Nestled at the foot of Athens‘ iconic Lycabettus Hill, a typical 1970s apartment has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis. Oikonomakis Siampakoulis Architects, tasked with transforming an 85-square-meter space into a haven for two art-world professionals, have woven a narrative of contemporary Greek aesthetics, respecting the past while embracing the present.
The architects’ journey began with an unusually detailed brief, reflecting the clients’ deep passion for art, design, and travel. Their extensive collection, a testament to their global explorations, demanded a space that could both house and celebrate its diverse elements. The challenge was to create a home, not just a gallery, a place where life unfolded amidst a curated constellation of objects.
This wasn’t a blank slate. The clients, and the architects in complete accord, sought to preserve and revive the apartment’s inherent character. The original brown marble and vibrant terrazzo floors, along with a beautifully carved marble sink, became vital threads in the new design’s fabric. This respect for heritage, a recognition of “overlooked design and heritage elements,” became a guiding principle.
The architects boldly reimagined the floor plan, dismantling longitudinal partitions to flood the space with natural light.This transformation created a fluid, interconnected space encompassing the sitting area, dining room, kitchen, and entryway. To define this open-plan canvas, bespoke elements were introduced, serving as both functional necessities and artistic focal points.
Upon entering, a striking white metal structure, designed to display favorite artworks, immediately captures the eye. This contemporary intervention, built where a former wall stood, seamlessly integrates with the apartment’s original brickwork.The marriage of old and new, meticulously executed, sets the tone for the entire space.
The kitchen, a central hub of daily life, is anchored by a large, bespoke tiled island. Its design encourages interaction, allowing cooking and social engagement to occur simultaneously. The island’s carefully crafted nooks and marble shelves provide storage for appliances, cookbooks, and, of course, more art. Above, a suspended white metal structure creates a play of light and shadow, defining the transition between the kitchen and dining area.
Honey-stained oak veneer cupboards, designed around existing airshaft and transom windows, form a warm backdrop to the culinary scene. The strategic placement of these windows, along with a second transom illuminating the entryway, ensures that natural light permeates every corner of the apartment, revealing its full depth and character. The sun’s path, from the north-east facing rooms to the south-west living areas, bathes the interior in a constantly shifting display of light and shadow.
Oikonomakis Siampakoulis Architects have masterfully crafted a space that resonates with the vibrancy of contemporary Athens. The apartment, a reflection of its owners’ dynamic lives, seamlessly blends the city’s multicultural richness with a deep respect for its architectural heritage. It’s a testament to the power of thoughtful design, where art and life intertwine, creating a truly unique and inspiring home. The resulting space is not just a dwelling, but a living, breathing gallery, a testament to the enduring dialogue between past and present, and a celebration of the art of living.