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Architects: Charis Gkikas & Evaggelia Filtsou
- Area: 1200 m²
- Year: 2011
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Photographs:Vangelis Paterakis
Text description provided by the architects. Gazi area in Athens , after stopping the gas plant, the removal of other crafts and warehouses and the regeneration- creation of Technopolis, has become a place of culture and arts, a lively place throughout the city ,during night & day. The proximity to the city center of Athens, the privileged position in relation to the street Piraeus and the highways, makes Gazi an attractive place not only recreational but also for residential purposes. Aimed primarily at individuals or couple families.
The building Urban Lofts is located at the intersection of Voutadon and Iakhou Streets, very near the complex of Technopolis. This new construction is based on the philosophy of lofts apartments , with particular focus on construction with rough and raw materials (concrete, metal). On the ground floor commercial use is located with access from the Voutadon street , while the access to apartments is from the street Iakhou. The rest of the building is shared by five houses: four lofts per two floors and a penthouse at the top floors . The central vertical motion via the shared stairwell.
Apart from the aforementioned central architectural choices of the industrial design and two-storey blocks, building, as a whole and as parts , will be operating bioclimatic, enjoying the most out of the sun. For this reason, the greatest possible openings are formed and are combined with both permanent and folding sunshades. These openings give the possibility for the inner and the outer spaces to work as one.
The building facades are formed by plasticity. The folds of reinforced concrete, additional to their morphological role , are helping to create welcoming outdoor spaces for residents . The combination of the metal blinds create a canvas in the foreground of the building , while in the background is the neutral surface of the glass frames.
On the top floor, open space is created and dominated by the water element. The highly favorable view of Technopolis, Kerameikos, Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill in conjunction with the element of water and the industrial design, creates interesting urban associations, an urban sophistication. The building applies the innovative program «Green Lofts» of Alpha Land Developers, relating to the bioclimatic design, the energy saving systems and the use of environmentally friendly, fully recyclable materials.
Text provided by Alpha Land Developers.
