PROPOSAL AT ARCHITECTURE COMPETITION - STUDENT HOUSES IN LIMASSOL

Lead Architects: Panagiotou Ioannis-Architect Msc-PGDip,
Balatsoukas Anastasios-Architect Dipl. Eng. / MSc,
Tsartsaraki Christina Architect Dipl. Eng.
Location: Limassol, Cyprus
Date: 2025

The initial design approach was shaped by the geometry of the plot, which led to the development of a compact building volume along its narrower southern edge. Toward the north, where the site widens, the floor plan opens into a V-shape, revealing an intentional spatial divergence. This volumetric division was further reinforced by circulation flows on the ground-floor level, which became another tool for decomposing the overall mass of the building.

The extension of the open communal space into the heart of the complex, together with the decision to provide building access from both surrounding streets, allowed the architectural volume to be broken down into smaller, distinct forms both horizontally and vertically. A primary movement axis was thus created on the ground floor: this pathway leads visitors to the main entrance, while also defining seating areas, zones of planting, and bicycle parking.

Double-height volumes accommodate the principal shared indoor functions—such as the reading room, gym, and playroom—where the seating area extends into the playroom in the form of a small amphitheater. Certain shared spaces were designed to unfold across both the ground floor and a mezzanine level (which is not considered a full storey), while the opposite section of the building contains the mechanical services floor at the same height. The insertion of this intermediate level was used to introduce a strong, double-height band along the facade, one that visually bridges the ground-floor level and shifts in texture and materiality between solid surfaces and glazing.

The northern V-shaped wing reaches the building’s maximum height at 22.50 meters, while in the southern part a lower volume is developed. This design move allows for the formation of a communal, accessible green roof—an elevated outdoor space that complements the ground-level amenities and offers an alternative setting for resident relaxation.

The design decisions that shaped the massing strategy allowed the building to “fold,” creating conditions for cross-ventilation in shared spaces, both at ground level and on the upper floors. The alternating layout of the residential units along a common structural axis offers residents expanded interior circulation zones—conceived as “micro-neighborhood corridors”—that foster social interaction alongside the private balconies of each unit.

This alternation of residential units on every floor, and across the entirety of the upper levels, enabled further articulation of the facades. The interplay of setbacks and projections in the balcony design not only balances privacy and socialization for residents but also generates shaded conditions for rooms located deeper within the building envelope. For the protruding parts of the volume, an additional shading layer was designed on the facades, responding to the climatic needs of Limassol—especially on the south, west, and east orientations.

This additional shading layer unfolds across the facades as a lightweight metal system, combining perforated panels with a vertical green screen that enhances the building’s bioclimatic performance. By allowing natural shading, the vegetation reduces exterior temperatures during the summer months while creating a micro-ecosystem of flora and fauna along the building’s edges.

In the recessed zones created by alternating balcony layouts and glazed façade sections, reinforced concrete planters of varying sizes are introduced to support horizontal bands of planting across the upper floors while ensuring continuous vegetative growth over the facade. On the ground floor, “green arcades” are formed as vertical planted surfaces aligned with the greenery at ground level, providing sun protection for double-height glazing.

These bioclimatic strategies are continued onto the accessible roof level, which is largely planted and shaded by a square metal pergola. Designed to support climbing plants and integrated perforated panels matching those of the façades, this space is accessible to all residents and extends over nearly half of the roof surface. In addition to passive design strategies such as optimal orientation, shading, and green surfaces, the proposal incorporates active energy-saving systems. A photovoltaic array is installed on the non-accessible portion of the roof, generating renewable energy from sunlight and reducing the building’s environmental footprint.

Materiality
The material palette emphasizes the expression of the structural frame, particularly around glazed areas. Large windows, exterior sliding units, and the exposed load-bearing structure are all painted in a greenish tone. Transparent surfaces used in clerestories, the mezzanine, and the mechanical floor are made of glass bricks, with the option for some of them to be operable.

Solid wall sections are finished with white, scraped plaster as the final layer of an external thermal insulation system. In balcony recesses, durable rectangular ceramic tiles in a white tone are used. Light-colored cast terrazzo is applied to the internal floors, balconies, and walkable portions of the roof terrace, while timber cladding is introduced to the ceilings of the balconies.

The secondary facade system consists of lightweight galvanized metal frames housing perforated metal sheets and rectangular mesh. All metal elements are electrostatically coated in white. In the uncovered areas of the plot, cool-colored concrete pavers and permeable cement-based planting slabs are used in zones not occupied by the main vegetation beds.

Structural Design
The structure is based on a composite steel construction system. The load-bearing frame is supported by reinforced concrete foundations (either a raft slab or strip footings), while the superstructure is composed of steel beams and columns (HEA profiles) topped by composite concrete slabs poured over corrugated steel decking. This method was chosen for its prefabrication benefits and enhanced seismic resilience.

Mechanical & Smart Building Systems
Heating and cooling are provided by a centralized air-to-air heat pump connected to fan-coil units concealed within the suspended ceiling, which also accommodates MEP distribution. The smart-building system includes WiFi-based control over lighting, heating/cooling, and secure access by code in the foyer, playroom, and accommodation units.