An unfinished, 56m2 semi-basement space in the Ilioupoli neighborhood of Athens was converted into a small apartment. Because of its sunken position and light only penetrating from one side, the space had a magical ‘cave’ like feeling – mostly shaded, cool and breezy, all very valuable attributes in the hot Athenian climate. The aim of the renovation was to maintain and enhance this - both experientially and in terms of performance.
Original features of the space were preserved, including the steel windows and door and the unfinished concrete surfaces of the columns, beams and ceiling. A shower niche was added to the small existing toilet, and a disproportionately large entrance area was created; this emphasizes the ritual of passage between outside and inside and creates continuity with the garden with the inclusion of natural stones and a built-in planter.
The small interior space of the apartment was strategically mitigated by introducing no interior walls and by arranging the furniture and functional elements so as to create complex circulation paths that exaggerate distances and impose a slower pace of experience. Visual and spatial filters such as sliding partitions, curtains and hanging shelves, along with the variety of warm tones, details and natural textures that reflect and diffuse the light, further create the illusion of depth within the small but richly layered environment.
Team:
Architects: Point Supreme architects
Photographers: Yiannis Hadjiaslanis and Point Supreme
