Apartment in Filothei
The project undertaken by our office (iy SYNAPSIS ARCHITECTS) concerns the radical renovation and redesign of a 105m² apartment, aiming to offer relaxation and a sense of luxury to the owners while remaining fully functional despite its relatively small size.
A particular requirement that had to be integrated into the design was for the living areas to serve the owners’ social life within a relaxed, comfortable, and open environment, while also connecting seamlessly to the lush green surroundings outside.
The key architectural gesture that defined the design was the removal of the fireplace, which expanded the space and allowed the reconfiguration without constraints—opening up views of the planted exterior and creating a direct dialogue between inside and outside.
From the entrance of the apartment, the visitor-owner has the impression of arriving at a small foyer with visual access to all areas and openings. The open-plan layout directs the eye toward many green exits—toward the gardens and trees outside—facilitating the user’s transition from the pace of the city to a calmer atmosphere.
It is at this very moment that one chooses how to flow through the spaces.
The living room, oriented toward the large balcony door, fully achieves the goal of providing relaxation, with greenery as its backdrop. The wall that once hosted the fireplace—previously the focal point—now serves as the back of the sofa. Behind it, a wooden composition contributes to the ambience of the room, interacting with the lighting to shape the mood. Walnut and lacquered wood are combined with the dining and kitchen areas, forming a direct dialogue that complements the greenery of the exterior.
The kitchen, with its island that accommodates the cooktop, extends to become a dining table, while the counter with the sink—finished in the same color as the library—transitions into a buffet in the dining area. The living and dining spaces have been designed to connect with the large balcony doors that lead to the spacious terrace, creating the impression of a much larger interior.
On the other side, the tall kitchen units are seamlessly integrated into the wall and visually unified with the hallway wardrobes. In this corridor, the owner can define the flow by closing the large concealed sliding door or keeping it fully open, offering a view toward the children’s bedroom with its balcony door and the planted exterior.
A significant element of the study was the creation of storage spaces. The corridor wardrobes were designed with provisions for ventilation and mechanical installations to accommodate the washing machine and dryer. At the same time, with careful spatial separation, the electrical panel and a large shoe cabinet were integrated.
In this way, the washing machine was freed from being placed in the bathroom or kitchen—as is usually the case—and was instead located in a more practical and accessible interior space. This allowed the bathroom design to focus on unique functionality and a distinct sense of luxury.