i|i studio Floating Volumes

Floating Volumes

A hillside residence in Politia, Athens, composed of sliding volumes that merge landscape, views, and layered outdoor living.

Year

2019

Location

Kifisia

In collaboration with

Alexandros Gerousis

Status

On going

The plot is located in the northern suburbs of Athens, in Politia, at the boundary between the settlement and the mountain. The steep slope offers unobstructed views from its highest point. The proposed building aims to integrate into the natural landscape while offering the resident the opportunity to enjoy the expansive views and the sense of nature provided by the site.

The main design concept consists of three sliding volumes. On the southern side, the basement with its planted roof forms the base, above which rests the larger middle-level volume, which ultimately supports the smaller upper-level volume. The upper volume shifts outward, almost hovering towards the southwest, marking the entrance at street level while also highlighting its programmatic importance, as it accommodates all the main living areas.

In everyday life, the resident experiences both the sensation of floating above the greenery, enjoying the surrounding views, and direct access to a new “ground”—the accessible roof of the lower level—where outdoor spaces and a swimming pool are formed, providing the opportunity for open-air living for most of the year.

The landscaping and planting of the site allow for continuous circulation around the building and direct access to the outdoor areas from every level.