XT97 Modernist Housing: A Masterpiece of Modernist Architecture Restoration in Athens

Reviving a Modernist Landmark in Greece

XT97 Modernist Housing, a prominent architectural gem in central Athens, has undergone a meticulous restoration led by architect Lara Vartzioti. Originally designed by A. Siagas in the 1930s, the building is celebrated as a rare example of early modernist housing in Greece, and potentially an architectural precursor to the brutalist movement. The recent renovation not only revitalizes its historic character but reinterprets its form through a modern lens—blending preservation with contemporary housing needs.

Restoring the Architectural Vision of A. Siagas

Siagas' original vision was revolutionary for its time—introducing two adjacent maisonettes that were linked both vertically and horizontally. This configuration was a pioneering take on urban living, reflecting the ingenuity of Athenian modernist housing. Over the decades, however, the original structure was altered, losing much of its design integrity. Vartzioti’s renovation reverses these changes, restoring the essence of the original design while introducing modern elements that reflect today's living standards and cultural sensibilities.

Integrating Flexibility and Functionality

One of the most notable aspects of the renovation is the adaptation of strict original layouts into flexible, multi-use interiors. Spaces once rigidly defined have now become customizable zones suitable for both residential and professional use. The formerly private wooden staircase has been repurposed as a shared circulation route, connecting different units in a way that fosters community while preserving privacy. The passageway between the two maisonettes has been reimagined as an interior urban alley, complete with a glass-tiled wall that doubles as a working office facing the city, reinforcing a dialog between interior and exterior realms.

Material Preservation and Architectural Clarity

The restoration pays homage to the building’s material history with careful preservation of original elements. The iconic terrazzo floor has been retained and accentuated through contrast with newly installed epoxy flooring. A new penthouse crowns the structure, not as an add-on but as an x-ray-like index of the underlying construction, revealing the building’s structural columns and echoing the geometric logic of modernist form. This new volume is both expressive and respectful, reflecting the complexity and precision that Siagas initially imbued into the structure.

A Sustainable and Structural Upgrade

Addressing the infrastructural limitations of a 1930s building, the renovation introduced essential upgrades. These included new sewage, water, and electrical systems, along with a new concrete slab on the top floor. The wooden-framed windows, now energy efficient, replicate the originals, harmonizing with the façade and supporting the building’s energy performance goals. The intervention balances heritage preservation with modern environmental standards—creating a dwelling that respects the past while supporting future sustainability.

Cultural and Social Relevance in Contemporary Athens

Beyond aesthetics and function, the restoration of XT97 is also a cultural statement. The project navigates the complex interplay between conservation and modernization, paying tribute to Siagas’ vision while acknowledging the socio-political dynamics of today’s Athens. Rather than resorting to ostentation, Vartzioti’s design favors nuance, letting subtle architectural gestures speak to the building’s legacy and continued relevance in the urban fabric.

Modernist Architecture Restoration at its Finest

XT97 Modernist Housing exemplifies how architectural restoration can preserve historical integrity while adapting to evolving urban needs. It stands as a model for how to breathe new life into modernist structures without diluting their original genius. In the context of Greek urbanism, this project not only conserves a landmark but redefines how modernist architecture can be lived, experienced, and celebrated in the 21st century.

All Photographs are works of Dimitris Kleanthis