iLLUSiON RESIDENCES

Limassol, Cyprus

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THE HOUSE 6

iLLUSiON RESIDENCES

Limassol, Cyprus

Firm

Architecton LAB L.L.C

Type

Residential › Apartment

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2023

SIZE

1000 sqft - 3000 sqft

BUDGET

$1M - 5M

The project concerns a three-storey apartment building with a pilotis, located at one of the relatively elevated points of the Agios Athanasios area in Limassol.

On the plot, with an area of 589 sq.m., there previously stood a ground-floor residence with no particular architectural or historical value. On the contrary, it was a dwelling dating back to the 1980s and in rather poor condition. Upon purchasing the plot, the project owner proceeded with all necessary procedures, in accordance with legislation, for the demolition of the existing building. Most of the demolition debris was sent for recycling, in cooperation with a company specialized in this field.

As the area is densely built-up, the preparation and operation of the construction site constituted a major challenge. However, through proper organization by the contracting company, under the guidance of our office’s design team, construction works were carried out smoothly and without significant issues.

Particular care was taken to orient the building towards the sea and the south. All major openings of the six apartments face the sea. From the very first floor, there is an unobstructed view of the city of Limassol and the blue of the Mediterranean, hence the name “iLLUSiON.”

There are six apartments in total: five two-bedroom apartments with 80 sq.m. of internal space each, and one one-bedroom apartment with 60 sq.m. of internal space. All apartments feature spacious covered verandas with a southern orientation and sea views. The two apartments on the third floor also make use of their roof, which is connected to them via a circular staircase. Each roof area includes a terrace and a relaxation space, thus making optimal use of the highest point of the building.

Within the pilotis area are the covered parking spaces for the apartments, storage rooms for each unit, and the landscaped pedestrian entrance located centrally in the building. The first vertical wall encountered upon entry is clad in dark-colored HPL. This minimal setting lends a welcoming character to the space and creates a sense of familiarity for visitors. There is no pedestrian entrance gate nor vehicle barriers. In general, intentionally, there is no clear dividing line between the private and public realms, as such a separation would be contrary to the hospitable character of the neighborhood.

The exterior design and façades of the building follow clean architectural lines, emphasizing functional volumes without excess. There is a gentle and balanced use of board-formed exposed concrete, which, combined with certain gray architectural projections and protrusions, creates a distinctive character on the façades. The glass balustrades on the verandas contribute to the penetration of light into the interior spaces and do not obstruct the sea view. Additionally, perforated metal railings, designed by our office, are featured on the front verandas.

The building is constructed of reinforced concrete, with small metal structures—architectural projections and protrusions—emerging at certain points on the façades. These projections are not only aesthetic elements but also serve to conceal various mechanical and other building installations. For optimal energy performance, the building is externally insulated with a certified thermal façade system; the installed window and door frames are certified and highly energy efficient; and a photovoltaic system is also utilized. The building has been designed to accommodate persons with disabilities (PWD) within each apartment, as well as throughout all areas of the project.