Revitalizing Modernism:
A Raw Concrete Home in Athens
The Three Object Apartment reimagines a long-abandoned concrete structure in Athens, transforming it into a striking example of modern living while preserving its original framework. Once an incomplete building left dormant for 30 years, this project showcases how thoughtful design can breathe new life into neglected spaces. By celebrating the raw beauty of its concrete skeleton, the apartment offers a sustainable and innovative approach to tackling the widespread issue of urban decay in Greece.
From Forgotten Skeleton to Living Canvas
Situated on the first floor of the building, the apartment embraces the unfinished nature of its construction. The original concrete frame, poured decades ago, now serves as the foundation for a space that blends industrial charm with contemporary functionality. The result is a home that celebrates its imperfections while demonstrating how aging structures can be adapted for modern use rather than torn down.
This approach addresses a pressing need in Greece, where many concrete buildings suffer from neglect or abandonment. By reusing and repurposing existing structures, this method avoids demolition and waste, creating a sustainable model for urban renewal.
Transforming Existing Features
The building’s piloti—a ground-level grid of concrete columns commonly found in Greece’s multi-family housing (polykatoikies)—forms a key part of the design. Traditionally used as parking areas, these open spaces are left adaptable, offering flexibility for the residents to define their use. Above, a round staircase serves as both a functional element and a visual centrepiece, blending seamlessly with the raw, sculptural aesthetic.
Inside the apartment, the layout emphasizes openness and adaptability, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of its inhabitants. Flexible living areas are defined by subtle shifts in texture and material rather than rigid partitions, creating a sense of flow and harmony.
Honouring History Through Design
During the transformation, careful attention was paid to preserving and celebrating the building’s historical elements. Hidden details, such as concrete ceiling patterns, were revealed and restored, showcasing intricate designs that had been hidden for years. Original marble flooring was repurposed into terrazzo, merging the past with the present in a way that adds character and depth.
Found objects uncovered during the process were creatively incorporated into the final design, turning relics of the building’s past into part of its narrative. Bespoke features, such as a round kitchen counter that doubles as a dining table and entertainment hub, enhance the apartment’s functionality while maintaining its minimalist aesthetic.
A Model for Revitalizing Greece’s Urban Landscape
The Three Object Apartment is more than a renovation; it’s a proof of concept for addressing the challenges posed by Greece’s aging and dilapidated concrete buildings. By embracing the raw potential of existing structures and adapting them to modern needs, this approach avoids the waste and environmental impact of demolition while preserving the architectural identity of urban areas.
This project exemplifies how sustainable design can revitalize neglected spaces, turning them into functional, beautiful homes that honour their history while meeting the demands of the present. In doing so, it offers a hopeful vision for the future of urban living in Greece.