Hosting a family with two children close to the coast of Athens, the apartment prior to renovation was composed of three isolated layers, connected only by a small stair at the rear. The communal spaces were positioned on the middle floor, distanced from the garden, and relegating the lower height ground floor to be used as left-over storage space. The renovation reordered the unit and maximized its connection to the garden and natural light. On the middle level, an opening the size of roughly a quarter of the floorplate created a generous double height space that allowed a host of views to the garden and sea and natural light to penetrate to the rear spaces. 

The communal areas (kitchen, dining and living) were relocated to the ground floor and the main glazed façade was replaced with sliding glass doors that open to the generous veranda and garden. The kitchen was positioned along one side to create an uninterrupted, open plan and extend the connection to the exterior through the entire level. The middle level was dedicated to the parents. The functional spaces – sleeping area, small study space, closet and bathroom – were positioned on different sides of the void and a generous second entry area was created in front of the stairs.

On the upper level, the two children’s bedrooms were maintained, while the bathroom was reduced in size to create a communal play-study area between them. Strong and complementary color identities articulate these rooms and zones of the house. The warm and wooden tones of the upper and lower levels of the house frame the various green hues materialized at the center, adding richness and variety to the overall spatial experience.