RESIDENCE AT DIONI-PIKERMI,ATHENS

The site is situated at the end of a triangular building square, in the region Dioni Pikermiou. Its north-eastern side, faces Limnou street, while its south-western side, faces Thassou street. The two sides exhibit a characteristic difference of level between them. The geometry of the site, along with the dynamics of the plot’s bas-relief, constituted the starting points for the development of this project. The composition is organised along the axes defined by the neighbouring streets and the boundaries of the site, while it attempts to translate the land’s topography into built volume. The building resembles protective walls that block out the north, while they «embrace» the swimming pool, situated at the southeastern courtyard.
Two vessels form the residence. A triangular one and a rectangular one. The empty space between them plays the role of the main entrance on the groundfloor, while on the first floor, it forms a bridge that connects the two bedrooms. The vessels’ volumes constantly change. The orientation, and thus the quality of the light, the functions they house and the natural environment, continually transform them throughout the day. Their character and their appearance is always shifting. In the same way shifts the character and the appearance of the vessels’ roofs. Sometimes they resemble floating planes, while other times, become folding surfaces that surround the building volumes. In both cases, the roofs are very important for the elevations.The surrounding space, at the northwest becomes part of the entrance and at the southeast becomes living space.
Given the absence of a densely built urban web in this region , the architects tried to give the building the qualities of a sculptural object that attempts to interpret the dynamics of the landscape. At the same time, the «mobility» of the building’s elements, makes the forces of the ground temporarily materialise, giving house to all human activities. Openings are created between the folds of the external wall-surfaces, allowing the light to reach the interior.

ANASTASIOS ATHANASOPOULOS,ARCHITECT ENGINEER
ALEXIOS LAPOURTAS,ARCHITECT ENGINEER