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Interelationships Residential Complex by Constantinos Yanniotis
Interelationships Residential Complex by Constantinos Yanniotis
Interelationships Residential Complex by Constantinos Yanniotis
Interelationships Residential Complex by Constantinos Yanniotis
Interelationships Residential Complex by Constantinos Yanniotis

Yanniotis & Associates

Iron Architecture, Building and Structure Design · 2020

Interelationships Residential Complex

by Constantinos Yanniotis

  • A' Design Award 2020 Iron Winner in Architecture, Building and Structure Design
  • Awarded April 15, 2020
  • CLIENT: Yanniotis & Associates
  • Estimated Number of Design Views: 15,874
  • Verification code 51B43FE0CB · Verify this award
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About Interelationships Residential Complex

Interelationships is a pilot, sustainable, collective housing, supported living complex that hosts vulnerable groups of people living in a collective community. The social impact of the project is important because it (re)integrates these people with work and joint participation in a multitude of activities with city residents. It may thus become a cultural attraction where interpersonal relationships develop through social, cultural and leisure revenue-generated activities. Fundamental aim of the project is to demonstrate that UD fits into buildings or complexes with modern aesthetics.

Press Kit

Unique Properties
The complex consists of two Residential Unit Blocks and the Stairwell Exhibition Block that houses all circulation paths. The three main entrances lead to the central courtyard which hosts the swimming pool and pool bar, an indoor cafe with creative workshops and the exterior exhibitions that are connected to the ancient masonry relics. The ascending movement towards the planted rooftop of the main building with the cocktail bar and the outdoor screenings, evolves into the Stairwell Exhibition Block, crossing the multipurpose room and the office spaces.
Dimensions & Packaging
Fundamental aim of the project is to propose a sustainable dwelling model. Sustainability is defined in terms of Infrastructure (Zero Energy), User (Universal Design, Health monitoring Technology, Social Integration, Community Living, Supported Employment) and Operation Management (Utilization of complex resources-both human and spatial, Zero Waste). Zero Energy and reduction of the CO2 emissions through Passive and Active systems. Planted roofs, water element and planting improve microclimatic conditions. Polycarbonate sheet sidings allow immense natural lighting. Photovoltaic panels and small Roof Wind Turbines generate enough power to cover energy residential needs. Energy accumulators store and release energy when needed. Geothermal and Thermal Mass systems for cooling, heating and hot water. Decentralized blower units, waste heat recovery, and flexible multi-mode operation for maximum efficiency and thermal comfort. Passive House Standard to the Building Envelope. Collection, purification and reuse of water, recycling and waste management through a small composting unit, all contribute to the green operation satisfying the energy footprint of the complex infrastructures.
Tags
Universal design, Residential Complex, Public Usages, Sustainable design
Production Technology
Polycarbonate Sheet siding highlights public usages and prismatic extrusions. Patinated copper metal panels blend well with the surrounding hill and the adjoining park. Masonry Walls form a base for the volumetric development of the main building. Bare Concrete used for facade treatment of the smaller residential unit and flooring of the exterior pathways. Wood planks as flooring of the pool bar and as siding of the upper levels of the stairwell exhibitions facade. Porous Grass Paving Surfaces are applied to all grass surfaces on the ground level and the planted rooftops.
Design Challenge
The most demanding issue was the morphological and functional incorporation of the masonry remains of the two, two-story neoclassical buildings forming the south facade of the complex and of the ancient masonry relics found on the north side of the property. Both elements were preserved and showcased via meticulous architectural handling. What is more, the height difference between the two bounding roads of the plot ranging between 3-6m, poses extra difficulties in meeting the UD criteria for unobstructed circulation. Elevators, stair lifts and ramps were employed throughout the complex.
Project Duration
The development of the project design started in May 2018 in Athens and finished in July 2019.
Operation Flow
The experience of discovering the building through movement is stimulating and enriched with qualities missing from contemporary cities. The passerby may cross the heart of the complex, make a short stop, cool and continue their course. The deliberate movement complexity with the diagonal accesses of the bridges and the multilevel outdoor expansions, enhance building morphology and allow the complex to be viewed from many angles. The Public 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.
Research
The design is based on international UD regulations and in cooperation with the Research Consultant for the creation of an accessible complex. The Apartments allow for Social Interaction, Flexibility, Independency, Accessibility, Privacy, boosting self-esteem and dignity. Smooth movement is ensured through flat accesses, ramps, elevators and external stair lifts. All building elements and materials comply with the UD regulations i.e. entrances, flush thresholds, corridors and pathways, wheelchair turning spaces, ramps, non-slip flooring surfaces, staircases, elevators, frames, equipment, wardrobes, storage, wet areas, living-dining etc.
Inspiration
This project aims into demonstrating that UD fits into buildings with modern aesthetics. The synthesis develops around the movement of the passer-by accessing the property, crossing through its heart, and finally climbing up to the planted rooftop where the observer may enjoy the view over the ridge of Athens. In addition, the redefinition of the Stairwell concept allows this space to host periodic art exhibitions. The relevance and visual contact with the antiquities within the body of the building serves as a meaningful connection between modern and ancient art in its function as an exhibition space.

