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.

 

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.

 

Handcrafted aesthetic

In designing the restaurant, the aim was to create a non-conventional space that would actively engage visitors in an experience highlighting the values of art, design, and gastronomy, translating them into tangible forms, materials, and textures.

 

Spatial Organization

The existing restaurant features a distinctive double-height space with a mezzanine and a spiral staircase, while its façades are clad with large metal openings that provide full visual permeability throughout the interior. Upon entering, visitors encounter the central dining zone, arranged in an open-plan layout with seating, the bar and its counter, and an open kitchen at the rear, allowing guests to observe the food preparation process.

With a strong emphasis on detail, custom-made marble tables were designed, along with stainless-steel chairs featuring cushions made of flexible gel, introducing an unusual, soft tactile quality. The floor is finished with a mosaic composed of various Greek marble fragments, combined with bespoke ceramic tiles by artist Vasilis Papageorgiou.

 

 

Materials & Furnishings

Although wood in its natural tone appears to dominate at first glance, the design also incorporates materials with a more robust character, such as stainless steel and marble, which are seamlessly absorbed by the warmth and softness of the wood.

A central feature of the space is a sculptural light tube that rises to the ceiling and draws the eye from every direction, even from outside the restaurant. A handcrafted wool-and-silk rug by artist Yannis Varelas adorns the wall in front of the luminous column, becoming a focal point through its rich chromatic variety. The interplay of these two key elements creates an atmosphere of warmth and comfort, further enhanced by ambient lighting from smaller pendant fixtures and wall sconces.

 

 

Staircase Design

The stainless-steel staircase at the rear introduces a distinctive geometry to the space and leads visitors to the mezzanine, which is lined with wooden, wall-mounted wine libraries. This function extends to the basement as well, where the entrance resembles a wooden tunnel illuminated by a 90-degree light tube that continues the vertical column from the ground floor.

 

Simple aesthetic

Skrew is an all-day bar-restaurant designed for relaxation and socializing, serving as a favorite meeting point for its guests from morning until late at night. The owners’ desire for a fresh yet timeless space, housed within an existing industrial building, defined the overall design approach.

 

Design Philosophy

The interior preserves the restrained aesthetic of exposed concrete while incorporating distinctive features, such as a striking bar set against a 3.5-meter-high backdrop and a counter clad in tin. The dining area offers a variety of seating options, including banquettes paired with custom-designed marble tables and vintage chairs. At the rear, the open kitchen with its glass frontage adds vibrancy and a sense of interaction. The presence of plants, combined with a diverse selection of furniture and architectural elements, creates a layered experience, with different spatial qualities unfolding in every corner.

 

 

Spatial Layout

A key element of the restaurant is the sculptural metal staircase leading to the secluded mezzanine, which also functions as a display surface for wines. Its industrial character reinforces the identity of the building, while its bold color introduces an artistic accent within the otherwise neutral setting. The upper level accommodates a lounge area, ideal for working or reading during the day, as well as a retail corner featuring a curated selection of accessories and clothing.

 

 

Material Palette

The existing terrazzo flooring, with its three-color composition, lends a nostalgic touch to the space. Yellow leather details on the bar stools complement the overall color palette. The combination of diverse styles and textures -raw concrete, polished cement, glass blocks, and the leather-clad bar front- creates an atmospheric and dramatic setting. The final result is a two-level space that blends pop and classic culture, luxury and informality, quiet daytime moments and vibrant nightlife.

 

Pure brickwork

The residence unfolds beneath the generous canopy of a leafy São Paulo neighborhood near Parque Ibirapuera. Designed for a family that values openness and an abundance of natural light, the 560m² residence reflects a philosophy rooted in harmony with nature and sustainable living.

 

Design Philosophy

Instead of demolishing the existing structure, the project sought to preserve and reinterpret it -reducing environmental impact while honoring architectural memory. This approach resonates with the owners’ longstanding commitment to environmental protection and animal welfare, turning the residence into both a home and a statement of values. The proximity to Parque Ibirapuera reinforces the home’s connection to urban vegetation. Existing trees were preserved, new tropical species were introduced, and the landscape was designed as a seamless extension of the architecture -transforming the house into a tranquil urban refuge.

