Contemporary Living in Dialogue with Nature

The apartment building in Marousi explores a contemporary approach to urban living. It seeks to reconnect everyday life with nature. Located in one of Athens’ greenest residential districts, the project introduces generous outdoor spaces that extend domestic life beyond the interior.

At the core of the design is a sequence of deep balconies conceived as transitional living spaces between the home and the city. Rather than functioning as simple extensions of the apartments, they become places for everyday life. As a result, they strengthen the relationship with natural light, fresh air and planting.

A defining element of the building’s architectural identity is the use of perforated ceramic screens. They filter light, privacy and views while creating a distinctive façade composition. At the same time, they contribute to the building’s bioclimatic performance by controlling solar exposure and creating gradual transitions between private and public space.

Through the composition of volumes, the careful modulation of light and the integration of landscape, the project proposes an urban residential environment centred on quality of life, privacy and a stronger connection with nature.

The Outdoor Room

The concept of the “outdoor room” became a guiding principle throughout the design. Deep balconies are conceived as natural extensions of the interior. They soften the transition between indoor and outdoor living. Combined with the perforated ceramic screens, they create intermediate spaces that provide shade, privacy and a continuous visual relationship with the surrounding landscape.

Composition, Volume and Architectural Expression

The building’s form emerges through the interplay of solids and voids, projections and recesses. Together, these elements create a layered reading of the overall volume. Strong horizontal floor slabs and balconies define the project’s primary architectural language. Meanwhile, the ceramic screens introduce a secondary vertical rhythm that enriches the façade and reinforces the plasticity of the composition.

Light, Shading and the Natural Environment

The extensive western façade became a defining design parameter. Perforated ceramic screens provide solar shading while improving the building’s bioclimatic performance. They also enhance thermal comfort throughout the year. Combined with natural cross-ventilation and integrated planting, they create living environments where daylight, fresh air and nature become integral parts of everyday experience.

Integrating with the Urban Landscape

At ground level, the open pilotis and surrounding planting establish a gradual transition between the street and the building. This allows the landscape to extend naturally into the site. As a result, the project integrates seamlessly into its urban context while contributing to a greener and more liveable neighbourhood.