The architectural project deals with the design for a new small modern house in Maroussi, with the purpose of accommodating a family of four. The new building is placed inside a flat, elongated mid-sized plot of land facing a relatively narrow and quiet street. Within the plot there is a ground floor house which will continue to function as an independent building. The remaining allowable building area of the plot as well as the available budget for the project mainly dictated the dimensions and form for the new proposed building structure.

The house is placed in the available free space between existing buildings, leaving the required distance from them. The elongated rectangular shape of the house, due to the narrow plot, is positioned in a way so as to take advantage of the favourable south orientation, while placing the building in contact with the northeast boundary of the plot allows for the creation of a large outdoor living space right in front of the residence. In order to ensure natural shading in summer and sufficient exposure to sunlight in winter, it is proposed to plant a series of deciduous trees in front of the new building along the southern boundary of the plot.

Entrance to the house is on the east side, leading to an open-plan living area that includes sitting area with a fireplace, dining area, kitchen and office. A corridor, which at the same time functions as a wardrobe and laundry space, leads to two bedrooms and a bathroom. The south elevation of the house is articulated by large openings with sliding glass doors, providing adequate lighting and ventilation throughout the main areas of the residence and allowing immediate access to a large veranda.

As for the construction of the house, the slab and external walls make extensive use of reinforced concrete and external thermal insulation, while the partition walls are made of common brickwork. Plaster is used for both interior and exterior finishes. The use of pitched roof, covered by roof tiles, is designed to enhance the feeling of comfort and spaciousness for the occupants inside the house. The architectural design of the house is generally characterised by rationality and a modern, minimalist approach, focusing on functionality, affordable standardised construction, simplicity and the use of absolutely necessary morphological elements.

Location: Maroussi, Attica, Greece

Architectural Design: Panagiotis Zakkas, Architect

Project Year: 2019