What I can see

This is a building that is completely different from the typology of the Athenian polykatikia (apartment building) that is evident in this neighbourhood. It is a mixed-use building, with the first two floors being office spaces and the rest residential; yet they are covered by a single façade. Thanks to the L-shaped floor plan, a small garden on the south side has been created. This garden is planted with deciduous plants, so that they provide shade in the summer and in the winter, when the leaves fall, natural light is utilized. The facade looks “elevated” and this allows for a direct view of the garden from the street. External or transparent spaces function as “bridges” between the street and the garden, while the pilotis and uncovered spaces are smoothly integrated into the core of the building. The balconies do not protrude and are in harmony with the lines of the street. The reinforced thermal insulation makes the building less energy consuming. This is also served by the sliding wooden shading panels, which move according to the needs of the residents and the season. At the same time, this movement makes the facade changeable and the building “alive”. The turquoise colour is a reference to Athenian apartment buildings of bright colours and their awnings that give their own colour to the city.

What I can't see

It was designed by the AREA architectural team and the building was nominated for the 2017 Mies van der Rohe European Architecture Award.

Info

• Address: 49 Hansen St.

Bibliography