One of the tallest buildings of the area, a four-story structure is being redesigned as a window to the city views. Vilma Agrafioti_Architects develop an architectural scenario of renovating and reusing this space. 

During Athens’ economic crisis, a close family friend with a deep love for the Sunday flea market in Thiseio set out to find the perfect apartment—a place with an unforgettable view of the Acropolis. 

Until then, he lived with his family in the northern suburbs, yet his weekends often began with a trip to the flea market, where he searched tirelessly for antiques and hidden treasures.

After an extensive search across neighborhoods surrounding the Acropolis hill, he discovered an old storage building tucked away in a somewhat neglected part of Athens.

The building, a four-story structure once used for storage, was in disrepair—plumbing systems were outdated, insulation was nonexistent, and the overall state of the building left much to be desired.

However, it held a hidden treasure of its own: one of the most extraordinary views of the Acropolis.

He began by purchasing the 3rd and 4th floors, intending them to serve as a pied-à-terre for his family. Over time, his passion and persistence paid off, and he acquired the entire building.

What makes this structure unique is its position as one of the tallest buildings in the area.

From the 3rd floor upwards, residents enjoy uninterrupted views spanning the Acropolis, the Observatory, and extending to Kerameikos and Piraeus.

Each floor is designed as a single, open-plan space of approximately 90 m².

The absence of corridors emphasizes the simplicity of the layout, where every design decision is guided by one purpose: showcasing the Acropolis.

Expansive windows with slim frames and delicate glass partitions blur the boundaries between interior and exterior, immersing occupants in the breathtaking scenery.

The building’s renovation carefully balances modernity with respect for its past. The updated facade retains the original proportions, making subtle yet impactful changes to the window frames and their mechanisms. This understated approach preserves the memory of its former use while elegantly transforming it into a series of refined urban apartments.

Facts & Credits
Title Renovation of a storage building to apartments in Thyseio
Typology Architecture, Interior design, Apartments
Location Thyseio, Athens, Greece
Surface 765 m2
Status Completed, 2024
Architecture Vilma Agrafioti_Architects
Static study and consulting Α&Κ AssociateEngineers
Photography Alina Lefa
Text by the authors 


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