Colors of Interelationships Residential Complex

Design Interview about Interelationships Residential Complex

The whole idea behind INTERelationships, is to propose a Sustainable Dwelling Model. In this case, Sustainable Design expands its usual definition of energy consumption and CO2 emissions reduction that are basically connected to the building shell and infrastructure, to include the terms of Inclusivity and Operational Sustainability. It is a residential complex that takes advantage of the provided resources, both spatial and human, in order to achieve maximum sustainability and economic growth.

Having in mind that the project’s central intention was to develop a Sustainable Dwelling Model, we had to analyze, redefine and further expand Sustainability in order to include Universal Design and Bioclimatic Architecture practices along with the implementation of the contemporary concepts of Zero Energy and Zero Waste. Recycling, Composting, grey water and waste management are basic processes for the green operation of the complex. All these elements are embodied in one solid concept for the creation of a sustainable residential complex.

This complex may belong to an organization, NGO or body that hosts vulnerable groups of people living in a supportive, collective community. Social Interaction is promoted through the revenue-generated activities and the Supported Employment services that are integrated into the vast building program. All these services offered by the organization, are developed through public usages that are spatially distributed within the residential complex. These organized usages are meticulously designed and positioned in places accessible by all users and visitors of the complex, located along the assenting path stemming from the central courtyard of the complex and heading towards the main building planted rooftop.

In conclusion, we hope that this model will not only contribute to sustainability by its reduced environmental footprint but it will also provide an alternative option for local communities living quarters or for organizations seeking sustainability in a more holistic and integrated form.

INTERelationships conceptual project could raise a debate about the sustainability practices among all stakeholders. It aims into introducing itself as an alternative, sustainable paradigm for similar residential units in the local neighborhood scale of contemporary cities; and this award is only the first stop of the journey.

The design of the INTERelationships lasted approximately one year, having begun in May 2018 and reaching its completion on July 2019.

After graduation from the Architecture School, I have always felt the need to design a project that would share universal values concerning the contemporary dwelling model and that would introduce Inclusive Design to the Greek public. The concept though was perpetually evolving throughout the design process. The initial concept and building program were considerably poor compared to the final outcome. This was the result of thorough planning in close cooperation with Architecture, Civil and Mechanical Engineering Consultants and of course of the precious contribution of Mr. Vasilis Kalopisis, our Research consultant. So INTERelationships was not a client commission, but it was born by the Yanniotis & Associates initiative.

We would rather proceed in building INTERelationships in the near future and we would be happy to cooperate and join our forces with companies or organizations that are interested into developing such residential concepts and projects.

There are many issues concerning the living conditions of the contemporary cities and especially Athens; climate change, vast urbanization, non-inclusive environments, social exclusion of certain groups of people such as the elderly etc. to name a few. The low quality of life in many districts combined with the poorly designed building shells and the high density of the urban fabric, are common problems of the built environment. INTERelationships is introducing an alternative option for the city center and the dense districts by collecting usages and by reducing commuting. Such small urban cells could be spread accordingly and result to an upgraded urban environment. They may thus become a cultural attraction where interpersonal relationships develop through social, cultural and leisure revenue-generated activities.

