Residence OH in central Athens by Cream Architects

Residence OH is located in a 1970s apartment building within the historic ‘commercial triangle’ of central Athens. The high-level client requirement was to convert the former open plan clothing warehouse to a contemporary, three-bedroom 135m2 residence.

Key design challenges faced included limited openings to natural light, and spatial limitations due to two closely situated pillars in the middle of the apartment. To overcome these, the designers opted to position the living area in the space near the building’s façade – maximizing direct exposure to natural light – while placing the three bedrooms in the rear area.

A sliding wooden door merges seamlessly as a continuation of the wood-fitted wall and kitchen, separating the living area from the bedrooms when shut. A custom-made two-sided sofa was designed to functionally incorporate the two closely situated pillars in the centre of the apartment. In addition, the pillars were fitted with wood to align with the materials used elsewhere throughout the living space.

A custom-made two-sided sofa was designed to functionally incorporate the two closely situated pillars in the centre of the apartment, while also fitting the pillars with wood to align with the materials used elsewhere throughout the living space.

The end design utilizes ‘clean’ lines emphasizing materiality and smooth colour / texture combinations. The choice of white, gray, dark brown and black shades is based on the final finish of the materials used (namely: oak wood, cement mortar and marble). Decorative elements, although limited, are intended to complement the spatial design and stand out without dominating. As such, bright and abstract works of art were preferred.