Architects: Eraclis Papachristou Architects
Area: 470 m²
Year: 2020
Photography: Hufton + Crow, Creative Photo Room
Design Team: Eraclis Papachristou, Elia Ioannou, Panagiotis Hadjisergis, Nicoleta Theofanous
Civil Engineering: D&K E.P.S. L.L.C.
Electrical Engineering: Double N Electrical Consulting Engineers
Mechanical Engineering: POLYPRO LTD
Lighting Designers: Archtube
City: Nicosia
Country: Cyprus
Residence 222, a residential building designed by Eraclis Papachristou Architects in Cyprus, blends modern minimalism with historical nods, creating a striking interplay of form, light, and function. Completed in 2020, this project redefines the concept of a home, emphasizing art, architecture, and a seamless connection between interior and exterior spaces.
The description of a residence might be easy to articulate, but difficult to fulfill in construction. Residences are typically variations on a common theme, a series of boxes under a roof, a machine for living, and a place for the soul. Gaston Bachelard’s notion of “nests and shells” applies here, as does the concept of primitive dwellings.
Our era increasingly focuses on virtual landscapes, diminishing the impact of the built environment. Although architects do not design residences to make statements, they often do. This is evident in the residence of Eraclis Papachristou’s family, where the architect is also the client. The structure’s pure form and scale do not immediately suggest its function, transcending typical domestic design.
Situated in wheat fields, the residence features a longitudinal volume of exposed concrete, acting as a bridge between the sky and the ground. Elevated above the landscape, the entrance is a ceremonial void spanning half the building’s length, creating distance from the environment while celebrating the transition into its interior.
The residence’s few openings are carefully guarded. On the northwest façade, they are carved out and folded, forming protective shields. The northeast façade’s uninterrupted glazing is shielded by perforated brass screens, maintaining privacy. If considered a box, it is a closed one.
Light and shadow play a significant role, creating a formal dance of unexpected patterns. The vast interior spaces are described through art and sculpture, blurring the lines between dwelling and exhibition gallery, reminiscent of Kettle’s Yard.
The immense height of the spaces references the grand mansions that historically signified wealth on the island. The piano nobile further nods to vernacular architecture, while the concrete and marble surfaces ensure a contemporary minimalism that allows for artistic expression. This residence is a carefully controlled architectural statement, enabling further statements within its design.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: Nicosia, Cyprus
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
