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

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

these preserved elements highlight the craftsmanship of mid-century Athens | image by Costas Papapanagiotou

original travertine facade and turquoise tiles | image by Costas Papapanagiotou

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

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dining room features glass block wall | image by Costas Papapanagiotou

didyma marble sink and minimalist lighting

still-life composition on didyma marble countertop | image by Costas Papapanagiotou

framed by marble floors and painted ceilings | image by Costas Papapanagiotou

the penthouse offers panoramic views across the city toward the Acropolis | image by Costas Papapanagiotou

restored wood paneling and marble flooring mark the transition between rooms

image by Costas Papapanagiotou

 

 

 

 

 

 

project info:

name: An Athenian Way of Life

architects: Christina Iliopoulou & Aspassia Mitropapa

location: Athens, Greece