LASSA Architects Creates a Curvaceous Concrete Structure in Methoni, Greece

LASSA Architects leverages a lightweight, low-cost, and reusable foam formwork to create a curvaceous concrete structure for a private residence with public gallery in Methoni, Greece. Take a look at the making of this eye-catching build below.

LASSA conceived a structure with an aerodynamic X-shape massing that creates a series of protected courtyards—one in each wing. To execute the organically curved form in concrete, the architects hatched a fabrication strategy at once elaborate yet efficient.

Theo Sarantoglou Lalis and Dora Sweijd, co-founding principals of the London- and Brussels-based firm, ideated a digitally designed polystyrene-foam formwork that could be partially pre-assembled in sections, in just a handful of days, at a local warehouse. Prior to transporting the formwork to the site, they labeled each piece and included a positive or negative notch on either side.

After excavating the building footprint, four team members installed—in just half a day—a laser-cut-MDF shelf to guide placement of the foam formwork.

Once delivered on-site, the lightweight formwork sections were placed atop the shelf, assembled like a Byzantine puzzle with plastic screws, and anchored by a support structure made of locally sourced wood—a system flexible enough to achieve the serpentine shape.

Concrete was poured in stages over the formwork to create the continuous, rippled facade, which extends some 400 linear feet.

After fabrication was complete, the foam formwork was reused as the house’s insulation. An aerial view reveals how the completed structure anchors into the gently sloping olive grove.

Matte-white powder-coated steel steps lead from the kitchen’s gravel courtyard to the rooftop terrace; X- and Y-shape concrete legs support the marble bench seats.

Futuristic yet grounded, the dwelling’s undulating white facade, as viewed from the southeast, engages with its agrarian surroundings—as does the 344-square-foot pool offering panoramic views.

The south terrace is accessible via a 17-by-9-foot sliding glass door, constructed of three panels that recede into the wall, resulting in a boundless, indoor-outdoor volume.

Accessed through a powder-coated laser-cut steel screen door, the gallery features satin-finish terrazzo floors and marble skirting that uphold the blanched aesthetic. In lieu of conventional lighting fixtures, a perimeter trench containing a flexible LED strip was cast into the roof slab.

KCA Puts Flexibility at the Head of This Class in Athens, Greece

About three miles from the Parthenon in the southern Kallithea region of Athens, students attend the research and education center Elkyda, part of the larger school Charismatheia. Shanghai-based firm KCA designed the 2,400-square-foot space, a renovation of a former office on the 3rd floor of a 5th story building. 

“The biggest challenge was to reconfigure the typical office layout to fit the functional requirements of an education space,” says founder Kostas Chatzigiannis. “Our main design principals of openness, connection, and collaboration implied an open and flexible layout, as opposed to the rigid and divided space we were given at first.”

A multi-function room enables student teams of any size to collaborate, while teachers gather at a communal desk in the back. Throughout, graphic murals incorporate inspirational keywords and symbology. And an expanse of raised benching is the perfect spot for homework or lectures. “We were looking for a much softer yellow hue,” for the benches, says Chatzigiannis. “However, the accidentally bright, almost fluorescent-yellow prototype was much more fun.” It’s his favorite detail in the project—and the students’ favorite hangout spot. 

Mykonos Jewelry Store Makes a Splash with Unexpected, Lively Interiors

Athens-based design studio Saint of Athens recently dipped its toes into a unique retail project, pairing with Dive Architects for Italian jewelry brand Gavello’s Mykonos storefront. While the Greek island provided a pristine backdrop and picturesque architecture, Saint of Athens creative director Nikos Paleologos also looked to principles of minimalism, eye-soothing forms, and subtle beauty. “The point was to combine the local spirit with a sense of modernity,” he says.

The store-within-a-pool concept came out of a desire to activate shopper’s curiosity, create a memorable experience and “generate a feeling of exploration in a space that encourages creativity of all sorts,” Paleologos says. The beachy interiors are a marked transition from the world-famous white cobblestone streets beyond.

To achieve the watery look, Saint of Athens looked toward the monochromatic universe of Wes Anderson, who Paleologos credits as a major influence, along with the colorful and timeless works of artists like Slim Aarons and David Hockney. The pool design complements the fluidity of the jewelry, and evokes a relaxing, endless summer notion. “The retail items become part of a greater, playful narrative,” he adds.

Jewels are displayed seamlessly, but in a way that is both practical and ties in with the theme, some from conical holders, which could easily resemble pool towel holders. The ceramic tiles, metal, glass, branded beach balls, and clever seating yield a highly imaginative and visually captivating space.