Incisions are few, and precise: one opening at the kitchen looks downwards; one light well at the end of the corridor accentuates a sculpture in space, and marks arrival. At the entrance prism, a vertical aperture is juxtaposed to the incision of the kitchen; as a result, each afternoon, a strip of light crosses through. Those elements are brought into a marked contrast with the other two faces of the volume, where the wall is expressed as absence. The shading device is also a mechanism, a filter in an environmental approach. The ample height of the spaces alludes to vernacular architecture, where the large air volume stabilizes interior temperature. The thermal mass of the walls adds to this effect. The tectonic shell of the project wraps this interior in an austere line, without any superficial gestures.

 

 

 

 

04. Ilios Beach Club and Nalu Surf Club | Elastic Architects

ek Issue: 304 | January – February 2026

Lighting Design: Archtube

 

Natural lighting and cross ventilation are maximized, strengthening the connection between the space and the elements of wind and sun – essential aspects of the surfing experience. At the same time, a multilayered artificial lighting scheme highlights the curves and geometries of the architecture, emphasizing the spatial composition during nighttime hours. The material palette reinforces this sense of flow and continuity. Travertine, oak timber, teak and iroko, ribbed glass, sculptural details and finishes made from natural fibers create a warm and tactile environment. Through Ilios and Nalu, a unified architectural ensemble emerges, balancing flow and stillness. The result is a multisensory hospitality experience rooted in rhythm, equilibrium and the authenticity of surf culture.

 

05. Saint Hotel | Kapsimalis Architects

ek Issue: 248 | June 2020

Lighting Design: HALO Architectural Lighting

 

The lighting of the complex operates in a discreet manner, enhancing the sculptural quality of the white volumes and the experience of movement through the landscape. Along the outdoor pathways and staircases, low-intensity linear luminaires are integrated into the architecture, emphasizing the geometry of the walls and guiding visitors during nighttime circulation. The illuminated pools act as diffused luminous surfaces within the composition, creating soft reflections across the cave volumes. Inside the rooms, lighting remains subtle and integrated into the curved surfaces, highlighting the minimalist aesthetic and the sculptural qualities of Cycladic architecture.

 

 

 

In mid-July, the new architectural lighting installation for the Hellenic Parliament Building and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was completed, accompanied by the energy upgrade of the underground parking areas and the complex’s nursery facility. The new lighting design seeks to redefine the nocturnal presence of the building and its surrounding space, situating the intervention within a contemporary framework of environmental responsibility and sustainability. The new lighting scheme was implemented exclusively using advanced LED technology, with particular emphasis on chromatic consistency and precise control of the light sources. Each luminaire is digitally controlled in terms of both intensity and operating duration, allowing the creation of dynamic lighting scenarios with a high degree of accuracy.

 

The artificial lighting scheme emphasizes clarity, orientation, and the public presence of the building within the city. Linear and recessed luminaires are carefully integrated into ceilings, circulation areas, and architectural elements, providing even illumination while preserving the clean architectural lines of the spaces. Externally, subtle façade lighting and the glow from the interior transform the town hall into a luminous urban landmark, reinforcing its role as an open and accessible civic institution within the historic center of Nicosia.

 

 

The sense of movement created by the wave-like louvers is intensified by the interplay of light and shadow throughout the day. Continuous variations in illumination transform the appearance of the façade, giving it a shifting character that responds to the movement of the sun. During the evening hours, the building’s architectural identity is further emphasized through a permanent lighting installation designed specifically for each point, angle and element of the façade. A carefully calibrated sequence of subtle variations in white light runs along the building envelope, establishing a quiet dialogue with the city’s nocturnal landscape. Particular emphasis was placed on minimizing light pollution. The lighting fixtures are controlled through specialized systems that allow them to operate at very low luminance levels, thereby protecting the surrounding urban environment.

 

 

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

Urban presence

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

 

Design Philosophy

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

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

 

 

Façade Design

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

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

 

 

Sustainability & Lighting Strategies

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

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

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