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Residence in Kifisia by N. Koukourakis & Associates

By Eric Meunier

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Athens-based studio N. Koukourakis & Associates has recently completed this contemporary home in Kifisia, one of the most expensive suburbs of Athens, Greece.

Residence in Kifisia by N. Koukourakis & Associates:

“A house of 350 m² in Kifissia is an oasis for a family of four, constructed in a small, almost square level plot. The visitor enters through the left side of the building. The design concept focused on establishing additional open air spaces so as to create a pleasant habitat in the small plot. Thus, the stone mass in the entry of the plot separates the common use areas from the more secluded spaces thus creating the essential privacy.

The characteristic element of the floor plan which was developed on the basis of the proportions of the human body, is the minimisation of corridors and the enhancement of the fluid motion of the individual volumes of the building. As a result, in the ground floor which communicates naturally and visually with the surrounding space, we have the welcoming / community spaces (foyer, sitting room, rest room, dining room, kitchen) which through large interior and exterior openings utilize all natural light to the largest extent, while at the same time they appear to complement the outdoor / open spaces since they are directly connected.

The double level opening in the living room works to connect the ‘public’ and ‘private’ spaces of the residence. On the first floor we have the living room – office and the children’s bedrooms with balconies without railings and transparent glass for maximisation of the view. On the second floor the Master Bedroom has infinite view and a vast veranda. The basement comprises of additional secondary ‘functional rooms’ as well as the guest room.

The architectural elements used for the exterior of the masses of the building, such as levels shaped and sectioned by the vertical roofing and their balconies, combine the empty and the full spaces, the solid with the translucent parts, visually grouping the residence spaces harmoniously within the plot. The combined design of the mechanical elements of the utilities and equipment so as not to interfere visually or sound wise with the overall architectural composition of the building, assisted in meeting this end.

The materials used for the construction of the exterior shell constitute the components used in the internal spaces. Coffee-grey coating and wood in a monochromatic dialogue define the overall structure of this building. The use of wood in the external spaces, the ground floor and the balconies doubles and visually connects the spaces of the residence.

The shell of the house is constructed using a facade insulation system, the aluminium casings have thermal-break system and high spec double energy glass panels. Heating is provided through the floor while there is also a central air conditioning system. It is constructed in accordance with the specifications of a smart home where all operations including lighting, the movement of shutters, the alarm system, video surveillance cameras, multi room sound system and air conditioning are all controlled by a centralised system.

The furniture follows the simple and minimal theme of the building’s spaces, enchasing the clean design lines and light colours of the structure as well as the primary function of light and the comfort of the spaces.

The building prevails with its fine lines while its mass is separated but not diluted by the rich surrounding openings, giving it an open air sense through the introduction of natural light. The great glass surfaces permit a permanent dialogue of the indoor with the outside spaces, without creating in the least the sense of seclusion of the interior.”

Basement

 

First Level

 

Second Level

 

Third Level

 

Photos by: Vaggelis Paterakis

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About Eric Meunier

Currently the Owner and Chief Executive of HODYO Design, Eric Meunier's expertise in the design industry spreads over 20 years. He was the driving force behind HomeDSGN's early success, founding this website in 2011. Today, he loves to channel his passion for design into remodeling houses and transforming interior spaces with his keen eye for detail and architectural finesse. Learn more about HomeDSGN's Editorial Process.

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