APAP ADDS CANTILEVERED EXTENSION TO 1970S WOODLAND RESIDENCE

 

Designed by architecture practice APAP, DIAGONAL is a residential extension to a 1970s dwelling situated on a wooded, elevated plot in Nicosia, Cyprus. Departing from the original home’s primary structural motif, defined by two parallel load-bearing walls, the project introduces an unprogrammed pavilion articulated by two horizontal planes that cantilever outward toward the central courtyard, establishing direct visual connections with the surrounding tree canopy.

cantilevered glass and concrete pavilion by APAP extends 1970s woodland house in nicosia - 1all images ©Shivas Shaolin

 

 

OPEN-ENDED INTERIOR VOLUME ADAPTS TO SHIFTING LIGHT PATTERNS

 

Conceived by APAP Studio without a rigid functional brief, the open volume adapts to indeterminate domestic uses over time. Glazed perimeters capture the shifting patterns of foliage shadows and diurnal sunlight, turning the concrete and glass envelope into a receptive plane for natural light. After dusk, the volume functions as an illuminated vitrine via a custom four-part diagonal lighting armature suspended within the space. The bespoke fixture deploys three distinct color temperatures: very warm red light cast toward the sides, very cool white light directed up toward the ceiling, and warmer white light projected down onto the floor. This calibrated artificial lighting schema emphasizes the structural diagonal of the enclosure without requiring internal physical partitions.

cantilevered glass and concrete pavilion by APAP extends 1970s woodland house in nicosia - 2DIAGONAL is a residential pavilion designed by APAP as an extension to a 1970s homecantilevered glass and concrete pavilion by APAP extends 1970s woodland house in nicosia - 3the project is situated on a sloped clearing surrounded by mature woodland treescantilevered glass and concrete pavilion by APAP extends 1970s woodland house in nicosia - 4the design takes cues from the original house’s structural geometry of two parallel walls