The residence respects both the physical and cultural context of the neighborhood. The design retains original proportions and openings, subtly integrating contemporary interventions with restraint. The result is a home that enhances aesthetics and functionality without erasing its identity. By preserving the essence of the existing building and complementing it with modern architectural gestures, the project achieves a balance between conservation and innovation.

 

 

Functional Layout

The residence is organized across two volumes: a primary two-story block at the front of the lot and a secondary annex at the rear. A central courtyard connects them physically and visually, encouraging cross-ventilation and strengthening the dialogue with the garden. The annex accommodates an office and service areas on the ground floor, while the upper level houses a private guest suite, offering both comfort and seclusion. Inside the main volume, fluid social spaces promote interaction and continuity. The ground floor features luminous interiors where large, glazed openings and strategically placed skylights flood the home with daylight. A sculptural staircase commands attention at the core, guiding the eye and circulation upward.

The kitchen, dining, and gourmet areas align along a shared axis. Designed with flexibility in mind, the kitchen comprises two zones: a social area with a dining counter and a separate technical area for preparation, connected by a sliding door. The living room is defined by poetic lighting effects -circular ceiling apertures filter daylight softly, while a central fireplace anchors the space. Upper floors host the private and leisure areas. Three bedrooms occupy the first level, while the rooftop is dedicated to contemplation and relaxation. The home theater and game room extend the social atmosphere, combining daylight and intimacy.

 

 

Material Palette

The primary volume is clad in white-painted brick, evoking purity and timelessness. At key points, this brickwork continues indoors, reinforcing the dialogue between past and present. Warmth is introduced through wood details -seen in the entrance door, façade windows, rear deck, and interior millwork- that harmonize with the lush greenery.

Inside, a unified palette of monolithic flooring, stucco walls, and neutral brick details enhances spatial continuity and amplifies natural light. Bathrooms follow a similar clarity, combining terrazzo or stone floors and countertops with off-white tiles and wooden cabinetry. Furniture selections celebrate icons of modern and contemporary design. Together, these pieces curate an atmosphere of refinement, comfort, and timeless style.

 

Ground geometry

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

 

Design Philosophy

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

 

 

Spatial Organization

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

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

 

 

Materials & Landscape Design

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

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

 

Vertical assembly

Throughout the apartment, a thoughtfully curated palette of materials and colors seamlessly bridges form, function, and aesthetics. The result is an interior that feels both contemporary and timeless.

 

Functional Layout

The apartment is the product of uniting two previously separate flats into a vertically connected, cohesive home. The new spatial composition unfolds across two levels—both functionally and aesthetically distinct. The lower level houses the private zones: the master suite (including the bedroom, walk-in closet, and bathroom), a wellness area, and an auxiliary bathroom. The upper level is dedicated to communal living, featuring an open-plan living-dining-kitchen area, a guest WC, and a library. A sculptural internal staircase serves as the architectural centerpiece of the apartment. It facilitates the transition from the more public upper level -where the main entrance is located- to the more private lower level. All spaces are arranged around this staircase, which anchors circulation and creates a sense of spatial continuity.

The layout also responds thoughtfully to the apartment’s enviable location near the beach and sea. Main areas such as the living spaces and wellness zone are positioned along the southeast façade to maximize exposure to natural light, sea views, and ventilation. Conversely, auxiliary areas are placed along the northwest side, facing neighboring buildings. A large opening in the staircase core frames the transition between levels while filtering light from the rear façade.

 

 

Material Palette & Lighting

The design embraces a unified aesthetic that unfolds both horizontally and vertically. Natural materials like marble and wood are combined with refined industrial elements such as ceramic slabs, HPL panels, metal structures, and glass. This interplay creates an elegant, enduring atmosphere. The carefully chosen materials, textures, and tones -along with custom geometric surfaces- form a unique architectural language. This language draws from both the eclectic character of 1960s urban apartments (e.g., marble flooring, intricate woodwork, staircases) and the natural qualities of the Freatida setting (sand, sea, and sunlight).

