Tucked away on the northern slope of a quiet hill near downtown Athens, this newly renovated apartment stands as a testament to thoughtful design and the harmony of urban living with nature. Nestled amidst steep, narrow streets leading down from the hill toward the city center, the apartment offers a peaceful retreat that remains intimately connected to the vibrant pulse of Athens. At the same time, it is surrounded by pure, undisturbed nature—an unexpected combination that is integral to the apartment’s charm. This basement apartment transformation is more than just a renovation; it represents a complete reimagining of how small spaces can be elevated into modern, functional living areas.
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Originally built in the 1990s as a storage space in a four-story residential building, this basement apartment was in dire need of transformation. Nearly buried underground, it lacked natural light and had fallen into disrepair. Upon entering the space for the first time, it was dark, empty, and in a state of decay. The blank, partition-free canvas allowed for endless creative possibilities, leading to a basement apartment transformation that went beyond mere updates—it involved a total reinvention of the space.
Embracing the Challenge: Light and Space
The greatest challenge for this apartment was its location, with one side buried underground and the other facing a single opening into the building’s atrium. Maximizing natural light became the primary focus. Large skylights were incorporated into the design, bringing in ambient light from above, while the existing atrium provided a limited yet important source of brightness.
Open Layout with Defined Zones
Despite the apartment’s relatively small size, the interior is divided into distinct zones that flow seamlessly into one another. The main living space is a long, clean-lined area that merges the kitchen, dining area, and living room into a cohesive whole. The minimalist design enhances the feeling of openness, with careful attention given to each element.
Creating a Welcoming Living Room
Upon entering the apartment, the space feels anything but confined. The strategic placement of openings and clever use of light-enhancing elements make it feel open and welcoming. An artful opening between the entrance area and the living room immediately draws the eye, creating an elegant visual transition.
The living room is anchored by a custom-designed sideboard, which neatly stores all the essentials like the television and electronics. It sits slightly elevated above the concrete slab foundation of the building, a conscious decision to leave part of the foundation visible and raw, offering an unpolished contrast to the refined interiors. Ceramic tiles cover the remaining floor area, balancing the rustic charm of the exposed concrete with modern sleekness.
Compact Yet Functional Kitchen
The kitchen is cleverly situated along the curve of a partition wall, making optimal use of the space. Equipped with all the necessary appliances—an oven, ceramic stovetop, and washing machine—the kitchenette is both compact and functional. The backsplash features ceramic-glazed tiles that add texture and character to the kitchen, while a pull-out bench offers extra workspace when needed. Despite its small footprint, the kitchen is designed with a focus on efficiency and style.
A Bedroom Designed for Relaxation
The transition from the living room to the bedroom is marked by a large circular opening, which serves a dual purpose. This opening allows natural light to flood into the bedroom, making the space feel airy and open, and it doubles as a desk or vanity between the two rooms. This smart use of space ensures that no square meter is wasted, further enhancing the apartment’s sense of openness.
Inside the bedroom, a custom piece of furniture spans from one side of the room to the other, functioning both as a closet and a mirror vanity. Much like the living room, the furniture is elevated off the ground, creating the illusion of more space. The design maximizes the room’s limited size, turning what could have been a cramped area into a comfortable, tranquil retreat.
A Small but Stylish Bathroom
The bathroom, though compact, is designed to feel much larger than it is. The space is entirely finished with ceramic tiles, covering both the walls and the floor, creating a cohesive, polished look. A shower niche is tucked into the partition wall, finished in deep blue glazed tiles that add a pop of color and luxury. A large mirror and well-designed plywood storage cabinets help further enhance the feeling of space, providing practical storage solutions without overwhelming the room.
Site-Specific Design Philosophy
This basement renovation follows a site-specific design philosophy, where the local environment, materials, and climate are key considerations. By embracing the unique conditions of the Mediterranean surroundings, the apartment harmonizes with its location while offering a contemporary living experience. Local materials like plywood and ceramic tiles ground the design in its environment, ensuring that the apartment feels authentically connected to its place.
But beyond aesthetics, the project also speaks to the broader significance of urban renewal. Revitalizing small spaces in city centers not only offers affordable living options for young residents but also breathes new life into urban neighborhoods. These spaces allow residents to stay connected to the social fabric of the city, making them active participants in the life of the community. This basement apartment transformation demonstrates how thoughtful design can rejuvenate overlooked areas, showing that even the most modest spaces can be reimagined into something extraordinary.
In this way, the apartment is more than a beautiful living space; it’s a catalyst for the rejuvenation of its surroundings. By combining thoughtful design with practical considerations, this once-forgotten basement has become a beacon of how urban living can be both functional and inspiring. This basement apartment transformation not only enhances modern city life but also serves as a powerful example of how creativity and vision can transform even the most challenging spaces into desirable living environments.
- Project Name: Lycabettus Hill
- Architect: South Architecture
- Source: Never Too Small
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