Details
Modern architecture, spatial arrangement, furniture and object selection, refined by the subtle presence of certain “ancient” elements, render this residence an exemplary proposition of a new, “classical”, Athenian style. The final design and implementation, by Italian designer and architect William Sawaya, was partly based on Le Corbusier’s Greek triptych “air, sound, light” – and partly on the inspiration of architect Kostis Theodorakis. It was further enriched by a refined combination between the traditional and the modern, the transcendental classicism and the new design dynamics. The marks of modern architecture are evident, both on the outside where the archetypal form of a cross, a monolith made of Pentelic marble, with obvious horizontal cross sections “opens” with large windows towards the pool and the garden and the inside, softened by some more classical choices, like the presence of consecutive spaces with open, geometrical lines or the selective use of curves, on a background sculpted on “ancient” Dionysian marble. While the walls are covered in ivory Venetian stucco – another old and precious material – the semicircular volumes lend the space a certain theatrical quality. In such an interior, where the architectural elements, the precious materials and the abundant light constitute a certain design, the furniture enriches and further enhances the classical dimension. All the furniture and decorative objects, chosen by the owners, although products of modern industrial design are yet diachronic – thanks to their material and shape – while a quotation of painting and sculptures by prominent Greek artists – Takis, Tsoklis, Kaniaris – with the golden seat by Karellas, from the Iolas collection in a prominent position, complete the aesthetic vocabulary of this residence – gallery. A residence with a free – set interior, creating the desire for a continuous reinvention, giving its owners the pleasure of collecting new artworks, new furniture, new images…