INTERelationships is the result of a continuing introspective reflection that was born right after my thesis in Architecture School. The title of my thesis was ‘Dwelling Network for people with Mental Disabilities in Colonus, Athens’ that was conducted in cooperation with my fellow student Eleni Papadaki under the Supervision of our Professors Theano Fotiou, Maria Kafritsa and Konstantina Vaiou in 2011. Since then, I have extended my research in Inclusive design and to introducing an alternative residential concept which could enhance wellbeing in our city. Such concepts, but much more extensive, have been developed in the past by famous Architecture masters such as Le Corbusier, Constantinos Doxiadis etc. INTERelationships shares common values with its predecessors with the difference that it involves smaller scale and subtle urban interventions.

INTERelationships focuses on vulnerable groups of people such as the elderly, people with disabilities etc. The same model though, may well be universalized and applied as a dwelling proposal for the entire population of contemporary cities, under a well-organized and revised urban gentrification programs.

This project focuses on the sustainable aspects of a residential complex as a whole. Sustainability is defined in terms of Infrastructure (Zero Energy), User (Universal Design, Health monitoring Technology, Social Integration, Supported Community Living, Supported Employment) and Operation Management (Utilization of complex resources-both human and spatial, Zero Waste).

INTERelationships is developed in a lot that sets additional challenges such as the steep sloppy ground that questions accessibility terms. Moreover, the project is located in the sensitive urban context of the historic neighborhood of Philopappos near the city center of Athens, thus demanding gentle and meticulous design gestures in order to respect its surroundings. Finally, the morphological and functional incorporation of the ancient masonry relics found on the north side of the property as well as the masonry remains of the two, two-story neoclassical buildings forming the south facade of the complex posed extreme synthetic challenges.

Last but not least we should not forget to mention the overall redefinition of the Stairwell concept located within the body of the main building. The new concept transforms this space to a vibrant unit hosting periodic art exhibitions. The relevance and visual contact with the antiquities within the body of the building serves as a meaningful connection between modern and ancient art in its function as an exhibition space; one of the main public usages of the building program.

The name of the design, INTERelationships, has its origins to the foundational concept of synthetic interconnections. Social relationships and interactions, spatial, visual, sensory and perceptual interconnections between opposing elements are all ideas concentrated in a single universal meaning. A modern and technologically advanced building incorporated in a historical neighborhood with intense local character. Vulnerable groups of people co-living and serving the neighborhood city dwellers. Ancient masonry relics are showcased and merged with the interior and exterior, modern art exhibition spaces. Historical building remnants are renovated and integrated in the complex synthesis thriving back in new context. Alternating Private, Semiprivate, Public and Semipublic spaces enhance building morphology through diligent synthetic interplay. We could not have imagined a more appropriate name for this project…

The project was designed in ARCHICAD 19 and the 3D model was then rendered in TWINMOTION 2019 thus producing the visualizations and the navigation video.

I think that both the whole concept of the Sustainable Dwelling Model as described in the Submitted Texts and of course the Overall Transformation of the Stairwell to a vibrant space that can accommodate periodic art exhibitions while serving as a useful and appealing space for tenants, are my both aspects that make this project unique. But it is up to you to judge.

The project was conceptualized, developed and designed by the Yanniotis & Associates Bureau in close cooperation with our Research Consultant Vasilis Kalopisis (Coordinator of the NGO "Petagma") who had the responsibility of evaluating the supported living terms and the overall inclusivity of the design. At this point though, I would like to thank our Architecture, Sustainability and Structural Engineering consultants who based on their expertise, they contributed into defining certain aspects of the project. These Consultants are Eleni Maistrou (Architect, Emeritus Professor NTUA), Panagiotis Chatzisarandis (Civil Engineer AUTH), Konstantinos Gianniotis (Mechanical Engineer AUTH) and of course my father Yannos Yanniotis (Architect E.A.U.G.) who supported me during all project phases. Finally, I would like to thank Konstantinos Xanthopoulos, graduate Architect NTUA, who helped in organizing the presentation material of the project.

