Marble foundation

Amid the growing trend of repurposing abandoned buildings in central Athens, this project underscores the importance of innovative redesign as a cornerstone of contemporary architectural practice.

 

Spatial Layout

The apartment is situated on the fourth floor of a 1970s building in one of Athens’ most lively and youthful urban neighborhoods. The initial layout has been reimagined to create a functional connection between the kitchen, dining area, living room, and office. A solid wall that previously separated the kitchen from the dining room has been replaced with a kitchen island, enhancing the interaction between the spaces while introducing more natural light into the formerly enclosed kitchen.

 

Material Palette

Ioannina marble, a characteristic material of its era, serves as inspiration for the project’s material palette. Consequently, the floors of the kitchen, corridor, and balcony, as well as the walls of the building’s entrance, influence the choice of colors such as dark red and green hues. To accommodate the limited budget, the kitchen cabinets are painted the same shade as the walls, ensuring cost efficiency while maintaining aesthetic cohesion. The kitchen countertop is finished with small yellow tiles, adding a vibrant touch. The wooden floors in the bedrooms are preserved, while in the living room, large openings are visually unified with curtains that soften the view of the nearby building, creating a filtered connection.

 

Custom Furniture Design

The storage spaces have been thoughtfully reimagined, with bedroom cabinets serving dual purposes beyond functionality. They incorporate recessed areas that house a desk and a bedside table, ideal for storing books or decorative items. In each bedroom, the custom furniture is seamlessly integrated into the space, adhering to the project’s cohesive color palette.