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.

glass blocks and marble surfaces illuminate the renovation of 1960s athens penthouse
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. 

glass blocks and marble surfaces illuminate the renovation of 1960s athens penthouse
didyma marble defines the kitchen counters

glass blocks and marble surfaces illuminate the renovation of 1960s athens penthouse
glass block partition creates transparency between the kitchen and living areas

glass blocks and marble surfaces illuminate the renovation of 1960s athens penthouse
dining area features restored ceiling medallions

glass blocks and marble surfaces illuminate the renovation of 1960s athens penthouse
hand-painted ceiling and green marble flooring frame views toward the acropolis from the living area

glass blocks and marble surfaces illuminate the renovation of 1960s athens penthouse
oak cabinetry and marble fireplace preserved from the 1960s

glass blocks and marble surfaces illuminate the renovation of 1960s athens penthouse
travertine-clad terrace reveals original facade details | image by Costas Papapanagiotou