This 125sq.m. apartment is situated in a former industrial building on Meg. Alexandrou Street in Kerameikos. The 5 storey building, built in the 80s, originally housed a factory and is located in an area which has retained its strong industrial presence. The works carried out concerned the complete restructuring of the interior spaces. In this way, each floor was converted into an independent apartment and the two upper floors became a single maisonette and roof garden. From the outset, the simple layout of the floors contained a large single space with multiple openings all around, a clear example of industrial and functional architecture. This fact, together with the desire to retain, as much as possible, the original ambiance of the space, helped in the conversion of each floor into a extensive loft style apartment with a minimalistic spirit.

The dimensions of the surrounding openings were increased to the maximum to ensure the exposure to natural daylight throughout the year and solar heating during the winter months. The exterior was then surrounded by a metallic frame, emphasizing the industrial aesthetic of the design while simultaneously bringing the mechanics of external shade with vertical awnings, sufficient to protect against undesirable solar rays during the summer months. In this way, a double facade was created which perfectly co-exists with the standards of the bio-climatic design, imposing a ‘breathing’ shell using the insulating medium of the air trapped between the two skins as natural ventilation for the apartment.

The reception area of the apartment functions as the entrance into a single space with fireplace, based on the principles of open-plan design, increasing the aesthetics of a loft, creating co-existence of dining room, kitchen, living room and office with an effective yet harmonious result. The guest bathroom and the concealed storage spaces are to be found in the hallway of the entrance. 

Bearing in mind the original purpose for the building, no allowances had been made for the inclusion of balconies or outdoor seating areas within its design. After conducting research with the Greek records, and the conditions under which it was constructed, it was deemed necessary to create a covered outdoor area, in spite of the idea of creating such a space had almost been dismissed, due to the adverse external conditions. The proposed removal of an external wall had the purpose of creating a semi-structural space in the apartment, a covered balcony, which would bring interaction between the interior and exterior spaces, furthermore, bringing the apartment in line with the traditional character of Greek lifestyle. A balcony was designed to form an extension of the living and dining areas, covered and sheltered on three sides and offered a clear view of the surrounding environment. The uninterrupted view of Lykavitos from this spot made it vital  to replace an internal wall with a wall of glass blocks, ensuring a clear view. The balcony is closed off by a glass partition which opens entirely creating a large symmetrical indoor/outdoor space which functions as one.

The bedroom and master bathroom are contained in a virtually single space. The division is formed by a wall of smoked glass which successfully prevents an entirely clear view of the interior of the bathroom, while allowing a functional connection of the rooms. The secondary spaces of the shower and w.c. are located at the rear of the bathroom in a closed off area.

It was crucial to use materials of an industrial nature for the fitting out of the apartment, while retaining the need for these materials to be suitable for a residence. Total simplicity had to allow for the warmth demanded in a home. The flooring is composed of industrial type tiles which give the impression of a single surface such as cement or mosaic. The well thought out spacious kitchen incorporates the most innovative elements with counters of Corian and fitted electrical appliances of the highest quality and aesthetics. The bathrooms are lined with granite on walls and floors and the counters are white Corian.

The aim of the design was the combination of the greatness of industrial design and the harmony of its proportions together with the elegance of materials and artistic features, offering a sense of ultimate elegance of a bio-climatic urban design. The basic principle was the creation of a home, freed of excess, to provide a sanctuary of peace for the occupant to return home to.


Architect: Gazetas Associates
Project Manager: Eleni Aspiotou
Design team: Andreas Kourteridis, Rania Kornarou
Engineering: N. Nakos & Associates
Construction: Tasos Bobonis, Dis Construction
Photography: Studio Reskos