Framing the City
Thessaloniki Greece 2025 125m²
Louizi L. Morfaki O. Oikonomou A. Louizis K.
“In the beginning, there was… the view,” one might say, echoing the spirit of Hesiod’s famous words.
A singular, breathtaking panorama unfolds—the urban tapestry of Thessaloniki merging with the shimmering expanse of the Thermaic Gulf. In contrast, a curated landscape of dwarf conifers, blooming native shrubs, and natural stones composes a vivid, intentionally crafted natural scene—an artificial yet harmonious echo of nature. In medias res – in between – emerges a residence defined by structural and material simplicity, designed to frame and elevate the visual experience of these two (non)limits.
A space of continuous visual transitions, it stands at the threshold between nature and culture, where boundaries blur and perspectives shift. A central box-shaped piece of furniture distinctly defines the spaces in the residence (entrance – reception, living room, kitchen, utility room) without strict geometric limits, clearly shaping the movement of users, while creating targeted “windows” for viewing the (non) limits. An interplay of absence and solid material, combined with a ‘non finito’ metal grid, forms a ‘’memory wall’ in the living room—where travel memories are showcased in full light, evoking a sensory connection to the past and inviting mental wandering. A desk designed for dual use—both as a workspace and a seat—enhances the reading experience by offering a view of the sun setting behind the peaks of Mount Olympus, adding to the aesthetic pleasure of the moment.
As users depart, a composition of strategically placed mirror surfaces causes their reflection to subtly vanish—leaving, as the final visual impression, the unique view once more revealed”.
