Harbour of Poseidon | Glyfada by SAOTA

A majestic sanctuary befitting Greek gods, SAOTA’s colossal Athens residence sticks to fastidious principles to ensure its vast volumes, minimalist elegance and aura of unencumbered freedom remain tethered to the Mediterranean in every sense of the word.

TEXT MONISHA SIVANESAN
IMAGES COURTESY OF VANGELIS PATERAKIS & PANAGIOTIS VOUMVAKIS

Believed to be the cradle of Western civilisation that bore witness to the births of democracy, Socrates and moussaka, Athens is far more than just an ancient city, it also represents a progressive ideal worth striving for. Living up to this conviction is Glyfada, a spectacular five-unit seafront apartment building designed by SAOTA, with an interior architecture courtesy of ARRCC. Its name also mirrors its prime location in an elite suburb in South Athens, right at the gateway to the Athens Riviera. It overlooks the beach and the Aegean Sea with views towards Aegina and the distant hills of Poros, while the Hymettus Mountain rises behind it.

The anterior of the building takes a layered approach with expansive glazing, recessed columns and moveable screens that moderate the bright maritime light and provide a touch of privacy while allowing the interiors to soak in the views. Its facade design emphasises the play on horizontal and vertical planes. Crisp white finishes and almost classically symmetrical proportions reflect a contemporary architectural approach rooted in the climatically appropriate, local Mediterranean tradition but expressed in a language of timeless minimalism. As for its rear, expect a contrastingly solid facade with puncture openings to shelter itself from prying eyes.

Glyfada comprises four apartments located on either side of a triple volume arrival hall, accessible to landscaped gardens with twin swimming pools to the front. A double-level penthouse spans the width of the podium on the upper level, set back from the building’s edge; minimalism is the name of the game here, its interior well versed in the sophisticated language of simplified plains and voids.

A versatile home that can easily accommodate large social events, provide a sense of intimacy in the absence of guests and house a gallery-like space to display works of art was sought by the client. Therefore, the penthouse centres on a large, central volume which acts as the principal living space and gallery. Its volume responds to the scale of the views, while double-volume motorised glass sliding doors and moveable screens pocket away into the walls, blurring the distinction between the inside and outside.

Simple, considered volumes and proportions encircle the central volume, while large horizontal spans sustain a sense of lightness in the architecture. The living areas feature interconnected planes that ‘slide’ through one another and intersect, borrowing space from one another while creating unity and coherence. Functions are intuitively defined, enhancing the ability of these various spaces to provide distinct experiences.

Tucked away on the sides to create more intimate social spaces are the lounge and dining areas where the furniture introduces soft curves into the space to evoke an inviting, cosy atmosphere; the armchairs’ pop of deep ocean blue, perhaps in reflection of its view, fittingly contrasts the dominating palette of timber and stone, with bronze-coloured accents, articulated all throughout the home. The kitchen lies behind the dining area, equipped with the option of being screened off. Sliding door panels that are set into cavity walls make it possible to open the upper level, housing the bedrooms, so that the overall space can band together without internal divisions between the upper and lower areas. However, they can be closed for privacy’s sake.

The wraparound terrace, sheltered by a slim floating roof, opens to a refreshing swimming pool. Single-column, cantilevered pergolas positioned symmetrically shield the alfresco dining, seating and poolside entertainment. Semi-permeable screens with perfectly angled louvres strike a balance between privacy, climate and the views. Speaking of which, glass balustrades ensure the uninterruption of ocean views.

A pared-back, refined approach essentially characterises the interior, not forgetting the terrace too. A conscious effort was made to avoid fussy details and minimise visual noise; this translates to clean surfaces, seamlessly integrated cabinetry, uninterrupted ceilings and large sandstone floor tiles.

Meticulous and disciplined, SAOTA’s approach to design augments the clarity of the spacious volumes prescribed while imbuing a sense of minimalist sophistication throughout the abode. Luxurious notes aside, the resulting unfettered sense of freedom conveys an appropriate response to the mellow culture and surrounding natural beauty of the Mediterranean.