Project: Apartment in Kolonaki
Type: Airbnb, Residential
Architectural & Interior Design: INSiDE Architects
Area: 56 sqm.
Region: Kolonaki, Athens
Presentation: INSiDE Architects
Photography: John Bougas
This apartment spans 56 square meters and is situated on the middle floor of a typical classical Athenian 1970s block of apartments in Kolonaki, near Lycabettus Hill and close to the central square of Kolonaki. Our architectural task was to create a fully equipped apartment for Airbnb use, accommodating two to three individuals for short or long-term stays.
The existing layout of the apartment comprised a living room, a separate kitchen, a storage area adjacent to the living room, a small entrance separated from the living room by a glass door, a bathroom, and a bedroom. However, the apartment suffered from inadequate lighting, exacerbated by the partitioned rooms.
Our architectural approach aimed to optimize natural light diffusion indoors to foster a fluid and functional daily living experience. This was achieved by relocating the kitchen adjacent to the living room, creating a unified space where the entrance, kitchen, and living room harmoniously coexist. This reconfiguration necessitated the removal of the existing storage space.
Furthermore, we introduced a new bedroom in the former kitchen area to accommodate more guests. Each bedroom and the living room now feature their own unique veranda, facilitating natural ventilation through passive systems complemented by energy-efficient solutions such as air conditioning.
The storage space, which was eliminated, has been replaced by wardrobes and concealed cabinets seamlessly integrated into the apartment's layout. The overarching theme of lightness and functional fluidity is also accentuated through carefully placed artificial lighting. LED strips illuminate selected areas, while decorative lighting elements such as sconces and small pendant lights contribute to the overall ambiance.
Lastly, the color palette was chosen for its warmth, vibrancy, and tranquility, complementing the selected materials that prioritize coziness. Specifically, the flooring throughout the apartment is wooden, while the kitchen tiles, in brown hues, feature a small-scale pattern to enhance the materiality ratio.
These interventions collectively aim to enhance the livability and aesthetic appeal of the apartment, ensuring a comfortable and inviting space for guests. Simultaneously, the carpentry materials of the kitchen cabinets feature solid tones of beige. This playful reversal from small to large scale selections contributes to the interest in detail. This delightful play is further emphasized by a customized bookcase and TV set crafted from terracotta carpentry, along with a deep blue bench where the dining table is placed.
