Levitating mass

The house is located in a quiet rural area, with one floor above ground and another dug into the earth. Featuring imposing black pigmented concrete, the design is centered around three main masses, creating a balance between open spaces and solid structures. The transparent central volume serves as the heart of the building, while the surrounding landscape plays an integral role in shaping the living experience.

 

Design Philosophy

The lower floor contains a large, excavated courtyard, which acts as a central gathering space. The central mass, over 5m high, offers clear views of the entire site. On either side, two long, parallel masses extend across the lot, reinforcing its length and creating a balanced composition. These masses penetrate the central structure, giving the appearance of floating concrete beams that stretch outward, enhanced by differences in the roof heights.

A floating bridge made of reflective stainless steel connects the entrance of the house across the courtyard, offering a clear view of the interior spaces. The path leads through a shallow reflecting pool, revealing the private areas of the house that are not visible from the street. This bridge also creates a visual link between the two long masses that extend through the structure.

 

 

Functional Organization

The upper floor includes the main living spaces, with a large living room, kitchen, dining area, and family rooms. The master suite features a walk-in closet, bathroom with a shower inside a reflecting pool, and a bedroom with views of the garden. A staircase made of dark natural stone leads to the lower level, where the wellness and leisure spaces are located, enhancing the flow between the levels.

The lower floor accommodates an indoor pool, gym, spa, cinema room, and a hospitality area, including a bar and wine room. Additional spaces for supporting functions, such as a laundry room and staff quarters, are also located here.

On the opposite side of the house, a large, landscaped garden includes a soccer field, pool, outdoor kitchen, and living areas, designed to support various social and recreational activities.

 

 

Material Palette

The house features clean, modern lines with black concrete facades, fiber-c cladding, and large glass openings. Dark natural stone flooring is complemented by blackened brass details. The design emphasizes an illusion of levitation, where the contrast between solid concrete and floating masses is achieved through roof disconnection and transparent elements.

 

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.

 

Visual permeability

A compact hair studio of just 28m2 has been transformed into a spatial experience defined by clarity, warmth, and highly intentional material choices. Located in the commercial heart of Melissia, the project explores how light, color, and structure can work in concert to elevate a small-scale program into an expressive and memorable interior.

 

Design Philosophy

The design approach is defined by precision and visual permeability. Fluted glass panels and glass blocks – used both on the façade and within interior partitions – are employed to gently filter natural light, creating a softly illuminated environment that feels more expansive than its physical footprint. This controlled transparency enhances depth and atmosphere while ensuring privacy where required.

The façade is articulated as a striking composition of bold red steel framing, curved profiles, and translucent glass blocks, establishing a distinct and recognizable identity. A pivoting window allows the threshold to remain fluid and inviting, while an integrated outdoor bench extends the interior experience toward the street, fostering a dialogue between the studio and its urban context and offering a place for brief pauses by clients or passersby.

 

 

Functional Layout

The spatial layout is organized with clarity and efficiency. A primary wall accommodates a sequence of full-height mirrors and black styling chairs, positioned to maximize light reflection and maintain unobstructed circulation. Storage is seamlessly integrated through tall cabinetry and discreet product shelving, preserving a clean and orderly workspace. Throughout the interior, red accents are introduced as intentional focal points – from equipment details to the warm glow of lighting in the side room – echoing the exterior language and infusing vibrancy into the muted interior setting.

 

 

Material Palette

Within the interior, the material palette reinforces a sense of quiet confidence. Surfaces are finished in soft grey tones, forming a calm and cohesive envelope. An exposed cement ceiling introduces a raw, tactile quality that contrasts with the smoothness of the walls and mirrors, grounding the space while emphasizing its vertical dimension. This restrained backdrop is designed to support, rather than overpower, the daily activity of the studio.

Through the careful orchestration of materiality, structure, and light, a space is formed in which each element remains in constant dialogue with the others. Minimalism is balanced with character, precision with warmth, and efficiency with atmosphere. The result is a thoughtful interior that demonstrates how even the most compact spaces can be imbued with depth, identity, and a sense of calm refinement.

 

 

Boundary as passage

“…Could it be that what conceals the forms is a kind of blurriness? And that it conceals them because it erases the contrast between light and shadow.”Ludwig Wittgenstein, Remarks on Colour, trans. P. Christodoulidis, Athens: G.A. Pneumatikou, 1987, p. 41.

