Architect: Divercity Architects
Project Architect: Nikolas Travasaros
Interior Space Consultant: Sophia Vantaraki
Landscape Architect: H. Pangalou & Associates
Lighting Designer: Alkestie Skarlatou
Industrial design consultant: Manos Vordonarakis   
Photography: Erieta Attali
Site area: 1000m²
Construction area: 600m²
Design: 2007-2009 | Construction: 2009-2012
Project Status: Completed in 2012

Although we’re not all that sure as to whether heaven and hell actually exist, if heaven had to be constructed however, it would probably look something like this. A group of well-known specialists combined their strongest skills in order to complete this outstanding creation in Psychiko, Athens, Greece. The residence was designed in such a way so as to inspire freedom and flexibility whilst satisfying a strong urge for inner peace and silence. The house is divided into three major zones, the stone core which was influenced by the Acropolis rock, the boomerang-shaped upper floor and the living area in between. Pure white combined with endless glass windows make the residence the ideal spot from which to observe the lively city view, providing numerous surprises concerning light and different scales. The external walls are partially covered with stone, retaining the owners’ privacy while an eclectic mix of materials leads to a somewhat communal garden, expanding to the neighboring house, which also belongs to the same family.

Smooth flowing curves dominate the whole construction creating a sense of intimacy and interaction by contrasting the bold angular geometry which is displayed in harmony. The fluid interiors meet the sweeping arc of the external wall enclosing a swimming pool and a canal that connects the front and back of the house. Even the narrow secondary passages play an essential role in the dynamic of the residence as the marble staircases slowly reveal different levels and perspectives. Furthermore, the “floated” bedrooms are carefully placed on the first floor so as to create a spectacular observatory looking out onto Athens city centre, taking full advantage of the generous window openings whilst protecting and cocooning the owners’ sense of personal space.

> The effect is like standing on the edge of a diving board ready to plunge into the cityscape. <
Divercity Architects

The primary spaces and the external layout are not the only factors for which the project was awarded with its 1st Architectural prize in an invited competition. The luxurious marble garage is used as a gallery for the owners’ extraordinary collection of vintage cars and contemporary art leaving visiting guests speechless. Jeff Koons artworks, Paul’s McCarthy sculptures and Vanessa Beecroft’s photographs are some of the internationally known artworks hosted within this carefully designed space which highlights every piece of art exhibited, using the walls as a white canvas. Like the artworks found within, this construction undoubtedly resembles a piece of art.