Sinai marble flooring, in earthy tones and a semi-rough finish, serves as the base upon which all interior elements are composed. Its soft hue visually echoes the sandy tones visible through the large façade windows, reinforcing a seamless connection between interior and exterior. A generous 35cm high marble skirting further defines the perimeter of the interior spaces.

Walls are painted in a warm off-white tone, complementing the flooring and setting a calm backdrop for green marble accents, custom American walnut joinery, delicate metal-framed partitions with fluted glass, and upholstery in natural fabrics. The overall muted palette is boldly contrasted by the kitchen’s striking black volume, conceived as a sculptural centerpiece. This dark backdrop enhances the adjacent custom marble kitchen island, allowing it to stand out.

 

 

Custom Structures

The staircase not only connects the two levels but also embodies the apartment’s design identity, adding elegance and artisanal refinement. Clad entirely in Sinai marble, it features a solid wood handrail, carved on-site by skilled craftsmen to follow its curved form with precision and grace. The library continues the visual language of the kitchen, adopting the same dramatic dark tonality. Throughout the apartment, lighting fixtures are chosen for their minimal forms, fine craftsmanship, and warm glow -subtly enhancing the textures and materials they illuminate.

 

Cubist composition

Located on a sloping plot with a western orientation and panoramic views of Paros, this project involved the transformation of an existing three-story structure -originally designed as two independent residences at the stage of the load-bearing shell -into a single, unified holiday home for a family.

 

Spatial Organization

The renovation included the demolition of select perimeter sections and slabs, along with a complete redesign of the interiors and parts of the facades. To harmonize the building with the surrounding topography, the intervention was extended to include a comprehensive landscape design. The 550 m² residence unfolds across three levels and comprises six bedrooms and guest suites. Entry is at the middle level, which houses the main living spaces, kitchen, a staff room, and a guest suite with independent access. The upper level accommodates three bedrooms, while the semi-basement includes a second guest suite with private access, a gym, and storage areas.

 

 

Design Philosophy

The architectural language is expressed through a composition of white, cubist volumes and walls that emerge from the rocky, earthen hillside. These are framed by dry-stone retaining walls, which shape outdoor courtyards in relation to the terrain’s slope and the building’s functional zones. Two main types of exterior spaces are defined: enclosed courtyards that offer privacy and shelter from northern winds, and open terraces oriented toward the horizon. Among these is the uppermost rooftop, which functions as an outdoor lounge with uninterrupted, panoramic views.

At the lowest elevation of the landscape design, the outdoor living area is arranged around the existing cedar trees (a protected species), and includes a pool, an outdoor dining space, a lounge, and a bar -positioned at a deliberate distance from the main residence to ensure a sense of retreat.

 

 

Materials & Custom Structures

Particular attention was paid to construction detailing, with the aim of developing a typology of refined, site-specific solutions consistent with the project’s broader design intent. Slim, freestanding metal pergolas with reed canopies provide shade while visually detaching from the main volume of the building. The internal staircase was conceived as a sculptural metal element, transforming the space through the play of shadows it casts on the floors under changing light conditions.

Polished cement mortar, in tones of grey or off-white, is used consistently across interior and exterior flooring as well as built-in furniture, establishing a seamless dialogue between plasticity and geometry within the architectural shell. Stone, metal, white render, and cement mortar are carefully composed to create an atmosphere of spacious tranquility -an inviting environment designed to host a sensory celebration in a unique location on the island of Naxos.

 

Multifunctional layout

Within the building complex of Colgate-Palmolive’s factory and offices in Piraeus, the 55-square-meter top floor has been transformed into a lounge and break area for employees. This break room was created by repurposing a previously unused and inactive section, now reactivated through a thoughtful architectural intervention and its new designated function.

 

Design Philosophy

The space includes a shared kitchen, a bar-style counter, and amphitheater-style seating, forming a hybrid environment that bridges the gap between a traditional office and a casual relaxation area (such as a café or restaurant). This multifunctional layout accommodates a range of uses, from informal meetings and coffee or lunch breaks to short calls or even remote work sessions for both employees and visitors.

