Veil

In a distinctive part of Athens' urban fabric, in the Patisia neighborhood, a corner two storey residential building from 1951 has been given a new identity.
The addition was an architectural endeavor based on the notion of the neighborhood and respect for the existing urban fabric. The primary goal was to create a project that not only integrates harmoniously into its surroundings but also highlights the vibrancy of the neighborhood as a dynamic entity.
Inspiration came from the unique urban morphology of Karamanlaki Street, where building setbacks create transitional and meeting spaces between private and public spaces, known as "prasia" (front gardens). This idea guided the design, aiming to preserve the memory of the place through contemporary architectural tools. The new volume was carefully positioned to avoid visually overshadowing the building while maintaining open breathing space, vital for the neighborhood.
The decision to limit the exploitation of the maximum allowed building area enabled greater setbacks and the creation of generous outdoor living spaces, offering a sense of lightness to the structure. As a result, despite its increased surface area, the new volume maintains balance and a discreet presence within the urban landscape.
The role of the architect is to assess the value of the existing structure before discarding it, in an effort to transform and give it a new identity. The coexistence of old and new is a fundamental element of the project's conception. This approach does not seek homogeneity but rather the enhancement of historical continuity through creative contrasts. The experimental nature of the project led to the creation of a radical architectural solution that serves as an element of surprise in the city.
The intervention in the existing structure redefined the building’s function according to modern living conditions, technical requirements, and sustainability possibilities. Inspired by the craftsmanship of the building's original construction era, high-quality materials and details such as marble, wooden floors, and traditional window frames were preserved and highlighted. These elements were harmoniously combined with minimal and contemporary choices in the new spaces, creating a timeless result. At the same time, the social model of the apartment building was maintained, with apartments of different sizes, along with the addition of communal spaces such as coworking areas, coliving spaces, and a shared roof garden.
The architectural philosophy of the project seeks to spark dialogue, redefining the past while introducing the new with both respect and boldness. The ultimate goal is to create spaces that not only meet today's needs but also contribute to a vibrant, evolving future for the city.
The building’s volume exudes a sense of purity and lightness, almost appearing to float, reminiscent of the ephemeral nature of steam. This impression stems from its ambiguous materiality, inviting the observer to question its nature. The architectural elements of the double-skin façade were constructed using perforated aluminum sheets (deployer), fixed, openable, or rotating, aimed at optimizing ventilation and natural lighting while ensuring privacy. These features create an airy and lightweight addition to the urban environment.
Finally, light functions as a dynamic element, generating an interplay of shadows and layered transparencies that gives the building a sense of continuous movement. This effect is enhanced by the design of movable louvers and rotating panels placed in front of openings. Their interaction with light and movement creates the sensation of a "kinetic sculpture," enriching the spatial experience.