Design Philosophy

The solidity of a boundary -a wall- and the passage from one space to another through a door is intentionally challenged. The boundary becomes simultaneously a threshold. It is lived time -the inhabitant’s experience- that activates and gives meaning to space. The distinction between spatial qualities dissolves. The curtain’s shifting positions introduce a nuanced complexity, forming a space of interaction, where relationships between adjoining areas unfold through the presence and movement of the inhabitants.

 

 

Functional Organization

The unexpected placement of the shower at the apartment’s entrance is offset by the use of semi-transparent glass blocks, a colored door, and a fluid, curved geometry. This boundary not only defines but also guides bodily movement through the space, as light diffuses into and out of adjacent rooms, subtly shaping spatial perception and flow.

 

 

Materiality & Geometry

The interplay of materiality and geometry generates a field that does not seek flexibility or multifunctional use but rather cultivates the qualities through which human relationships emerge. Natural wood, sandy textures, ochre hues, and glass are not aesthetic choices per se, but vehicles for a sensory engagement with space -one that unfolds through the materials themselves.

“I believe every idea ‘carries’ its own materials.”

Nikos Ktenas, Topographies of Living: I Believe, I Research, I Consider, from the lecture “Six Lectures on Dwelling”, Athens: School of Architecture, NTUA, 2014, p. 245.

 

Transparent shell

Surat, a thriving hub of commerce and culture in Gujarat, has steadily transformed into a city that balances tradition with rapid modernization. Known for its bustling textile industry and diamond trade, it is a city of resilience, innovation, and growth. Amidst this vibrant backdrop, the 2400m2 project emerges as a beacon of contemporary design that integrates seamlessly with the natural environment.

 

Project Philosophy

At the core of the office’s design lies a philosophy of openness and fluidity. Much like the single-celled organism it is named after, the architecture is dynamic and ever-adaptive, drawing from the natural forms and elements that surround it. The office comprises four glass cubes -two directors’ spaces, a meeting room, and a staff area- each strategically positioned around a central veranda. This design creates a visually striking as well as functional structure, where indoor spaces flow seamlessly into outdoor semi-open areas. The veranda acts as a communal hub, reminiscent of Indian homes, encouraging informal interactions, creativity, and free-flowing discussions. This deliberate blending of indoor and outdoor transforms the space into a living, breathing environment that thrives on collaboration and connection.

 

Architectural Elements

Transparency is at the heart of the project’s architectural design. The glass cubes allow natural light to flood into the spaces, fostering a sense of openness and connection to the surrounding garden. This transparency extends beyond mere aesthetics; it is a conscious design choice that reflects the values of modern corporate culture -clarity, visibility, and inclusivity. The garden office concept enhances this connection to nature, making the workspace an integral part of the landscape rather than an imposition upon it. Large, cantilevered roofs provide shade, shielding the glass structures from Surat’s intense sun while also casting ever-shifting patterns of light and shadow throughout the day. This constant play of natural elements creates a dynamic environment, where the atmosphere changes with the time of day, fostering a workspace that is as flexible as it is inspirational.

 

Sustainable Design

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the project is a model of sustainable design. The emphasis on natural daylight dramatically reduces the need for artificial lighting, promoting energy efficiency. Additionally, the thoughtful incorporation of local materials not only reduces the building’s carbon footprint but also supports the local economy. The exposed concrete, the black-tiled flooring, and the custom furniture crafted by local artisans are a testament to the architect’s commitment to sustainability. By engaging local carpenters and procuring materials from nearby areas, the project reduces transportation costs and fosters community involvement. The design also features high cross-ventilation, significantly lowering air-conditioning needs, while innovative plumbing systems conserve water, further demonstrating the project’s alignment with green architecture principles.

 

Vegetation & Decoration

The lush gardens are thoughtfully designed with native plant species, which not only thrive in the local climate but also contribute to the ecological balance by supporting regional flora and fauna. The garden is not just an afterthought but an integral part of the design, reinforcing the connection between workspaces and the natural environment. Internally, the office feels like an art gallery. The open spaces are adorned with sculptures and artworks that infuse the environment with creativity and inspiration.

Open facade

The architectural office is situated within a shopping centre in the heart of Voula, which houses both shops as well as offices.

 

Design Philosophy

The project aims to showcase the philosophy of Alpha/Sigma Architects while creating a functional and inviting workspace for both employees and clients. The design was shaped by questions such as what defines the aesthetic of this architectural practice, its construction methods, and its overall professional direction.

