Art House: A Modern Concrete House Design in the Heart of Filothei

The Art House in Filothei, a lush residential neighborhood in Athens, Greece, showcases a striking example of modern concrete house design. Created by the renowned architectural firm Kallos Turin, this unique home was conceived with the purpose of housing a world-class art collection while offering a comfortable and expansive living space for the client's extended family. The design seamlessly integrates the urban environment with the natural surroundings, merging the principles of modern architecture with the preservation of Filothei’s historic garden oasis.

The Filothei Neighborhood: A Context for Innovation

Filothei was developed in the 1920s as a verdant retreat from the busy city of Athens, governed by strict building codes that protected its natural beauty. These constraints presented a challenge but also served as an inspiration for the design of the Art House. The architects embraced the limitations and turned them into an opportunity to craft a home that respects the area’s garden city heritage while offering modern luxury.

Design Concept: The Monolithic Cube

The fundamental design concept for the Art House revolves around a dense cube, which arose from the dual constraints of the site and the client’s spatial needs. While the cubic form initially seemed rigid, Kallos Turin chose to emphasize this form, using poured concrete to accentuate its monolithic mass. This decision not only highlighted the building's density but also created a bold architectural statement.

However, to soften the cube’s rigidity, Kallos Turin introduced two key concepts: fluidity in circulation and the surrounding landscape. The winding path leading from the street to the higher levels of the house features a series of subtle curves in the concrete, allowing for a more organic experience as one moves through the space.

Blending Architecture with Nature: The Role of the Garden

In line with the vision of Filothei as a garden city, the architects saw the surrounding garden as a counterbalance to the house’s monolithic form. Working alongside landscape architect Thomas Doxiades, the architects designed a native landscape that serves as an extension of the preserved hillside, where the house is positioned. The garden envelops the structure, creating a seamless relationship between the house and its natural environment.

The fluid transition between the house and the garden was made possible through the design of the fence at the back of the property, which opens directly to the nature preserve behind the home. This connection underscores the harmonious relationship between architecture and nature, allowing the landscape to slowly engulf the structure over time, giving the house a sense of timeless integration with its surroundings.

Interior Design: Art and Comfort

Inside the Art House, the design is a careful blend of modern materials and luxurious details, making the space both functional and visually stunning. The house includes an expansive living area where the client’s art collection is displayed like a gallery, with spacious walls and strategically placed lighting. The design of the interiors works in harmony with the building’s concrete shell, with elements like wood accents and carefully chosen furnishings adding warmth to the otherwise minimalist aesthetic.

Sustainability and Future Integration

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Art House is its ability to evolve with time. The native plants in the surrounding garden are expected to gradually encroach upon the structure, integrating the house with nature in a way that transcends conventional architectural boundaries. This sense of connection to the environment, coupled with the durable concrete structure, ensures that the house will stand as a timeless piece of modern architecture for years to come.

A Modern Concrete House that Embraces its Surroundings

The Art House by Kallos Turin is a stunning example of modern concrete house design that thoughtfully integrates architecture with nature. By embracing the neighborhood's garden city ethos, the architects have created a space that not only accommodates a world-class art collection but also reflects the harmony between contemporary design and the natural world. This project highlights the enduring relevance of modern concrete architecture and its ability to coexist with and enhance its environment.

All Photographs are works of Ricardo Labougle, Giorgos Sfakianakis