The project concerns a contemporary two-storey residence located in an already densely populated area, in Agios Athanasios, Limassol. As the study and design team, based also on the owners’ requirements, we were faced with the following challenges: First and foremost, there was the issue of high noise pollution, as the project is only 40 meters away from the Limassol–Nicosia highway. Another matter that required rational handling was the relatively small plot area (379 sq.m.) in relation to the high demands of the owners. Specifically, they requested large, comfortable, and numerous spaces, both within the interior of the residence and in its outdoor areas. The requirement for the addition of a swimming pool made our task even more challenging. Furthermore, in such a densely built environment, we had to ensure the privacy of the residence’s users, especially in the outdoor spaces. Ultimately, we managed to achieve this goal with very positive results.
At first glance, the façade of the residence reveals architectural volumes that give it a subtle sense of grandeur. Entering the residence through the large glass pivot door, one encounters a spacious open-plan area with a straight axis that begins in the living room, passes through the dining and kitchen areas, and extends to the courtyard, the garden, and the swimming pool. The absence of steps or level differences between the interior and exterior enhances the sense of a unified layout and seamless communication between all common areas. This is further supported by the ergonomic spatial arrangement and the use of full-height openings. These tall openings, combined with the absence of beams at roof level, further create a feeling of openness and airiness.
The staircase leading from the ground floor to the upper floor is constructed of reinforced concrete combined with a metal frame and additional metal elements. The upper floor hosts all the private spaces, consisting of three comfortable bedrooms. Each bedroom has its own en-suite bathroom. A focal point is the master bedroom, which was designed with particular attention, taking into account the high expectations of the owners. It includes a separate walk-in wardrobe, featuring glass-fronted cabinets with concealed lighting. The wardrobe also leads to the bedroom’s bathroom.
Special emphasis was also placed on the design of the overflow-type swimming pool, which wraps around the outdoor veranda and the building envelope, indicating that it is an integral part of the residence’s design and structure. It is complemented by an underground plant room and an overflow system.
The design team also devoted considerable attention to the lighting of the project, both for the interior and exterior spaces of the residence. Linear lighting elements are featured at various key points that we wished to highlight. At the same time, proper light distribution was ensured for the afternoon and evening hours.
The project is constructed from reinforced concrete, and the building envelope is insulated with high-quality rock wool to enhance acoustic insulation within the residence. In this way, one of the major challenges we faced—noise pollution from the highway—has been fully resolved. The residence is characterized by high energy performance. This was achieved through proper insulation of both the building envelope and the roof slab, the use of a photovoltaic system, the integration of smart heating and cooling systems, as well as the installation of high-performance aluminum frames.