Although being a conceptual project, INTERelationships takes advantage of technology advances in various fields and applications. Technology plays a critical role for the sustainable operation of the complex. Health monitoring technology process the collected data to provide personalized medical services to the tenants. Photovoltaic panels and small Roof Wind Turbines generate enough power to cover energy residential needs. Energy accumulators store and release energy when needed. Geothermal and Thermal Mass systems for cooling, heating and hot water. Decentralized blower units, waste heat recovery, and flexible multi-mode operation for maximum efficiency and thermal comfort. Passive House Standard to the Building Envelope. Collection, purification and reuse of water, recycling and waste management through a small composting unit, all contribute to the green operation satisfying the energy footprint of the complex infrastructures. All these functions could not have been feasible without the use of current technology advancements.

INTERelationships came up quite naturally after 9 years of research in the field of Inclusive Design. This powerful concept empowers and enables use of the products and environments by all no matter their age, gender, physical, perceptual, or cognitive abilities, religion, sexual orientation etc. This concept thrives into creating enabling domestic spaces by adopting design concepts, solutions and techniques that focus on the user ability to feel, understand, use and interact with their immediate environment or products. The creation of a stimulating, welcoming, friendly and accessible environment was the result of the creative implementation and interpretation of the Universal Design principles. These principles were first developed by Ron Mason and were further refined and particularized by the IDEA Center of Inclusive Design and Environmental Access at the University of Buffalo. This extensive research has involved reviewing of ADA Regulations, NKBA Kitchen and Bathroom Guidelines, Greek as well as international legislations and of course relative literature concerning design solutions, functional dimensions and material specifications in order to achieve maximum accessibility in a challenging environment such as the Philopappos district.

As mentioned in the Detailed description of the project, the design challenges were massive, expanding in various aspects of Architecture Planning and Design. First of all the harmonic integration of a modern building complex in the historical context of Philopappos was, alone, a case study. Moreover, the morphological and functional incorporation of the masonry remains of the two, two-story neoclassical buildings forming the south facade of the complex and of the ancient masonry relics found on the north side of the property, demanded careful and elaborate architectural handling. Both elements were preserved and showcased. The pool area nesting in the restored perimetric neoclassical masonry thus serving as a scenography setting, was a very interesting design solution that allowed for additional outdoor spaces. The barriers to accessibility raised by the steep ground slopes of the lot, lead to the organization of a system of paths of escalating accessibility, enhanced by enabling arrangements, equipment and appropriate fixtures such as accessible ramps, (stair) lifts or elevators. Finally sustainability was a whole concept that actually formed and guided the building program, the operation management and the green operation technologies of the complex.

When I first started designing INTERelationships, I had no idea that this would be a project submitted and awarded by international institutions and alike. Only after realizing the values of the project and with the encouragement of my close friend and Business Consultant Maria Yarmeniti, I decided to proceed into submitting it to A’ Design Awards and additional prestigious International Awards.

The impact of INTERelationships in my design experience is enormous. Combining and implementing successfully the concepts of Sustainable and Inclusive Design in a single residential complex enhanced my architecture skills. I would also express my gratitude for having collaborated with skilled and worthy professionals and academic teachers, who believed in INTERelationships and were happy to participate as consultants. Their contribution to the project was critical and given the opportunity I would like to thank them for having offered their time and precious knowledge.

Last but not least I would like to thank A’ Design Awards institution and of course the jury members who evaluated, judged and finally recognized the design values of INTERelationships. I wish that this award will act as a springboard to public acceptance, diffusion, adoption and expansion of sustainability principles and will help INTERelationships to contribute in the global sustainability debate.

Grand Interview about Interelationships Residential Complex

The INTERelationships Residential Complex redefines the very notion of sustainability, expanding it beyond its conventional environmental scope to include the human dimension. Its innovation lies in treating sustainability as a living framework that integrates energy performance with social inclusivity and long-term usability.While the zero-energy infrastructure — combining photovoltaic arrays, geothermal systems, and passive design — ensures environmental efficiency, the project’s holistic sustainability emerges through the Universal Design philosophy. By adopting a Design-for-All approach, the complex accommodates residents of diverse abilities and ages, enabling them to interact, access, and thrive within the same spatial ecosystem throughout their lifetime.In this way, sustainability is not perceived merely as energy conservation but as a continuous relationship between people, space, and time. This inclusive approach enhances the longevity and adaptability of the built environment, ensuring that both the infrastructure and its users evolve together — thus contributing to a truly enduring and socially responsive model of sustainable living.

