Vertical Surfaces | Michael Bakas

In the center of Heraklion in Crete, a residence of the 80s is renovated, combining contemporary house design with a touch from that era.

Open- plan is a major design choice, offering a wide space of kitchen and living- room facilities and pushing space limits, with  key elements the residence orientation and the varying natural light quality. This united space functions as a boundary between the two bedrooms, being the core of the house. Being transparent but solid at the same time, the glass panel allows communication while keeping each space autonomous.

Matte and shiny textures, warm and cold materials, transitions and creative contrasts ideally describe the design of the residence forming its unique identity. Marble of the 1980s covers the floor surface, becoming a design trademark. Wood is the main choice for vertical surfaces, creating contrast with the smooth finishing of the marble floor.

The upgrade of the building is not limited in interior space design, but also contains some take functional interventions for more effective and energy-efficient operation throughout the year: window frames are replaced and an insulation facade and a heat pump are installed.