The Lumen Residence, a duplex apartment in the leafy Papagou district of Athens, Greece, stands as the ultimate embodiment of its creator’s design philosophy. Designed by Block722 founders, architect Sotiris Tsergas and interior designer Katja Margaritoglou, as their own family home, this project is more than just a residence; it is a layered case study in high-end urban living. Spanning 230 sq m across the top two levels of a newly built block, the design meticulously blends supreme functionality, local Athenian context, and the studio’s established approach of organic luxury.
The quest for their ‘forever’ home drove the duo to create a space that is intimate, site-specific, and truly bespoke, reflecting their studio values and providing a dwelling tailored perfectly for their four-person family. The overall residential building, developed in collaboration with Thekla Construction, is confidently geometric, honoring the Golden Age of Papagou while incorporating softer curves, timber, and lush Mediterranean planting. The entire structure, from the master planning to the landscaping, was spearheaded by Block722.
Within the home, the 230 sq m is spread across two distinct floors. The lower level is dedicated to the family’s daily life, housing bedrooms and a flowing, open-plan living area featuring a large kitchen ideal for entertaining, with spaces subtly defined by clever use of light partitions and furniture. The upper floor is a self-contained retreat: the primary master bedroom suite opens out onto a magnificent planted roof terrace. This private outdoor space features a swimming pool, a deck, and even a half-size basketball court, providing carefully framed views of the greenery and the cityscape beyond, making the duplex apartment feel like a detached single-family house in the sky.
A central tenet of the architectural design was the idea of wellness and a strong biophilic design approach. This concept is showcased through the meticulous selection of natural materials, such as tactile marble, wood, ceramic tiles, and travertino rosso. The studio ensured the home connects its users with their surroundings, featuring large openings that allow glimpses of nature from every room and abundant sunlight to keep life in sync with the body’s circadian rhythm. This connection to a healthy lifestyle aligns perfectly with the pursuit of fitness, perhaps inspiring residents to enjoy their preferred cardio, like a brisk run, to further synchronize with the day’s rhythm.
Every element in the Lumen Residence was intensely analyzed and crafted for the family’s lifestyle. The design prioritizes surfaces that age gracefully, celebrating patina and imperfection over polish. Details and custom-made furniture—including the Dining Tables and bench, Living Room Unit, and Kitchen—were designed by Block722 and fabricated by local artisans and manufacturers like Nitsolas Furniture and Kostas Grigoratos, adding a rich layer of craft to the whole. This commitment underlines the studio’s belief in human- and nature-centered design.
The result in Athens, Greece, is a warm and comfortable home that seamlessly slotted into the family’s life since day one. By prioritizing experience and emotion, Block722 has created a timeless and warm domestic environment that fosters deep connections with its context and the rhythm of life itself, setting a new standard for sophisticated city living in the Papagou district.