The central courtyard of INTERelationships was conceived as the emotional and spatial heart of the project — a place where the essence of urban life could be distilled within the boundaries of the residential complex. The inspiration came from the traditional Mediterranean courtyard, reinterpreted not as a private enclave but as an open civic nucleus that fosters dialogue, inclusion, and belonging.The courtyard acts as a connective tissue linking all programmatic layers — from the communal workshops and café at ground level to the residential terraces and rooftop cinema above. This vertical and horizontal permeability encourages residents to meet naturally, to cross paths, and to share experiences in a setting that feels simultaneously intimate and public.By allowing visual continuity, natural light, and greenery to flow through the entire complex, the courtyard becomes a living catalyst for social engagement. It blurs the boundaries between architecture and community, transforming the act of inhabiting into an act of participating. In this sense, it embodies the project’s philosophy: architecture as a framework for relationships — inter-relationships that sustain both the people and the place.

The historical layers embedded within the INTERelationships Residential Complex became the foundation of its architectural narrative rather than a constraint to overcome. The preserved neoclassical façades and the revealed ancient masonry were not treated as static relics but as active participants in the project’s spatial dialogue. They embody the city’s memory, anchoring the new structure within its cultural continuum.These remnants shaped the entire design philosophy — one that seeks reconciliation rather than contrast between epochs. The new architecture grows around and through the historical fragments, allowing each layer to express its identity while contributing to a unified composition. The dialogue between old and new unfolds through material transitions, spatial juxtapositions, and the interplay of light upon the aged textures and contemporary surfaces.In this sense, the project transcends restoration; it becomes an architectural conversation across time. The past informs the present, while the present gives new life to the past — creating a living urban organism that honors heritage while projecting it into the future.

In INTERelationships, sustainability extends far beyond the boundaries of energy and technology — it becomes an urban catalyst. The complex operates as a living organism within the city, where environmental performance, social inclusivity, and local engagement form a unified ecosystem.People from the surrounding neighborhood are actively involved in the daily life of the complex — working in its facilities, participating in creative workshops, and contributing to its cultural identity. The ground-floor café and pool are open to the community, while the rooftop cinema invites both residents and neighbors to share collective experiences under the city’s skyline.Through these interactions, INTERelationships establishes itself as a microcosm of urban coexistence — a reference point and social hub that revitalizes its surroundings. Sustainability here is not only about preserving resources but about nurturing relationships: between people and place, private and public, architecture and community. In doing so, the project becomes a true cell of urban life — an active generator of connection, belonging, and renewal.

The Stairwell Exhibition concept was born from a desire to transform the experience of movement into a narrative of discovery. In INTERelationships, circulation is not merely functional; it becomes a cultural and emotional journey through light, material, and memory. The stairwell, wrapped in a translucent polycarbonate skin, filters daylight into soft, shifting tones, turning the vertical passage into a glowing spine that connects every level of the complex. Light itself becomes an exhibit — an ever-changing medium that defines atmosphere and perception throughout the day.The decision to reinterpret this space as a cultural venue stemmed from a wish to embed art and community within daily life. Along its path, small exhibitions, creative workshops, and local art displays unfold — blurring the line between resident and visitor, between private dwelling and public encounter.At ground level, the presence of preserved neoclassical façades and visible ancient masonry anchors the stairwell within Athens’ layered history, allowing each ascent to traverse both time and space. Thus, the act of moving through the building becomes a poetic dialogue — between heritage and innovation, opacity and transparency, solitude and collective experience. It elevates everyday circulation into a celebration of coexistence and identity.

