Arid Revitalizes 1951 Athens Building with Innovative “Veil” Design

The architectural firm Arid has completed a transformative renovation of a mid-century corner building in Athens’ Patissia District. Originally constructed in 1951, the project has expanded the building’s footprint to a total of 850 square meters by adding three new floors. This initiative not only modernizes the existing structure but also reimagines it as a contemporary residential and co-working space.

The design of the building places a strong emphasis on creating outdoor spaces and respecting the local architecture of Karamanlaki Street. Instead of maximizing the buildable area, Arid focused on preserving a sense of openness and visual harmony within the urban environment. This thoughtful approach allows the building to integrate seamlessly into its surroundings while enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the neighborhood.

One of the standout features of the project is its distinctive perforated aluminum façade, which serves as a “veil” that softens the rigid lines of the new additions. This double-skin design blurs the boundaries between concealment and openness, providing both functional benefits and visual interest. The façade optimizes natural ventilation and privacy while also allowing light to interact dynamically with the surface. The incorporation of movable louvers and rotating panels creates a “kinetic sculpture” effect, where shifting transparencies vary throughout the day, imparting a weightless, ethereal quality to the building.

Internally, the renovation maintains a connection between the building’s historical roots and its contemporary redesign. Original materials, such as marble and timber window frames, have been preserved, allowing for a dialogue between past and present. The project reinterprets the traditional Athenian polykatoikia model, integrating various residential units with a co-living apartment and dedicated co-working areas.

The incorporation of a communal roof garden further enhances the project’s community-focused ethos, providing residents with private living spaces while fostering connections within the neighborhood. This balance of private and shared areas caters to the evolving needs of modern urban life, promoting interaction and collaboration among residents.

Overall, Arid’s “Veil” project not only revitalizes a historic building but also contributes to the dynamic character of Athens’ urban landscape. By seamlessly blending historical elements with modern design principles, Arid has created a space that is both functional and visually striking, setting a precedent for future architectural endeavors in the city.