentuate its futuristic aesthetic, incorporates an internal conveyor belt at shelf height. This innovation transforms the counter into a dynamic “carousel,” where the continuous movement and mechanical delivery of coffee add a theatrical dimension to the space.

 

Materials & Furniture

The furniture features sofas with wooden frames and leather seats, complemented by minimalist chairs and tables with metallic finishes. The building’s existing roof structure was preserved and fitted with custom-made fixtures, covering a total of 105m². These fixtures, manufactured in sections and suspended, highlight the space’s industrial aesthetic. Plaster elements with cast moldings adorn the walls, adding a refined touch. Meanwhile, materials such as wood, metal, and tiles with geometric patterns evoke a sense of nostalgia. Along the perimeter, 72 frames were installed, each telling a story through concepts and graphic depictions of the human relationship with coffee.

 

Brand Identity

Large velvety teal curtains seamlessly integrate with the surrounding materials and can occasionally obscure the shop’s operations from passers-by. Every element of the space -along with the corporate identity, printed materials, packaging, staff attire, and serving items- has been carefully chosen to perfectly capture and convey the intended sense of character.

Fabricated nature

This new destination hotel represents the next evolution in mountain architecture: familiar forms reimagined through a composition of precision-fabricated natural materials for a 21st century solution.

 

Project Aim

Located 1.5 hours northeast of Spokane and set within the Rockies of Northern Idaho at the nexus of two distinct ranges, the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountains, the location offers ready access to year-round recreation opportunities. Developing a masterplan for future development, including the hotel and support facilities, the design redefines the mountain experience. Leveraging the properties of mass timber construction -beauty, sustainability, and structural efficiency- the complex brings together tradition and innovative materials in a contemporary, future-forward expression.

 

 

Context Integration & Materials

The 31-unit, 60,200m2 hotel is a ski-in, ski-out hotel that provides on-slope accommodations as well as hospitality and support services to reframe Schweitzer as a year-round destination. Anchoring the Schweitzer village, the bar-shaped hotel takes advantage of the steep site by nestling into a notch cut into the slope, creating space for a covered parking garage. The hotel’s exterior is shaped by an exposed wood structure, board-formed concrete, metal panels, and large expanses of glass. Primary gathering spaces feature exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT), including ceiling planes and glulam beams and columns to evoke a familiar lodge-like aesthetic.

 

 

Interior Design & Layout

The lobby and welcome area are situated atop the below-ground parking area. Inside, the interiors take inspiration from classic ski equipment and fashion, including the bright ski suits of the late 20th century. Guest rooms are arranged over three floors offering views of nearby Lake Pend Oreille. Bracketing the hotel are two amenity areas, the Glass Room -the hotel’s family/living area and a place for guests to relax and play games- and on the opposite end of the building, the Crow’s Bench -the hotel’s signature 50-seat restaurant- where guests are able to make the most of après-ski or -bike, or take advantage of the adjacent 15-seat bar and lounge areas, which cozies up to a grand fireplace. Other amenities include an indoor retreat/co-working space, and a small fitness facility. A third floor outdoor terrace features an oversized hot tub affording views of the surrounding mountain landscape and Lake Pend Oreille below.

 

Modest simplicity

The wine bar and restaurant, tucked away in a dimly lit alley off Patission, preserves and enhances the quintessential elements of a traditional Athenian building. Its unique operation blends the characteristics of a Greek café, a French brasserie, and a Japanese jazz bar, offering a distinctive and multifaceted experience.

 

Design Philosophy

The choice to prepare traditional dishes exclusively in wood-burning stoves, the focus on natural wines, and the use of analog sound for the music have established a sense of unpretentious simplicity with minimal intervention. The structure is preserved, while the materials used in architectural modifications were deliberately left raw and unrefined. The view of the street, which is narrower compared to the spacious interior, was designed to surprise visitors. A heavy velvet curtain guides the transition, revealing the double-height ceiling and the full dimensions of the space beyond.

 

Functional Layout

On the right side of the space, a single 16-meter Z-shaped bar in matte stainless steel anchors the ground floor, seamlessly connecting the open kitchen with the bar area. Overhead, a 6-meter-long handmade black marble luminaire accentuates the linear design. At the center, the DJ booth highlights the pivotal role of music in the venue’s atmosphere. The mezzanine features a custom-made metal cabinet, spanning its full height, housing vinyl records, stereo speakers, and memorabilia -an homage to Japanese “jazz kissa” bars.

On the left, a large P-shaped sofa embodies the spirit of Greek sociability, flanked by marble dining tables paired with bistro chairs. Behind the sofa, mirrors and linear lighting fixtures create a dynamic interplay of reflections, enhancing the sense of space. The loft is dedicated to wine tasting, featuring a grand marble monastic table and a purpose-built cellar showcased behind a glass display. The basement accommodates storage and sanitary facilities, with walls clad in carefully arranged wood repurposed from the ovens, adding warmth and authenticity to the design.

 

Material Palette

The color palette draws inspiration from the stones of the existing mosaic, a hallmark of modern Athens, featuring shades of deep red, ochre, and green. Reflecting this, the vertical surface beneath the bar is crafted from ribbed concrete in a green tone, while the liquor cabinet combines smooth terracotta-colored concrete with dark metal accents.

In the sanitary areas, green dominates, maintaining harmony with the overall aesthetic. The building’s structural elements and partitions, made of concrete and stone, are left uncoated to preserve their raw texture. Scattered throughout the space, small travel souvenirs and ceramic works by Nikos Vallatos add unexpected charm and character. The result is a wine bar-restaurant that feels authentically Athenian in its materials and details yet carries stories from across the globe.

