Architecture studio Block722, with the introduction of “Lumen Residences” in Athens, presents a remarkable example of architectural innovation in a modern apartment building. The project blends duplex living with the warmth of wood, natural light, and a post-war Mediterranean approach. Located in the Papagou district, this apartment not only serves as the residence of the studio’s founders—Katia Margaritoglou and Sotiris Tsergas—but also represents a focused study on the reinvention of urban residential spaces.
“Lumen Residences” occupies the top two floors of a five-unit apartment building developed by Block722 in collaboration with the construction company Thekla. The exterior volumes and wooden details showcase a blend of mid-century architecture and modern geometry. Mediterranean plants and soft lines evoke the optimistic spirit of Athens’ architecture from past decades, while simultaneously shaping the image of a contemporary, minimalist apartment building.
The interior of this 230-square-meter residence is designed around the concept of open-flow spaces within an apartment building, where the living, dining, and kitchen areas are separated not by solid walls but through partitions and textured materials. Custom furniture and soft surfaces ensure that the apartment maintains a sense of cohesion while providing distinct and functional zones.
The project’s material palette includes Rosso Travertine, oiled wood, marble, and textured plaster—choices that enhance the character of a luxury apartment building and gain value over time. Block722’s collaboration with local craftsmen has ensured that the furniture and interior details are handmade and authentic, creating a warm, lively, and human-centered living environment.
The upper floor, which forms the private section of this apartment building, opens onto a lush terrace with a pool and wooden deck. Southern light brightens the interior and strengthens the connection with the outdoors. The design is based on the concept of “spatial wellness,” creating spaces for relaxation, contemplation, and interaction with nature. With this project, Block722 demonstrates that a modern apartment building can be luxurious without excessive complexity—luxury that emerges from the honesty of materials and a strong connection to nature.