KLTZ Kaisariani

Athens, Greece

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KLTZ Kaisariani

Athens, Greece

Firm

Studio SPACECRAFT Architecture

Type

Residential › Apartment

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2024

SIZE

0 sqft - 1000 sqft

BUDGET

$10K - 50K

Nestled on the border of Kaisariani and Pagrati in Athens, Studio SPACECRAFT reimagines a 77 sqm apartment originally built in the early 1970s. The renovation, led by Rutger Oor, architect and co-founder of the studio, transforms a once-fragmented interior into a harmonious, light-filled space that responds to modern living.

Residues of the Past

Typical of many Athenian apartments from the ‘70s, the original layout reflected a society with different priorities. Spaces were heavily compartmentalized, with rooms divided by hallways and doors, creating a labyrinth of disconnected areas. This approach not only restricted movement but also concealed the apartment's full potential, both in terms of size and natural light.

The kitchen, for instance, was often a secluded space—a relic of an era when cooking was considered a private activity. Isolated behind walls, it stood apart from the living and dining areas, barring interaction between hosts and guests during social gatherings.

Adapting to Modern Lifestyles

Today’s homes favor openness, transparency, and connection. Open-plan layouts encourage social interaction, improve the diffusion of natural light and airflow, and foster a sense of freedom. Kitchens have become integral to daily life, often merging with living and dining spaces to facilitate seamless hosting and communal activities.

The design brief for KLTZ Kaisariani centered on overcoming the fragmentation of the original layout while clearly delineating public and private zones. The entrance in the original layout opened into a narrow space, leading first to the dining area and then to the living area, which was positioned further back near the balcony door. The dining area, being far from the façade, lacked natural light and failed to create a welcoming entrance. The kitchen, tucked away in the back corner, was accessible only via the corridor leading to the bedrooms and bathroom—further isolating it from the main social areas.

Redefining Boundaries

The renovation prioritizes light, flow, and functionality. The redesigned entrance now opens to a welcoming kitchen integrated seamlessly into the bright and unified public zone of living-dining area. To achieve this, the kitchen was relocated to the former dining room near the entrance, and the small bedroom was shifted to the space previously occupied by the kitchen. This change allowed the former small bedroom to merge with the living room, creating a spacious open-plan living and dining area.

The result is a clear division between two functional zones. The first zone encompasses the public spaces—kitchen, dining, and living areas—unified into a bright, expansive area ideal for socializing. The second zone is dedicated to private functions, housing the bedrooms and accessed via a corridor. The bathroom sits at the intersection of these zones, serving both private and public needs.

Aesthetic and Sculptural Gestures

Curved geometries play a starring role in the redesign, enhancing the apartment’s flow while softening transitions between structural elements. These curves, found at the junctions of walls, ceilings, beams, and columns, create a sense of continuity and openness while lending the space a sculptural quality.

The material palette further reinforces the dialogue between past and present. A nod to 1970s aesthetics is evident in the colour choices: the kitchen’s blue cabinetry adds warmth and vibrancy to the entrance, while the green wardrobes in the bedrooms provide playful focal points. These hues contrast with the neutral tones of the walls, achieving a balance between dynamism and calmness.

Preserving and Enhancing Materiality

Flooring choices reflect a thoughtful interplay of old and new. The original black marble of the dining and living areas was preserved, with a new white marble strip introduced to connect the marble with the adjacent wooden flooring. This subtle detail serves as a visual bridge, emphasizing the integration of materials. White marble also extends into the corridor and bathroom, marking the transition to the private zone. In the new small bedroom, where mosaic flooring once existed, warm wooden flooring now is in harmony with the floor of the large bedroom.

KLTZ Kaisariani exemplifies the transformative power of thoughtful design. By opening up the space and reinterpreting the apartment’s original 1970s charm, Studio SPACECRAFT Architecture has created a home that feels timeless yet perfectly attuned to the demands of contemporary living. Through subtle gestures, bold colors, and a careful balance of old and new, the apartment now invites its inhabitants to experience a life of light, openness, and connection.

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KLTZ Kaisariani

Athens, Greece

KLTZ Kaisariani

Athens, Greece

Product Spec Sheet

Collaborating Firms

Team