1970s Athens apartment reimagined with joinery replacing walls
Georgios Apostolopoulos Architects transforms a Kifisia apartment through spatial fluidity
1Radical spatial reconfiguration
The architects completely removed all internal partitions in this 1970s Athens apartment, exposing the original structure and creating a continuous interior. This approach challenges conventional room divisions, instead using joinery elements to define spaces without walls. The design emphasizes fluid movement and natural light flow throughout the 120 sqm apartment. Original concrete ceilings and structural elements were preserved to maintain the building's character while enabling the new spatial concept.
2Kitchen as social anchor
The kitchen becomes the apartment's central social hub, designed as a solid volume rather than enclosed room. Its 3.5m island serves multiple functions - cooking surface, workspace, and gathering point. The monolithic design encourages circulation around all sides, supporting daily activities without spatial constraints. Materials were selected for durability and visual quietness, with stainless steel countertops complementing the monochromatic palette.
3Fluid living areas
Living and dining spaces unfold organically around the central kitchen, connected through gradual level changes rather than walls. The architects used subtle floor material transitions and ceiling height variations to suggest different zones. A continuous window band along the north facade floods the open plan with natural light, enhancing the sense of spatial continuity. Furniture placement follows the apartment's circulation patterns rather than conventional room layouts.
4Adaptable bedroom design
The main bedroom extends the living area's spatial language, with wardrobes acting as layered filters rather than solid partitions. A vanity projects beyond the bathroom enclosure, blurring boundaries between functions. Custom joinery allows residents to adjust privacy levels throughout the day. The design incorporates 3.2m sliding panels that can reconfigure the space according to changing needs, demonstrating the project's flexible approach to domestic space.
5Multifunctional secondary space
The second bedroom was replaced with a transformable joinery system featuring a fold-down bed and integrated desk. This 15 sqm area can shift between sleeping, working, and storage configurations via sliding panels. The system includes 4.5 linear meters of concealed storage and a workspace that folds out when needed. This approach maximizes functionality in minimal space while maintaining visual openness to the rest of the apartment.
6Material simplicity
A restrained material palette of white walls, oak flooring, and gray joinery creates visual cohesion throughout the apartment. The architects preserved existing concrete structural elements as design features. Slim 5cm window frames maximize glass area and daylight penetration. All materials were selected for durability and low maintenance, with hidden storage keeping surfaces clutter-free to emphasize the spatial concept.
7Light and movement strategy
The design strategically channels natural light through the apartment's full length via continuous glazing. Artificial lighting follows the same principles, with linear LED strips highlighting circulation paths. Movement flows unimpeded along a central axis connecting all functional areas. The architects calculated sunlight angles to ensure even illumination throughout the day, with reflective surfaces enhancing light distribution.
8Rethinking domestic space
This project challenges conventional apartment layouts by proving walls aren't necessary for functional living. The joinery-based system offers greater flexibility than traditional rooms, adapting to various activities and future needs. It represents a shift toward more sustainable renovations that work with existing structures rather than complete demolitions. The design has been featured in international architecture publications as an innovative approach to urban housing.