Prior to the intervention, the area partly served as a circulation zone between vertical movement axes (stairs and elevator), without any provision for pausing or staying. The remaining part housed a spacious office, occasionally used by external collaborators. The primary goal of the architectural design was to create a dedicated break area for Colgate-Palmolive’s staff -an inviting, collaborative space that fosters team spirit and strengthens communication among different departments.

The redesign of this break room seeks to revitalize a previously neglected area, transforming it into a dynamic hub for social interaction, relaxation, and flexible work. The design respects the existing structure while emphasizing natural light, quality materials, and ergonomic principles. The result is a space that enhances the sense of community within the workplace and offers employees a modern, welcoming, and multifunctional retreat during the workday.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The architectural concept was developed in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, a period when remote work had become the norm. As work models continue to evolve, the design aims to redefine how space and time are experienced in the workplace, responding to employees’ shifting needs throughout the day. The break room serves as a transitional, relaxing, and intimate space. Drawing from the familiarity of working from home, it offers a variety of settings to support different work modes. As a place of relief from the demands of daily tasks, the space is designed to support a sense of mental decompression. This is achieved architecturally through clean, minimalist lines, free of visual clutter, and further enhanced by ample natural light and materials that promote comfort -such as wood.

 

 

Materials & Custom Elements

The design incorporates a variety of seating options: bar seating for both standing and sitting, amphitheater-style seating for relaxed lounging, and a secluded single seat within the kitchen area. These options allow employees to personalize their break experience -whether they’re pausing briefly or settling in with a laptop for a longer stay- essentially bringing their workspace into the break room. The space is defined by a minimal, inviting, and vibrant aesthetic that balances functionality with contemporary design. Rather than erasing the existing environment, the new design works in harmony with it, using the current structure as a base for complementary rather than disruptive enhancements.

Key architectural features, such as the original red metal staircase and the bold blue window frames that define the building’s exterior, have been preserved and integrated into the new scheme. Against this backdrop, the design introduces balance by using white as a neutral canvas and incorporating dark blue in the flooring, metal shelving, and sound-absorbing panels that double as decorative wall elements. Warmth and a sense of familiarity are added through wooden finishes (on floors and cabinetry) and the use of earth-toned cushions and furnishings. A playful, refreshing touch is introduced through light blue tiles in the kitchen and bar areas -elements that serve both a practical function and contribute to the overall lightness and charm of the space’s “work zones.”

 

Carving out solids

Located on a small corner plot in Villa Urquiza, Buenos Aires, this single-family home is designed as an urban residence that actively engages with its immediate surroundings. Its architectural form defines the plot without fully occupying the buildable volume, reflecting a clear intent to preserve and enhance the adjacent urban voids.

 

Design Philosophy

The residence features a clean and contemporary volume, shaped by carefully positioned openings and well-considered wall configurations. The use of honest materials and crisp lines evokes a sense of simplicity, order, and serenity. Functionally, the home is organized around a large central patio and several terraces. These outdoor extensions serve as catalysts for daily life, fostering constant interaction between interior and exterior spaces.

Stereotomy is the primary architectural concept. Specifically, the house is conceived as a solid mass that has been carved out to create living spaces. Brick and concrete walls are selectively perforated to admit light and air, producing a dynamic interplay of solid and void that enriches the spatial experience. Finally, the proportions of the spaces are carefully calibrated to maintain a human scale and to harmonize with the surrounding neighborhood. The house not only serves its occupants but also contributes positively to the urban landscape, respecting and enhancing the character of the area.

 

 

Functional Organization

On the ground floor, directly connected to the street, a barbecue area provides a space for social and recreational activities. This level also includes a wine cellar -adding sophistication and utility- as well as a workshop/studio and the entrance hall, all of which open onto the patio. For privacy, the street-facing facade is shielded with a filter of micro-perforated aluminum sheet.

The first floor is the main living level, where daily activities take place. A generous living area opens onto a terrace with expansive views of the corner, visually enlarging the interior space. All rooms on this level are oriented toward the central patio, maintaining strong visual and spatial continuity. The second floor contains the bedrooms and a small studio, while the top floor houses the technical and service areas, including a green terrace and a pool -elements dedicated to recreation and leisure.

