Green Good Design Awards Tell a friend
ARCHIVE 2021
Green Research/Technology
Athens, Greece
Architects: Yanniotis & Associates | Architects & Consulting Engineers, Athens, Greece
THE SITE - NEIGHBORHOOD
This pilot Housing Complex is designed in a plot situated near the city center of Athens, located south of the Acropolis Rock. Filopappos is a quiet, peaceful, and neighborly district, close to the human scale.
PLOT
The Housing complex is developed on a double frontage sloppy ground lot. Its location allows easy access to transportation and local amenities. The plot is dominated by the Neoclassical Masonry remains of two two-storey buildings and by the Ancient Masonry Ruins located in the north.
DESIGN DETAILS - ENERGY MANAGEMENT & SUSTAINABILITY
Zero Energy and reduction of the CO2 emissions through Passive and Active systems: 1. Planted roofs, water elements, and planting improve microclimatic conditions, 2. Polycarbonate sheet sidings allow immense natural lighting, 3. Photovoltaic panels and small Roof Wind Turbines generate enough power to cover residential energy needs, 4. Energy accumulators store and release energy when needed, 5. Geothermal/thermal mass for cooling/heating and hot water, 6. Decentralized blower units, waste heat recovery, and flexible multi-mode operation for maximum efficiency and thermal comfort, 7. Passive House to the Building Envelope Collection, Purification and Reuse of Rain and Gray water, Waterless Urinals, Recycling Policies, and Waste Management through a small Composting Unit, all contribute to Zero Waste Operation.
LIFETIME DESIGN
The design was based on international regulations for the creation of a modern, accessible complex. Smooth movement to all usages, is ensured through flat accesses, ramps, elevators, and (stair) lifts. All building elements comply with the UD regulations, i.e., entrances, flat thresholds, corridors and pathways, wheelchair turning spaces, ramps, smooth, non-slip flooring surfaces, staircases, frames, machinery, equipment, appliances, wardrobes, storage, wet areas, living, dining rooms, etc.
COMMUNITY LIVING
Foster care and a variety of innovative services such as early intervention, family support services, supported living, and supported employment are offered by an NGO or body that runs the whole project. The Apartments allow for Social Interaction Flexibility, Independency, Accessibility, Privacy, boosting tenants’ self-esteem and dignity.
The Pubic Usages offer Employment opportunities, satisfying the Social Needs of the tenants through revenue-generated activities necessary for the Operation and Economic Growth of the Complex.
REDEFINING THE STAIRWELL CONCEPT
The Concept of Stairwell is redefined accommodating Periodic Art Exhibitions while serving as an extension of the apartments with enhanced spatial quality.
The relevance and visual contact with the antiquities within the body of the building act as a meaningful connection between modern and ancient art in its function as an Exhibition Space.
MATERIALS
The materials used should have Environmental Product Declaration for the environmental impact, such as energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, or water consumption.
The basic materials used are:
1. Polycarbonate Sheet
2. Patinated copper metal panels
3. Masonry Walls
4. Bare Concrete for façade treatment and exterior flooring
5. Wood planks for exterior flooring and sidings
6. Porous Grass Paving Surfaces.
