“Apartments in Karamanli”, Glyfada, Greece
This residential building’s architectural composition is based on the creation of a clean, prismatic volume, which is broken up by recesses featuring both rectangular and organically curved openings that are repeated on all levels. The arches constitute the dominant morphological element of the composition, lending the building a distinct sculptural dimension and creating a continuous architectural rhythm that transforms the building’s volume into a lighter and more dynamic form.
The alternation of solid and void surfaces enhances the plasticity of the facades and highlights the interplay of light and shadow, while the deep recesses and large projections of the balconies function as passive shading elements, contributing to the improvement of the building’s bioclimatic performance.
The large rectangular openings, complemented by vertical sunshades (blinds) create a contrast between the austere linear geometry and the fluidity of the curved openings. The shading elements are not merely functional sun-shading features; they are integrated into the overall architectural expression of the facades, enhancing their rhythm, materiality, and visual composition while also providing the necessary privacy.
The planting along the perimeter—both on the balconies and on the perimeter architectural projections, as well as behind the sculptural elements—is an integral part of the project’s morphological and bioclimatic architectural composition. Greenery is integrated into the architectural design as an active element, contributing to the creation of a microclimate, the improvement of thermal comfort, and the enhancement of the building’s visual quality.
The white-plastered surfaces, combined with the large glass facades, the distinctive metal railings, and the vertical sunshades, form an architectural language in which form emerges from the balance between functionality, bioclimatic design, and aesthetic expression. The result is a building of contemporary architecture, in which organic fluidity coexists harmoniously with geometric clarity, creating a unified and recognizable architectural identity.
project info
Architectural Office: 314 Architecture Studio
Location: Glyfada, Greece
Area: 805 sq.m.
Type: Residential