 

 

Materials & Sustainability

Vertical circulation is provided by a wooden and metal staircase overlooking the patio, which acts as the home’s dynamic center. This central patio not only organizes the internal layout but also allows abundant natural light and cross-ventilation, ensuring a bright, comfortable, and healthy environment. Additionally, sustainable design principles are integral to the project. The use of local and recyclable materials, along with a rainwater harvesting system, reduces environmental impact. The green terrace supports thermal regulation and improves air quality.

The material palette is deliberately minimal, composed of simple construction elements that come together in an elegant and subtle morphological synthesis. The result is an introspective dwelling, defined by carefully placed voids that connect with surrounding emptiness, creating a peaceful and highly functional refuge within the urban fabric.

 

Dynamic geometries

Situated on a half-corner plot in eastern Paphos, this residence is designed to strike a balance between geometry, functionality, and light. Three prismatic volumes intersect horizontally and vertically, creating a dynamic composition where voids and solids define circulation and the relationship between interior and exterior.

 

Functional Organization

The ground-floor volume, aligned along the north-south axis, houses communal areas – living room, dining area, kitchen, and a utility room. Expansive glass surfaces to the south allow natural light to penetrate deeply, blurring indoor-outdoor boundaries while seamlessly connecting the space with the veranda and garden. This volume is organically linked to the covered parking area and storage room, enhancing functionality and usability.

In contrast, the elongated first-floor volume serves as a tranquil, protected retreat. Centrally positioned, it reinforces the building’s symmetry while offering privacy. This level accommodates three bedrooms, a shared bathroom, a laundry room, and an office space.

Custom Structures

A sculptural curved metal staircase connects the two levels, introducing an organic element that contrasts with the strict geometry of the volumes, visually lightening the space. Light and shadow play a crucial role in the composition, constantly transforming the atmosphere. Geometric elements cast dynamic shadows, while glass reflections create an ongoing dialogue between interior and exterior spaces.

 

 

Material Palette

The residence embodies a contemporary interpretation of Mediterranean architecture, utilizing regional materials in a refined manner. Kavala stone, solid wood, white plastered surfaces, and glass form a palette that harmonizes with the natural surroundings. Ultimately, the house becomes a canvas that redefines everyday living, evolving with its inhabitants to offer continuity, tranquility, and timelessness.

 

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.

 

Room on the Roof

The project features a remarkable transformation of an overlooked architectural curiosity into a sanctuary of creativity, where artists can retreat, reflect, and produce work inspired by the ever-changing cityscape beyond.

 

Existing Structure

De Bijenkorf, the oldest luxury department store in the Netherlands, is a landmark of elegance and history. Its monumental building in the heart of Amsterdam features a small, enigmatic tower on the roof -an architectural detail whose original purpose remained a mystery for years. Unused and overlooked, the space held untapped potential. Seeking to transform this hidden gem, De Bijenkorf commissioned the creation of a unique artist-in-residence studio- an inspiring retreat designed to nurture creativity in all its forms.

 

 

Design Philosophy

The result is a space where poets, painters, writers, filmmakers, choreographers, musicians, and theatre makers alike can immerse themselves in their craft, surrounded by an atmosphere that encourages inspiration and exploration. To preserve the charm of the original architecture, the historic spiraling staircase leading to the tower was carefully restored. More than just a functional element, this staircase serves as a symbolic passage- an invitation for artists to ascend, both physically and creatively, and discover new perspectives from above.

 

 

Functional Layout

The design harmoniously blends two distinct worlds within a single space, centering around the breathtaking panoramic view from the tower. One half of the room is a blank canvas- pure and open, providing space for dreams, ideas, and artistic expression. The other half is a meticulously crafted wooden structure, functioning as a ‘cabinet’ that contains all the essentials for a comfortable stay. Within its compact yet cleverly designed form, artists find a pantry, storage, a desk, and a bed, all integrated seamlessly into the space. Small ladders connect these various levels, each offering a fresh vantage point from which to observe the world outside. By playing with scale and perception, the design evokes a whimsical, almost surreal atmosphere -an “Alice in Wonderland” effect that enhances the sense of wonder and discovery.

 

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.