Private Residence, Psychiko

This private residence makes its presence felt by exploiting the tension between conflicting elements – curves and geometry, opaqueness and transparency. The flow of movement is articulated through a notional ribbon that starts from the entrance and gradually unfolds up the ramp and across the site, before it turns around towards the street again, tailing off abruptly at a picture window that frames the spectacular view across Athens. Suspended in mid-air, the effect is like standing on the edge of a diving board ready to plunge into the cityscape.

The curved outline of the ground-floor swimming pool mirrors the movement of the ribbon. The external wall of the house follows this sweeping arc. It peels away to create a dramatic space that draws in the neighbouring house, which belongs to the same family.

The choice of materials reinforces the sense of movement. The sculptural curve is made of white plaster punctuated by wooden blinds. Glazed partitions allow light to penetrate the swimming pool. In contrast with the fluid interior and the transparency of the façade, the linear wall along the south section is clad in stone with pronounced horizontal joints that reinforces the notion of a boundary. 
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