Federica Scalise transformed the Carmen Apartment in Athens, Greece, by introducing a glass-brick facade and open plan to enhance natural light. Originally consisting of isolated rooms, the 42-square-meter apartment now features an open layout, maximising brightness and flexibility.

About Carmen Apartment
The main challenge of transforming this 42 sqm ground floor apartment in the heart of Exarchia was to introduce natural light to enhance the livability of the space. The original layout consisted of a series of isolated rooms lacking adequate lighting; to address this issue, a new glass-brick facade was installed to maximize light distribution.
The courtyard facade defines the new identity of the apartment, inspiring the color palette and playing with light and transparency. The interior layout is transformed into an open plan to make the living space as optimal, flexible, and bright as possible. The alcove bedroom frees up space and multiplies the functional advantages; the bed is placed on a platform that also integrates a library and a desk. Color is applied throughout the different rooms in a playful and idiosyncratic way.
The white kitchen is minimal but yet full of character, with Portuguese pink marble and mirror panels that reflect surrounding colorful moments.
The bedroom and bathroom are distinguished by bold colors, while a soft palette unifies and enhances brightness throughout the open space environment.
Photography by Lea Martin Abazoglou

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