30/12/2025
"Around a Box"
Nestled within the bustling heart of Athens, stood a small apartment house reminiscent of the 1970s architectural ethos. Within this edifice lay an apartment, distinguished not by its age but by its commanding view of Mount Lycabettus. Yet, behind this majestic backdrop, the apartment grappled with challenges – a dysfunctional layout, inadequate illumination, and a solitary bathroom that belied the demands of contemporary living.
When the owners approached the renovation, their aspirations
were seemingly modest: design a singular piece of furniture to
camouflage the Livingroom’s skewed walls while accommodating books and a television. However, from this simple request
emerged an innovative solution: a wooden box, a marvel of multifunctionality.
The transformation was significant. Walls that once compartmentalized spaces were razed, paving the way for an open-concept
design centered around a wooden monolith. Within its confines,
the box seamlessly integrated diverse functionalities – from a bath
- room and WC to a compact wardrobe, a sleek desk, expansive
bookshelves, a dedicated TV corner, and even the essentials of a
modern kitchen.
This singular intervention redefined the apartment’s spatial narrative. The design fostered a fluid, circular movement around the
wooden box, creating an intuitive flow between spaces. Furthermore, by uniting various functionalities within this central element, the renovation maximized space efficiency, ensuring every square meter resonated with purpose and elegance.
Moreover, the introduction of this multifunctional core enhanced
natural illumination by amplifying the influx of daylight. The result
was a harmonious interplay of light and shadow, accentuating the
apartment’s renewed vitality.
In essence, “Around a Box” transcended its titular reference. It
wasn’t merely about a piece of furniture; it symbolized a holistic
approach to design, where innovation met functionality, tradition
intertwined with modernity, and every element harmoniously coexisted within the vibrant tapestry of Athenian living.
Project Code: 170101
Year: 2019
Location: Athens, Attica, Greece
Project status: Completed
Surface: 120m²
Design:
archμen
Site Supervision:
archμen
Construction Management:
Vladimir Tsepilov
Photos/Renderings:
archμen