This project is based on the client’s concept, which had the redefinition of the notion of ‘apartment building’, as its central axis. He redefines it as a vessel that can provide the user with a cultural and ecological environment, and one of social interaction. The building is located in a 4000m2 plot at the area of Varkiza and follows two basic synthetic axis that define the form, atmosphere and use of the spaces.
Firstly, by adopting abstract spaces that are surrounded by thick vegetation and ethnic elements, a residential environment is created, which provides the users with feelings of relaxation and wellness. A basic inspiration of the forms was the geometry of the sandstone rocks, curved by the sea.
The bioclimatic design of the building constituted the second basic synthetic axis, incorporating energy efficiency systems, such as photovoltaic panels and energy collectors, collecting waste water for secondary uses as well as the appropriate exploitation of the geometry of the forms. More specifically, the building is divided in three levels: basement (spa), ground floor (dwellings) and first floor (exclusive residences).
In the first floor, the residences are surrounded by a shell that reflects the 50% of suns radiation before it reaches the main thermal shell of the two residences. Those residences, also have access to the ground floors green roof. The sculptural forms that are evident in the level of the roof are used as skylights for the ground floor, and can also be used as abstract sculptural seating’s for the roof area.
At the ground floor level, smaller scale airy residences are reaching towards a central main atrium, a space characterized with sculptural elements and thick vegetation. A business centre and one shared kitchen-restaurant that hosts biological cuisine cooking seminars, form the spatial configuration of this level and add a semi-public character in the meeting spaces in between. Every residence own a private swimming pool. A significant amount of emphasis was given during the design process, in order to attain the maximum level of privacy.
A cyclical ramp in the atrium space enhances the movement, reaching the basements atrium towards the lower level. This layout, provides vertical lighting towards the spa spaces as well as the heated public pool that exists in this level. This space is surrounded by water therapies uses, Jacuzzi, hammam, massage and a beauty centre. Secondary spaces and the garage of the building are also located in the basement.
An outdoor space adjacent to the building hosts a spherical greenhouse and other various outdoor activities, such as cinema, art seminars and biological cultivation, take place. The proposed building materials are natural, such as perforated wooden panels, cement mortar, exposed concrete and black bamboo.
About
Pavlos Chatziangelidis founded 314 architecture studio in 2004. He studied civil engineering in National Technical University of Athens 1996-2002 and architecture engineering in The University of Thessaly 2006-2012. In 2004 he acquired a Master of Arts degree in design. The name 314 of the studio, is inspired from the mathematic symbol π = 3,14 that is used to count the area of the circle. This reference is related to the philosophical dimension of the concept of the circle. The basic characteristic of his design beside the ecological, social and programmatic dimensions of the project, is the creation of a shell that urges the user to experience an abstraction.
Awards:
H_3 house in Athens:
Official Nomination for 2015 Mies Van der Rohe European Union prize.
Official Nomination for 2015 Piraneski Dnevi International awards.
H_3 was among '20 most popular projects' on the worlds most visited architecture magazine 'Archdaily' for 2013.
First prize on "30 Years of Architecture" by KTIPIO for 2016.
H_34 apartments in voula:
Official Nomination for 8th Greek Architecture Biennale.
C_29 optical shop:
Architizer A Awards 2016 "Special Mention"
Other distinctions:
1st prize Exploring the boundaries awards.
1st prize 2013 'Greek Architects' website thesis awards.
Our work has been presented in many Architecture exhibitions and has been published in worlds most popular books, magazines and websites. Our H_3 project has been filmed on documentary for Argentina and Katar television.
The studio has published it's works on worlds most popular international architecture magazines and newspapers such as:
• Archdaily
• Designboom
• Dezeen
• Architizer
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