 

Materials & Lighting

Functionality is integrated with the office’s brand color palette, while a focus on materiality, transparency, and the use of artificial lighting creates a space that supports the architects’ daily activities. Brightly colored wallpapers and tiles are strategically placed, providing contrast against surfaces painted in white tones. Finally, the space is significantly upgraded in energy efficiency through an extensive renovation.

 

Spatial Organization

The floor plan is organized into zones that offer varying levels of privacy and transparency. The main work areas and meeting room connect directly to the exterior through a large, glazed façade, promoting openness to the city. The workstations are functional and tailored to meet the specific needs of the office, providing a visually “quiet” atmosphere while ensuring ample storage space. Transparent and translucent elements separate the workstations from the meeting area, which is adjacent to the material library. Finally, all utility rooms are situated at the back of the office and can be fully isolated when needed.

Serene atmosphere

The project’s design is based on the red bricks of Chiang Mai’s ancient city wall, Lanna, as well as an array of water features and vegetation that echo the area’s tropical scenery.

 

Design Aesthetic

Chiang Mai is the origin of Thai ancient massage and spa, thus becoming the overall inspiration for the design aesthetic. The space is dominated by earthly tones, where natural materials such as red bricks, thin rock slabs, terrazzo, red fabrics and red antique tiles are all blended in the same colour palette, paying homage to the ancient city of Lanna.

Additionally, a variety of herbs and utensils, rattan furniture and screen partitions, Chiang Mai’s local wood carvings, linen-dyed hanging curtains as well as water lamps and tropical plans contribute to the peaceful and scenic atmosphere.

 

Functional Layout

The entrance serves as a waiting area, completely isolated from the noisy sounds of the outdoor street, leading to a lounge and seating space with an impressive view towards the city. In parallel, a footpath leads to a courtyard complimented by water elements and tropical plants, transforming it into a timeless, ancient garden. The ground floor also includes a pool made of red brick, further separating the serene interior from the bustling streets as well as a massage room and spa separated from the rest of the space through heavy curtains. Finally, a small staircase leads to the outdoor terrace, where visitors can enjoy the breathtaking views of the city.

 

Custom Structures

A series of custom structures such as transparent glass, mirrors, heavy-curtains and semi-blinds as well as the different textures used for the flooring and the soft artificial lighting deliberately create sensory illusions, providing a sense of privacy and security, encouraging visitors to lose themselves in the environment and focus on a journey of introspection.

Linear interaction

A former commercial space in Kerameikos, designed in 1938 by Aristomenes Provelengios, is transformed into a modern restaurant.

 

Functional Organization

The restaurant occupies the elevated ground floor and includes the main hall, bar, and part of the kitchen. The basement houses part of the preparation area, along with a loft space. The relationship between these successive levels is defined by the positioning of the reception area and its view of the public space. Central to the design composition is a monolithic bench, which serves as a pivotal feature. Spanning over a total length of 11m, the monolithic bench seamlessly connects the bar and kitchen areas, joining them within a single volume that extends along the ground floor plan. Chefs and guests interact, while the process of food preparation and consumption coexist in the same space. In the basement, a blue glass wall defines the boundary of the secondary kitchen.

 

Architectural elements

Transparent materials are strategically employed to create a distinct atmosphere that complements the architectural design and aesthetic. The main façade balances the relationship between solid and void. The load-bearing elements contribute to the building’s structural integrity, while the large openings and double-height ground floor space allow abundant natural light to enter the space, fostering a visual connection between the interior and exterior environments.

Featuring a minimal and simple geometry, devoid of any decorative design, the façade serves as a filter between the public and private space. The exterior mural -a carefully composed artwork that incorporates street art elements- becomes the façade’s main feature, adding vibrancy to the exterior aesthetic. During the renovation process, materials were thoroughly selected to accentuate the existing elements of the space.

 

Material Palette

The interior space showcases a blend of perforated metal, blue glass, and plaster finishes, extending the robustness of the façade seamlessly inside the building. Metal emerges as the primary material across the restaurant, retaining the building’s original aesthetic as a toy manufacturing workshop and reinforcing its industrial identity.

The exterior coating, treated with the artifice technique, sets the stage for crafting a textured ambiance within the building’s interior. The plaster finish, alternating between coarse and rough texture, serves as a contemporary interpretation of the façade’s coating. Introducing blue hues on the interior glass adds depth to the space’s ambiance, subtly referencing the modernist movement, of which architect and urban planner Aristomenes Proveleggios was a notable member.