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Location: Psychiko
Status: Completed
Year: 2022 Team: Louis Barault, Elisania Michalopoulou, Stella Mitsogianni, Xenia Bouranta, Anastasios Stavropoulos Photo Credits: Yiorgis Yerolymbos
“Is it
a renovation project or a new building?” Simply put, this question highlights
the effort behind the design process to transform an aesthetically dull 1950s
villa into a residence with contemporary aesthetics and a great focus in
detail. The plot layout is maintained with the dominant main building volume
placed towards the front side while at the back, to the more private zone, the
linear swimming pool along with the aluminum pergola define the relaxing area.
Due to
strict building regulations, radical form interventions to the existing shell
were limited. Unnecessary ornaments and decorative elements were removed from
all four facades which were totally redesigned. Large horizontal and vertical
openings, with very specific design approach, replace the existing small,
conventional openings. On the main façade, the balcony supported by four
columns was replaced by a cantilevered surface rendering the view from the
inside, unobstructed. On the back façade two round concrete columns support the
new balcony adjacent to the pool. On both facades, slender vertical aluminum
louvers define spatially the protrusions of the main volume, adding a
connecting design element to the building.
The
exterior shell is cladded with 15 cm thick thermal insulation, concealing all
exterior electromechanical piping. Moreover, the upper first floor zone
protrudes from the ground floor volume by 5 cm highlighting the longitudinal
shape of the building. The sandy coloration along with the rough texture of the
final coating come to an interesting
contrast with the dark slick surface of the aluminum elements.
On the
ground floor, one finds the main communal living areas with direct access to
the pool at the back. On the first and second floor, the more private areas are located. The reposition of the
primary vertical circulation zone to the core of the layout and the demolition
of a long dividing interior wall, are both key gestures resulting the space
unification on the ground floor. The steel staircase becomes the highlight of
the reception area. Additionally, natural light sheds all spaces, creating an
amazing shadow casting scenery.
Great
emphasis was given to merging and balancing the effect of materials of
different texture, coloration and reflection. The French herringbone wooden
flooring is in contrast with the slick marble cladding. The rough industrial
look of the steel staircase is enclosed by a bearing network of exposed
concrete columns and beams. In the kitchen area, dark coloured oak veneer
cabinets along with almost black, shiny quartz, dominate the space. In the two
main bathrooms, marble surfaces come to full contrast with the rough texture of
the terazzo tiling while in the other two main bathrooms calm, neutral and
earthy tones create a serene ambience.
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