Dream House: A Harmonious Blend of Classic and Contemporary

Architect Kirki Mariolopoulou's Award-Winning Design Balances Functionality and Aesthetics

The Dream House is a unique architectural masterpiece that stands out for its innovative blend of classic and modern elements. The traditional architectural elements such as the pitched roof, small openings, high ceilings, use of stone, and ornamented wrought iron railings create a dialogue with their current architectural expression such as the terrace, large glazed surfaces, direct access to the landscape, and contemporary simplistic forms.

One of the key features of the Dream House is its black and white palette, which is used throughout the residence. This color scheme, along with the symbolic use of intense color in specific elements, helps to merge the classic and modern elements. The design approach refers to a child's sketch, contributing to overcoming naive realism.

The design of each space in the house mirrors the different needs and desires of the owner and family, providing them with a variety of spatial elements and architectural qualities. This allows the occupants to interact with the architecture and create new thoughts and feelings that influence their everyday life. Despite the house seeming already shaped, the design holds multiple spatial surprises.

The Dream House project started in 2010 and was completed in 2015 in Kefalari, Athens, Greece. The design process involved a continuous study of the owner's interests, values, opinions, memories, attitude, and lifestyle. Through an open dialogue and creative brainstorming between the owner and the architect, the design evolved to express the owner's multifaceted personality.

The project faced several challenges, including the need to harmoniously blend different materials and elements and to incorporate Western architectural influences within the Greek built environment. The restricted size and narrow physical shape of the plot and small footprint led the architect to accommodate vertically all the facilities of the house. Despite these challenges, the Dream House stands as a testament to Mariolopoulou's architectural prowess and creativity.

The Dream House is not just a home; it is a living organism that oscillates between two parallel realities: the realistic and non-realistic, the functional and experiential, the perceptible and imaginary. It is a home that balances between realism and surrealism, the ideal and the dreamed. It is a testament to the power of architecture to not just provide shelter, but also to inspire and evoke emotions.