Reconciliation with the existing

The project entails transforming a 450m² former industrial space, including a patio, into an all-day bar and restaurant with a strong focus on sustainability.

 

Functional Layout

Visitors enter the interior through a heavy wooden door and a small vestibule, defined by a thick, dark curtain. Beyond the curtain lies the hall, featuring its signature elongated bar. This is followed by the open workshop and refrigeration room, offering a full view of the product preparation process.

 

Design Philosophy

The high-ceilinged space is divided into four sections, with a layout that promotes flow and seamlessly connects the interior to the exterior. Large metal openings frame views of the patio and garden, the two additional sections that enhance the design with a sense of natural harmony. The building’s architectural integrity was carefully preserved, with the existing shell thoughtfully incorporated into the design.

 

Materials & Decoration

The materials used highlight the space’s industrial character, with no unnecessary embellishments. The metal elements were left in their original form, while the masonry was finished with plaster. Existing features, such as a well and a marble fountain of old Athenian design, were seamlessly integrated into the new project, repurposed as a table and a support for the beer tap. Wooden furniture with metal bases was selected for the décor, complemented by custom wooden paneling at the back of the bar. The white freestanding façades were enhanced with houseplants, while linear and spot lighting were strategically chosen to subtly emphasize the space’s key features.

Bordering green

The project focuses on designing an all-day café within a 140m² corner shop located at a central point of the settlement, benefiting from views of tall deciduous trees on both sides, thus enhancing its ambiance.

 

Design Philosophy

The primary goal of the design is to create a seamless connection between the interior and the surrounding greenery by extending the visual lines outward to the natural environment and bringing “green” elements indoors. This approach aims to establish a “garden” that serves as a continuation of the urban vegetation.

 

Spatial Organization

The floor plan is centered around a large L-shaped bar that extends toward the corner near the openings. This design, combined with the installation of expansive glazed windows, maximizes the views, while seating is arranged freely within the café-bar across two levels: one at ground level and another one slightly elevated.

 

Custom Structures & Materials

A system of Π-shaped metal structures is incorporated to support greenery, with a similar hanging structure placed above the bar, adorned with lush climbing plants. The material palette is intentionally divided into two contrasting categories. The first includes natural and handcrafted elements, such as the cast mosaic of the bar, the floor mosaic, cement mortars on the walls, and wooden surfaces. The second consists of industrial materials, such as metal mesh and steel, used in the planting structures and the façade frames.

 

Lighting Design

The lighting is designed to emphasize the interior greenery, creating, in parallel, a distinct ambiance. More specifically, the careful light installation enhances the industrial character of the project, offering a unique experience, especially at nighttime.

Ethnic influences

The 120m² café in Maroussi is thoughtfully designed to cater to diverse needs, offering a versatile space that transitions seamlessly from a relaxed café setting to a welcoming environment for work. Its aesthetic harmoniously blends European sophistication with vibrant ethnic accents.

 

Design Philosophy

The café’s name, inspired by the dragon plant native to Africa, sets the tone for its interior design, where African-inspired decorations and motifs take center stage. A vibrant green theme is prominently featured in the ceiling, window frames, and various elements, including metal hanging structures, shelving, and stands that frame the perimeter of the columns.

 

Plan Layout

The space features two large, wood-paneled monastic tables designed to accommodate both groups and work teams, along with smaller tables paired with a sofa lining the wall. The coffee counter spans the entire width of the floor plan and is adorned with a perforated white pattern, while the wall behind it, along with the supporting structures, is finished with matching white tiles.

 

Decoration, Materials & Vegetation

A standout feature preserved from the site’s original state is the mosaic floor, which adds a distinctive charm to the design and evokes elements of Greek domestic architecture. The exposed roof with prominent installations introduces an urban aesthetic, contrasting beautifully with the lush greenery, planted accents, and bamboo pendant lights. Strategically placed perimeter openings blur the lines between interior and exterior spaces, while a highly-photographed mural of a female portrait serves as the café’s focal point. This artwork not only decorates the wall but also symbolizes a vibrant and passionate female spirit.

Exclusive viewing

The VIP Boxes at the Panathinaikos basketball court in OAKA are exclusive spaces designed for enjoying games and events, as well as hosting meetings.

 

Functional Organization

The space features fully equipped suites with a range of amenities and facilities, granting exclusive access to premium services and designated areas within the stadium. A total of sixteen VIP Boxes encircle the stadium, providing unobstructed views and seamless connectivity to the event while ensuring privacy.

The VIP Boxes are available in three types, distinguished by their size and capacity: Type A accommodates eight people, Type B accommodates ten, and Type C accommodates twelve. Each box is outfitted with a cloakroom, a private restroom, a buffet area, and a kitchenette. The kitchenette includes a small sink and minibar, cleverly integrated into a hinged structure with pocket doors for added convenience and elegance.

 

Amenities & Furniture

The Boxes are fitted with cutting-edge video and audio systems, ensuring an immersive experience for visitors and enabling the playback of highlights from each game or event. The interiors are thoughtfully designed with modern furnishings, including a central seating area featuring a luxurious leather sofa set. Complementing this layout is a stylish marble and leather table that doubles as additional seating. Furthermore, a bar counter with stools is strategically positioned to offer an unobstructed view of the court, enhancing the overall experience.

 

Exterior Design & Materials

The view is enhanced by a retractable glass façade that seamlessly connects the interior with the exterior, creating a sense of continuity with the stadium. On the outside, seating is arranged to offer full visibility of the court, situated in a defined perimeter area that ensures privacy from the surrounding stands. The box area is adorned with high-end materials like marble and wood, and decorated with elements that reflect the Panathinaikos brand, including green accents on the walls and surfaces, as well as basketball memorabilia.