Athens apartment transforms with sliding walls for guests
Greek architect Apostolopoulos designs fluid living space with foldable elements.
1A transformative living space
Greek architect Georgios Apostolopoulos radically renovated an 80 sqm apartment in Athens' 1970s Stroggyli Polykatoikia building. Formerly a psychiatrist's office, the space regained its original structure by removing all partitions. The architect challenges conventional room concepts with movable wooden elements creating a 'fluid layout' instead of fixed walls.
2Central kitchen island
At the apartment's core lies a curved kitchen island combining cooking and social functions. This fixed element integrates with surrounding movable furniture, enabling the space to adapt to different scenarios. Apostolopoulos' design philosophy centers on single areas serving multiple purposes throughout the day.
3Concealed functionalities
The main bedroom separates from the living area via a full-height wardrobe unit. Bathroom and WC hidden behind mirrored doors offer practical solutions while maintaining minimalism. The secondary bedroom transforms with a fold-down bed and desk, alternatively serving as dining or lounge space when needed.
4System of layered thresholds
The architect's 'layered thresholds' system adjusts privacy levels through sliding doors and transformable partitions. The joinery maintains spatial coherence while transitioning between openness and enclosure. This approach maximizes flexibility in small spaces while subverting traditional room hierarchies.
5Material continuity
Micro-cement floors and textured paint in matching tones create indoor-outdoor continuity. The monochrome material palette fulfills the client's 'cave-like' request while highlighting the building's original circular geometry. New interventions blend seamlessly with existing architecture.
6Modernized original features
The living area's original fireplace was preserved but transformed from decorative brick to modern bio-ethanol. The 1970s modernist building's circular forms get updated through minimalist material choices. Apostolopoulos respects historical layers while creating solutions for contemporary lifestyles.
7Athens' evolving residential architecture
The project is part of increasing urban renewal movements in the Greek capital. Apostolopoulos previously renovated a neoclassical townhouse with contemporary design. Reviving modernist icons like Stroggyli Polykatoikia creates a new residential language merging history with modernity in Athens.
8Future living spaces
This project highlights the importance of flexibility and multifunctionality in urban living. Post-pandemic needs for homes to serve multiple roles make Apostolopoulos' transformable design particularly relevant. Creative solutions for small spaces inspire sustainable housing concepts, especially in dense cities.