Co-Living Architecture in Thessaloniki: A Sustainable Housing Model for Urban Density

A New Vision for Co-Living Architecture

In response to growing urban density and the demand for affordable yet quality living environments, this innovative housing concept by Misak Terzibasiyan presents a bold reimagining of CO-LIVING Housing architecture. Developed as part of the Nano Nest 2020 competition and awarded Honorable Mention, the project is situated in Thessaloniki, northern Greece—a densely populated coastal city where land is limited, and the need for efficient housing is pressing. The design offers an inspiring case study on how architecture can respond to both social and environmental challenges.

User-Centric Design Rooted in Shared Lifestyles

The residence is designed for six individuals spanning three generations—three couples aged 20, 40, and 60—who have cultivated a close-knit, almost familial bond over time. These individuals are united not only by affection but also by a shared appreciation for communal activities like hiking, reading, and sustainable living. Their preferences directly influenced the architectural vision: a home without traditional walls, where all private and communal activities take place in a vertically connected layout.

This intergenerational household thrives on openness. The absence of internal barriers enables visual connection and interaction across different levels. The only enclosed spaces are the bathrooms, emphasizing the radical transparency and social cohesion embedded in the layout. The architectural plan embraces vertical living—each platform accommodates various functions, supporting a lifestyle of mutual engagement and minimal isolation.

Design Concept: Wall-less, Vertical, and Open to Light

The core structural system is based on a scaffolding grid—steel columns form the skeletal framework of the house. This modular support system replaces traditional walls and enables a free-form, non-hierarchical distribution of spaces. Each floor slab seems suspended in mid-air, supported by columns and open to natural light from all sides. Polycarbonate and glass panels on the façade and roof facilitate natural ventilation and illumination.

Two vertical atriums span the building’s height, channeling daylight from roof openings down to the lowest level. These atriums are not just passive voids but active contributors to ventilation and psychological well-being. The layout encourages airflow while offering residents an ever-present connection to outdoor elements. Combined with movable skylights and operable windows, the design creates a responsive internal climate without the need for mechanical systems.

Adaptive and Multifunctional Living Spaces

One of the most defining features of this co-living architecture is its approach to adaptability. Spaces are not fixed in function. A dining table might transform into a reading desk or a play surface. Furniture is integrated into the structure itself—foldable desks and seats slot into steel columns and can be stowed away when not in use, freeing up space for movement and activity.

In addition to the conventional amenities of a home—bedrooms, kitchen, bathrooms—this house includes multiple shared and flexible-use zones: a library, a living room that doubles as a projector room, a relaxation area, and a multifunctional playroom. These spaces are arranged strategically across floors to encourage varied interactions while maintaining a sense of openness. Greenery is embedded throughout the building, enhancing mental well-being and air quality.

Thessaloniki as Context: Urban Relevance and Material Strategy

Situated in the heart of Thessaloniki, just 100 meters from the sea, the house is optimized for the local Mediterranean climate. The region’s abundance of sunlight and mild winters makes it ideal for passive design strategies. Large openings, cross-ventilation, and rooftop apertures reduce the need for artificial lighting and temperature control.

The structure uses sustainable, circular materials—locally sourced wood, concrete, steel, and glass. None of the materials require special import or proprietary treatment, minimizing cost and ecological footprint. Importantly, the entire structure is glue-free and demountable, allowing components to be reused in future construction. This makes the design highly replicable in other urban settings facing similar constraints.

Affordable, Scalable, and Sustainable Architecture for the Future

This co-living house exemplifies how architectural innovation can redefine the domestic environment in high-density cities. By eliminating unnecessary walls, promoting shared experiences, and embracing modularity, the project balances privacy with community, comfort with efficiency.

The low-cost build, combined with ease of construction and ecological materials, positions this model as a viable solution for urban housing crises. It is not only a residence but a statement—architecture can be light, transparent, communal, and sustainable all at once.

A Blueprint for Urban Togetherness

This prototype addresses one of the most critical issues in today’s cities: the scarcity of space and the social fragmentation it can cause. In embracing co-living as both a philosophy and architectural strategy, the project fosters stronger bonds among residents while using resources wisely. It is a living example of how design can amplify well-being, resilience, and sustainability in the urban future.

Project by: Misak Terzibasiyan Award: Honorable Mention, Nano Nest 2020