/ Architecture House Renovation in Psychiko “Is it a renovation project or a new building?”

House Renovation in Psychiko

Year

2022

Location

Psychiko, Athens

Status

Completed

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 15cm thick thermal insulation, concealing all exterior electromechanical piping. Moreover, the upper first floor zone protrudes from the ground floor volume by 5cm 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 terrazzo tiling while in the other two main bathrooms calm, neutral and earthy tones create a serene ambience.