Christina Iliopoulou & Aspassia Mitropapa revamp house in athens
Architects Christina Iliopoulou and Aspassia Mitropapa reimagine a 1960s penthouse that still bears the hallmarks of Greek craftsmanship in their An Athenian Way of Life project. The residence, positioned on a corner with sweeping views over the Acropolis, Mount Lycabettus, and the city’s coastline, acts as a time capsule. The architects treat the apartment as a material archive, preserving its marble, wood, and hand-painted details, completing them with renewed clarity and openness.
The transformation begins in the kitchen, which once stood enclosed and disconnected. Now it is lined with glass blocks that filter light and frame glimpses of the Acropolis beyond. This gesture turns the kitchen into a spatial filter, where transparency and reflection articulate the apartment’s new sense of continuity. The use of Didyma marble across the counters echoes the travertino marble facade of the building.
images by Lea Martin, unless stated otherwise
Restoring the Craftsmanship of 1960s penthouse through reuse
Throughout An Athenian Way of Life, Iliopoulou and Mitropapa maintain the original Tinos marble flooring, its natural patina allowed to speak of time, and complement it with green Cipollino marble in the guest bathroom. The hand-painted ceiling and oak cabinetry of the living room are also restored, while contemporary lighting and discreet details introduce a modern rhythm without disturbing the historical composition. In the bathrooms, colorful tiles recall the era’s expressive spirit, while the expansion of the herringbone parquet from the bedrooms into other areas brings a new cohesion to the layout.
The architects’ approach reflects a broader philosophy of reuse rooted in the material culture of 1960s Athens. Every preserved element serves as both artifact and active participant in the renewed design. ‘The craftsmanship of 1960s Athens formed the foundation of our architectural intention: to respect it, preserve it and reinterpret it,’ note the architects.
didyma marble defines the kitchen counters
glass block partition creates transparency between the kitchen and living areas
dining area features restored ceiling medallions
hand-painted ceiling and green marble flooring frame views toward the acropolis from the living area
oak cabinetry and marble fireplace preserved from the 1960s
travertine-clad terrace reveals original facade details | image by Costas Papapanagiotou
travertine-clad terrace retains carved floral motifs | image by Costas Papapanagiotou
these preserved elements highlight the craftsmanship of mid-century Athens | image by Costas Papapanagiotou
original travertine facade and turquoise tiles | image by Costas Papapanagiotou
natural light floods the bedroom, where oak joinery and soft tones create a serene retreat
earthy marble surfaces and brass fittings
custom oak joinery integrates display, storage, and warmth into the private areas
bathroom interior in didyma marble bathed in natural light
recalling the color and material palette of the 1960s
project info:
name: An Athenian Way of Life
architects: Christina Iliopoulou & Aspassia Mitropapa
location: Athens, Greece
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