Cantilevered Glass and Concrete Pavilion Extends 1970s Nicosia Woodland House
APAP studio adds a flexible, light-filled architectural volume to a historic Cyprus residence.
1Architectural Extension in Nicosia
Architecture practice APAP has completed DIAGONAL, a residential extension to a 1970s home located in Nicosia, Cyprus. Situated on an elevated, wooded plot, the project departs from the original dwelling’s structural motif of parallel load-bearing walls. The new pavilion introduces horizontal planes that cantilever outward toward the central courtyard, framing the surrounding woodland.
2Flexible Interior Design Approach
The 133-square-meter extension was conceived without a rigid functional brief, allowing the interior volume to adapt to indeterminate domestic uses over time. By intentionally omitting built-in partitions, the architects created an open-ended space. This design strategy ensures the pavilion remains versatile, accommodating shifting needs while maintaining a continuous connection to the landscape.
3Integration of Natural Light
Expansive glazed perimeters define the concrete and glass envelope, turning the pavilion into a receptive plane for natural light. Throughout the day, the glass captures shifting patterns of foliage shadows and diurnal sunlight. These transparent boundaries establish direct visual connections with the tree canopy, blurring the distinction between the interior and the exterior.
4Bespoke Diagonal Lighting System
A custom four-part diagonal lighting armature is suspended within the center of the ceiling to anchor the space. This bespoke fixture, developed with Ioannides Lighting, serves as a focal point after dusk. The installation reinterprets the room's geometry without requiring physical dividers, effectively defining the interior volume through a calibrated artificial lighting schema.
5Calibrated Color Temperature Schema
The lighting fixture deploys three distinct color temperatures to manipulate the atmosphere of the pavilion. Very warm red light is cast toward the sides, while very cool white light is directed toward the ceiling. Finally, warmer white light is projected down onto the floor, creating a layered visual effect that highlights the structural diagonal.
6Materiality and Structural Form
The project utilizes two horizontal slabs to define the floor and roof thresholds of the new volume. These concrete planes cantilever into the courtyard, emphasizing a sense of openness. The design team, led by Alexis Papadopoulos and Maria Giannakou, collaborated with civil engineer Allayiotis Christodoulidou to realize the structural requirements of the cantilevered design.
7Project Execution and Collaboration
Construction was managed by Innovative Construction Solutions, ensuring the realization of the complex concrete and glass assembly. The project reflects a precise coordination between architectural intent and technical execution. By reinterpreting the geometry of the original 1970s residence, the team successfully integrated modern, minimalist design elements into the existing woodland site context.
8Pavilion as Illuminated Vitrine
After dark, the glazed pavilion transitions into a transparent, illuminated container within the wooded landscape. This transformation highlights the architectural intent of the extension as a receptive, light-filled space. The project serves as a contemporary intervention that respects the original site's history while providing a flexible, modern environment for its residents.