I met the owner 12 years ago when her husband, a previous client of ours, introduced me as “an architect who listens to what each building has to say”. Back then, little did we know about the long-lasting, creative collaboration we were to have.
The apartment sits on the second floor of a privately owned building, at the foot of Filopappou Hill, next to the Acropolis. This floor was added in 1957, in a discreet way that followed and respected the existing ‘30s architecture. Looking at the building’s façade one sees a successful integration, an oeuvre complete.
Our main task was to carry out a tactful renovation, implementing contemporary standards for safety regulations and conveniences. The owner’s intention was for the upgraded apartment to be listed on the short-term rental market.
The interior layout was ready to accommodate a functional dwelling, so we left it as is. We actually kept and complemented many interesting features that were part of the retro style of this dwelling: the colourful mosaic floors, featured in all the rooms and the wooden fitted wardrobe in the bedroom. In the kitchen we liked and therefore maintained almost everything: the oil painted wooden cupboards, the counter and the sink made of the famous Greek Dionyssos marble. We loved the original wooden entrance door, featuring a boiserie technique and an elegant brass knocker, and did not opt for the new security type. After all we did equip the whole building with an alarm system. The bathroom was made anew using retro style tiles and fixtures. We thoroughly enjoyed choosing the furniture, lightings and accessories to furnish the apartment in style.
