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The careful renovation and gentle modernization of a listed neoclassical house from the 18o0s.
Standing beneath the Acropolis, in the charming neighborhood of Plaka in Athens, Greece, this neoclassical townhouse is a piece of an architectural puzzle that includes styles from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman eras. The house dates back to the 1800s, requiring a more skillful renovation approach. Architecture firm Local Local completed the rejuvenation of the old townhouse. Apart from gently modernizing the interiors, the studio also revived the architecture’s old soul and enriched it with accents that gives a nod to the site’s heritage.
Over the course of the project, the architects researched local architecture as well as the geographical and cultural nuances of the site. Although working within the confines of the building’s listed status, they successfully transformed the house into a modern home that looks contemporary yet has an old soul. The team preserved many original elements, including the wooden winding staircase and the wooden paneled doors with marble jambs, but painted them in lighter, neutral tones.
‘As a listed townhouse in one of Athens’ most historic neighborhoods, Plaka House was deeply informed by its surroundings. With a layered heritage and proximity to the Acropolis, we worked to reconnect the home to its context through a lighter, more open interior expression, respecting its historic character while introducing contemporary and playful gestures that invite light, warmth and everyday family life back into the home,’ says Sofia Xanthakou, Director, Local Local.
The townhouse boasts two stories; the social spaces, including the living room and kitchen, are located on the ground floor, while the bedrooms are upstairs. Local Local pruned the overgrown trees and repainted the walls in the courtyard, converting the space into an extension of the communal areas. On the roof, a terrace offers gorgeous views of Athens and the ancient Acropolis.
As the listed status of the house didn’t allow the widening of the windows or the creation of new openings, the studio solved the issue of the dark interiors with an almost entirely white palette. Deeply anchored in Athenian tradition, terrazzo covers the floors of the ground level. While the living room boasts a bolder shade of red, the kitchen and bathrooms feature a softer gray hue. Another traditional material creates a focal point in the living room: green marble from the island of Tinos, which adorns the old fireplace. The upstairs bedrooms now have new floors made of solid oak in a light color.
Throughout Plaka House, finishes, pieces of furniture and small details show the studio’s respect for the site’s cultural context and crafting traditions. Made locally, bespoke shelving units, skirting and joinery complement modern pieces designed by Local Local. Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.
