Architectural microclimate
The small ground-floor residence, located on a central road in the bustling northern suburbs of Athens, is situated in a busy area surrounded by high-rise apartment buildings, created to nurture the dreams of a family of three.
Design Philosophy
The Terra Form residence is designed with careful consideration of the wishes of all its members, as well as the functional and aesthetic demands of a compact urban home. Its name reflects the core concept of the design: the creation of an architectural microclimate that allows the owners to experience their ideal home, shielded from the noise, tension, and chaotic structure of the city.
Custom Architectural Elements
To accomplish this, the archetype of a traditional residence is deconstructed, redefining key architectural elements that are deeply tied to its essence, such as the roof, garden, hearth, chimney, threshold, and windows. The classic double-pitched roof is folded, extended, and liberated from its conventional role and tiled appearance. It is transformed into a perforated, two-sided structure that also encloses the home’s outdoor spaces, offering both shade and privacy.
Spatial Organization
The function of this new form is also mirrored in the floor plan. Underneath the redesigned structure, the gardens and indoor living spaces are seamlessly integrated along the east-west axis. In parallel, on either side of a central core, the sleeping areas are arranged along a vertical axis -one side positioned as far as possible from the main road for privacy, while the entrance area is pushed closer to the street, enhancing the sense of invitation and hospitality, a defining characteristic of the homeowners.
The prominent entrance, visible chimney, garden, and perforated white roof, combined with the building’s bright tile color, create the final narrative of the Terra Form house. This design is expressed through its façade, evoking a rural way of life even in the heart of the bustling city.