The movement through INTERelationships was conceived as a choreographed sequence — an architectural promenade that encourages interaction, exploration, and awareness. The deliberate complexity of diagonal pathways, multilevel terraces, and outdoor transitions transforms the act of moving from one point to another into a social ritual. Circulation here is not a neutral act; it is a catalyst for human connection.The diagonal accesses weave together the residential units, communal zones, and public amenities, creating overlapping visual and spatial relationships. As residents traverse these paths, they experience a constant sense of openness and encounter — brief exchanges, shared glances, spontaneous conversations. The resulting network of movement functions like the circulatory system of a living organism, sustaining the social life of the complex.This three-dimensional choreography reinforces the project’s philosophy of interconnectedness. The architectural geometry is intentionally porous, allowing transparency, light, and human presence to flow freely across levels. In doing so, INTERelationships dissolves boundaries between private and communal realms, transforming circulation into a participatory experience — one that nurtures both community spirit and individual awareness within the fabric of everyday life.

From the outset, INTERelationships was envisioned not only as a residential complex but as an economically self-sustaining community ecosystem. The inclusion of revenue-generating functions — such as the café, workshops, pool facilities, and rooftop cinema — was never conceived as a commercial addition but as an integral component of social empowerment.These spaces operate as shared interfaces between the residents and the surrounding neighborhood. They create opportunities for local employment, collaboration, and cultural exchange, allowing people from different backgrounds to contribute to and benefit from the life of the complex. By integrating such mixed-use activities, the project ensures financial resilience while nurturing inclusivity and a sense of collective ownership.In this model, sustainability transcends environmental performance and enters the economic and social spheres. Each activity reinforces community vitality, encouraging a circular economy where resources, creativity, and participation flow continuously. Ultimately, INTERelationships becomes a prototype for urban coexistence — an environment where architecture, culture, and economy sustain one another through shared value and human connection.

The material palette of INTERelationships was carefully composed to articulate the project’s core narrative — the coexistence of transparency and solidity, memory and transformation. Each material was selected not only for its technical performance but for its symbolic capacity to convey continuity between past and present.The translucent polycarbonate sheets enveloping the stairwell act as a contemporary membrane of light — filtering daylight, softening boundaries, and revealing movement as a living pulse within the building. In contrast, the patinated copper panels express permanence and tactility; their evolving surface reflects the passage of time, echoing the weathered tones of the preserved neoclassical façades. Together, these materials embody the dialogue between old and new, opacity and translucency, craft and technology.Natural textures, reflective surfaces, and recycled components reinforce the project’s sustainable ethos while maintaining a sensory warmth that encourages human interaction. Materiality here becomes more than construction — it becomes communication. Through this nuanced composition, INTERelationships finds its identity not in uniformity, but in the poetic interplay of difference, where every surface participates in the story of connection.

Technology within INTERelationships was never intended to dominate the living experience but to discreetly support and enhance it. The integration of intelligent systems — from energy management to health and wellbeing monitoring — forms an invisible infrastructure that reinforces the project’s philosophy of supported living.Smart energy networks optimize consumption and storage, ensuring that the complex operates as a self-regulating organism with minimal environmental footprint. At the same time, digital systems assist residents in maintaining comfort, safety, and autonomy: sensors monitor environmental quality, accessibility aids respond to individual needs, and communication platforms connect users with on-site support or community activities.This seamless technological layer enables residents to experience independence within a collective framework. It bridges functionality and empathy, creating an environment that anticipates rather than reacts to human needs. In INTERelationships, technology becomes an extension of care — a silent architecture that listens, learns, and adapts — ensuring that sustainability and wellbeing evolve hand in hand throughout the life of the building and its inhabitants.

INTERelationships stands as a prototype for how architecture can redefine the way we live together in cities. The greatest lesson emerging from its development is that sustainability and inclusivity cannot be treated as parallel agendas — they must be interwoven into a single, human-centered framework. The project demonstrates that a collective living environment can be energy-efficient, socially cohesive, and emotionally resonant at once.By combining adaptable design, accessible infrastructure, and shared cultural spaces, INTERelationships illustrates how the built environment can evolve alongside its inhabitants rather than age apart from them. It shows that architecture can act as a facilitator of relationships — between generations, between private and public life, between the city and its citizens.Perhaps the most profound takeaway is that truly sustainable communities are those designed to change gracefully — to absorb diversity, to cultivate belonging, and to nurture the continuous dialogue between people and place. If future architecture embraces this ethos, our cities can once again become habitats of connection, dignity, and shared meaning.

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