Theo Poulakos and Manos Botsaris adapt a 1930s home into a modern dual residence in Kolonos

In the heart of Kolonos, Athens, a 1930s residence has been elegantly reimagined as “Two Homes Under One Roof,” a sensitive and sophisticated renovation led by Theo Poulakos Studio in collaboration with Manos Botsaris. The project reconfigures the original structure to house two independent units, without compromising the historic character of the building. Central to the architectural narrative is a new concrete staircase in the backyard—an understated yet pivotal addition that redefines circulation and preserves privacy between the two homes. Inside, the elevated ground floor retains much of the building’s original structure, subtly reprogrammed to support a modern lifestyle. A central hallway and secondary bathroom organize the flow between private and public spaces, with living areas oriented towards the street and bedrooms opening onto the backyard. Upstairs, a compact “closed box” contains the master suite and utility spaces, surrounded by open-plan living, kitchen, and dining zones that extend out onto dual terraces. The renovation is at once respectful and bold. The street-facing facade draws from the original palette but is pared back with a refined, contemporary eye. Interior interventions are honest and tactile: salvaged bricks repurposed into flooring, exposed stone surfaces, and raw concrete elements speak to the building’s material legacy. A gallery-like passage links the two homes, guiding visitors through layers of architectural history. Natural earth tones dominate the palette, offering warmth and continuity, while punctuated moments—vivid bathroom tiles, red-painted metal beams, soft blue woodwork—act as chromatic markers of the new within the old. The result is a home (or two) that speaks fluently between eras: generous, grounded, and thoughtfully composed.