Angeliki Lo - architect
Change of use & Apartment renovation
PROJECT DETAILS:
Building permit documentation (Change of use & renovation) | Interior architecture design | Lighting design | Construction
Status: Completed
Country: Greece
Site: Chios Town
Originally designed as a retail space, this 60 m² property was converted into a contemporary apartment through a complete change of use and full interior renovation. The project was developed following the issuance of a building permit for both the change of use and the renovation works, with the aim of transforming an underutilized commercial property into a modern rental residence.
The apartment's elongated rectangular layout, characterized by a narrow street frontage and significant depth, presented the main design challenge. The architectural proposal focused on maximizing functionality while ensuring sufficient natural lighting and cross-ventilation throughout the entire interior.
The existing shopfront was removed and replaced with a newly insulated masonry façade incorporating large windows and transom glazing. This intervention significantly improved daylight penetration and natural ventilation, allowing light to reach deep into the apartment despite its elongated floor plan.
The living room and bedroom were positioned at the front of the apartment, directly benefiting from the new façade openings. Instead of solid partitions, these spaces are separated by a steel-and-glass enclosure with a glazed hinged door. This solution preserves visual continuity, allows daylight to flow freely between spaces, and creates the perception of a larger, open-plan interior while maintaining the privacy required for the bedroom.
The kitchen occupies the central part of the apartment and was designed with generous storage despite the compact footprint of the residence. A multifunctional peninsula extends from the kitchen, serving as a dining table, additional worktop, and study area. A bold yellow feature wall introduces warmth and visual identity to the interior while emphasizing the structural wall that guides movement toward the rear of the apartment.
The bathroom and utility area are located at the back of the residence, together with integrated wardrobe storage accommodating the washing machine and dryer. Despite the bathroom's challenging L-shaped geometry, the layout maximizes every available square metre, creating a comfortable and highly functional space.
The completed apartment offers a bright, contemporary, and efficient living environment that successfully transforms a former commercial space into an attractive rental residence in the historic centre of Chios.
