On a plot outside the settlement with an existing building of 200m2 with a basement and a pool, we were asked to proceed with the complete renovation - reconstruction of the building and the surrounding area, aiming to improve functionality in both outdoor and indoor spaces, adapt it to the client's needs, and upgrade the building's construction quality and aesthetics.

As a spatial problem, we identified the unfortunate connection of indoor spaces with outdoor ones of different privacy levels. The day areas of the residence are located in the central part of the building, and the night areas, the four bedrooms, are located north and south of it. Access to the entrance of the residence is from the south side, resulting in the bedrooms on the south side having small openings and no outdoor spaces to preserve their privacy. On the north side, we have the central outdoor spaces with the pool, barbecue and dining area, and access to them is through the two northern bedrooms, significantly affecting their privacy.
The nature of the building's urban identity significantly limited the solutions we could propose, as during its construction, it violated the side distances, resulting in being deemed illegal and subsequently regulated. This means that it was not possible to modify the facade or the volume of the building, but we proceeded with what allowed us to obtain a small-scale permit.
What we proposed was the redesign of the outdoor spaces to functionally integrate with the existing facade of the building, which more or less remains as it is. A new access was created to the relocated entrance of the building, creating a road at a distance from the building on the south side. This allowed us to create private outdoor areas for the southern bedrooms. On the north side, the outdoor areas with their respective uses and the pool were retained, but their use became private, with exclusive access and use only by the two northern bedrooms. In the central part of the building, east and west, a communal area was created for use by all residents of the house. To the east, we have the entrance to the residence, parking space for three vehicles, and the old boiler room converted into a chapel. Next to the main entrance is the new staircase leading to the roof, where we have the best view of the Souda Bay and the White Mountains. There we have a sitting area and an outdoor fireplace.
On the west side, we have the new central courtyard of the residence. Access to this central courtyard is from the daily living areas of the residence, where there is an outdoor living room, dining area, kitchen with BBQ and oven, as well as the new pool with a Jacuzzi. Between the new and the existing pool, there is an artificial lake with a rock garden, which gives the impression that the two pools are connected but at the same time creates a barrier that provides privacy to the outdoor areas north of the residence.
The interior of the residence underwent a redesign of the spaces, improving functionality and access while adapting the home to the client's desires. Stone and wood were used in their natural shades, both on the floors and walls as cladding or rock technique, conveying the sensations one experiences in the surrounding nature within and around the residence. By separating private and common areas, we were able to modify the openings. Thus, we created large openings in each space that merge the interior with the exterior, simultaneously filling all areas of the residence with light and air.
In the basement area of the residence, an additional bedroom, wine cellar, laundry room, gym, and cinema were designed. Throughout the rest of the property, pathways were designed to allow one to navigate the entire extent and enjoy the view as well as the residence from different perspectives.