VOTANIKOS LOFT ATHENS

VOTANIKOS LOFT ATHENS

Right in the heart of post-industrial Athens, the concept for this urban dwelling is rooted in the lifestyle of a social young entrepreneur.

A flexible, contemporary layout spreading over two floors, has been designed to accommodate a smooth live-work scenario with clearly defined private and social areas. A challenging space, due to its long and narrow shape, has been transformed into a functional habitat that remains in conversation with its surroundings.
Bathed in natural light coming through the front and back windows and unobstructed access from one side to the other, the space reflects a loft-inspired aesthetic. Refined architectural details and design elements with abstract
industrial references have been implemented with proportion in mind, while bright colour accents have been used to soften the harder surfaces.

The lower floor is an open plan space, hosting an imposing, social kitchen, a minimal yet cozy dining area, and a spacious, flexible living space. Muted blues, warm greens, and natural oak co-exist in conversation with the concrete-rendered elements in the main living area. The addition of a fireplace feature creates a secondary relaxing, reading corner bringing warmth and coziness to the main living area.

The bespoke staircase leading to the upper level works as a focal point with its architectural simplicity and meticulous detailing of its construction. The main body of the oak staircase seems to float in mid-air over the monolithic concrete landing. Two materials co-exist harmoniously, while both in their own right act as minimal architectural sculptures. The lower floor is completed with a generous terrace,
with discreet lighting features and a concrete-like floor, ideal for outdoor dining and relaxation during the warmer months.

On the upper floor, the newly created mezzanine extension added more floor area to the existing footprint of the property which gives a feeling of spaciousness. It hosts a bright and airy home office that enjoys the view of the Athenian urban landscape. Tacked in the back, the generous, luminous en-suite bedroom connects to the hallway adjacent to the office mezzanine via a walk-in wardrobe corridor. The premium feel of the wardrobe is given by the use of materials. Open and closed storage with smoked glass sliding doors laid next to slick walnut finishes. In
continuation and while entering the master bedroom, the wardrobe changes materiality to define and separate visually the two areas. Here we see soft hues of mossy green with vignettes of solid oak open storage. The wall-to-wall windows brighten the space and create a sense of wellness and comfort.

The en-suite bathroom is accessible both from inside the bedroom and the open office for convenience. The space is visually divided by different finishes distributed on either side of the bathroom. Running opposite each other and wrapping across the floor, furniture, and ceiling, the off-black palette sits in juxtaposition with the more playful white terrazzo of the wet room. The full-length double sink and wall-to-wall mirror above it, make the room feel commodious and bright. Black
fixtures and fittings on the matte white terrazzo reflect a feeling of boldness. Finally, the glass brick wall welcomes the daylight to enter the wet room and the rest of the bathroom coming from the large windows of the master bedroom.
The whole palette of materials complement each other elegantly, whilst they emanate a contemporary feel similar to premium hospitality spaces. This is a home connected with its owners and the city they inhabit.

Photography Manos Chatzikonstantis