metallic charcoal and protruding planes define wip architects’ papagou residences in athens

wip architects completes papagou residences

Near Mount Hymettus in Athens, wip architects’ Papagou Residences disrupts architectural monotony to reimagine preconceived notions of urban living. With a distinct morphology — featuring horizontal and vertical planes, dark plaster, metallic charcoal elements, and expansive glass surfaces — the home exudes a robust character that stands out within its urban fabric. It comprises a ground-floor apartment, two full-floor units, and a penthouse featuring double-height living areas and a private pool, with each space optimizing seamless indoor-outdoor flow.

Two vertical surfaces subtly protrude from the main structure, creating a visual boundary from neighboring buildings and semi-outdoor spaces, while orienting the living spaces to the east and west. Within, residents can then enjoy glimpses of greenery and the cooling effects of natural cross-ventilation while taking in views of the natural environment to the east and the urban landscape to the west.

all images by Giorgos Sfakianakis

a ‘transformative oasis’ combining nature and urban living

Built on a 516-square-meter plot in the eastern suburb of Papagou, the Papagou Residences combine the tranquility of nature with the convenience of urban living. Greek studio wip architects refers to the project as a ‘transformative oasis’, further infusing a touch of luxury across the program and interiors. Along the building’s facade, large openings highlight the horizontal floors, expanding the living areas outward. Inside each unit, room sequences are determined by their relation to adjacent outdoor terraces and the garden, as well as their connection to the surrounding landscape.

The ground floor has access to private gardens on both sides of the plot, with the living space directly connected to a private pool. On the second and third floors, the room arrangement is reversed, with the lounge and kitchen facing the street and extending to spacious outdoor terraces, while the bedrooms are placed on the west side. The 260-square-meter penthouse spans the third and fourth floors and the rooftop, featuring double-height living spaces, four bedrooms, five bathrooms, a library, and an office space. From the outside, a metal screen veils the penthouse, providing privacy and shade, while punctuating the architectural silhouette. A pergola hovers above, adding lightness and a sense of elevation.

wip architects paid special attention to the materials and color palette to ensure a sleek yet raw character. The external walls are covered with thermal insulation coated in coarse plaster in two shades of grey, with the lighter shade applied to the protruding surfaces that serve as backdrops for other elements. The black chimneys, metal railings, and exterior fence convey the Papagou Residences’ industrial character, balanced by the warm tone of wood cladding on the facade and balcony ceilings.

wip architects completes Papagou Residences

the home exudes a robust character that stands out within its urban fabric

its distinct morphology features horizontal and vertical planes

dark plaster, metallic charcoal elements, and expansive glass surfaces characterize the facade

the penthouse features double-height living areas and a private pool

each space optimizes seamless indoor-outdoor flow

the black chimneys, metal railings, and exterior fence convey an industrial character

inside offers views of the natural environment to the east and the urban landscape to the west

the lounge and kitchen face the street while the bedrooms are placed on the west side

wip architects paid special attention to the materials and color palette to ensure a sleek yet raw character

project info:

name: Papagou Residences
architect: wip architects | @wiparchitects

location: Papagou, Athens, Greece

interior design: wip architects

lighting design: Skia Lighting

construction: Yiannis Anastopoulos

photographer: Giorgos Sfakianakis | @g_sfakianakis

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom