Views and reflections define this contemporary Athens villa
Reflection House is a new Athens home by architects Mplusm, designed around the site's expansive vistas and natural light
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

‘Standing in such a steep plot we could easily predict that this house would have an impressive view. What wasn’t foreseen was the way that this view would define the house itself,’ the architects at Mplusm begin, talking about their latest project, Reflection House, an Athens villa in the suburb of Politia. The project, commissioned on a steeply angled, verdant site overlooks the city and was developed as a sculptural object to frame the views – while making for a comfortable and contemporary family home too.
An elevated platform contains the ground level and accommodates a large balcony, plants, the living room, dining room, kitchen and a pool. The vistas feel endless and the house’s reflections and the play of light bouncing off the water, glass and polished surfaces make for an ethereal atmosphere, bringing to mind the iconic modernist homes of Los Angeles.
The team at Mplusm, headed by founders Memos Filippidis and Marita Nikoloutsou, worked hard to ensure there is the absolute minimum number of columns in the house, which features a 16m span roof, yet feels expansive and flowing inside, not a pillar in sight – a nod to the generosity and drama of large, natural caves or aeroplane hangars. ‘What’s actually happening is that all the support of the roof is hidden overhead in large metal beams that span between the side walls, above the false ceiling,’ the architects explain.
The material composition inside and out played a key role in the overall effect and this Athens villa’s identity. Instead of the studio’s more typical use of wood and grey tones, Mplusm here chose to work with glossier finishes that embrace the region’s abundant natural light to enhance the architecture. Swathes of glass are matched by soft green lacquers on the wood, painted metal of doors, and gleaming black marble.
‘It is true that we often seek in our works a sense of fluidity and transparency. By obtaining the form of a hangar as previously mentioned, this house became literally a frame for the view excluding all supports and obstacles,’ says the team. ‘The low sun of the west penetrates the whole ground floor and summarises daily, in practice, the permeability of the space, activating all the reflections from the water, the metal filter, the windows and the shiny surfaces of the carpentry.’
INFORMATION
mplusm.gr (opens in new tab)
Ellie Stathaki is the Architecture Editor at Wallpaper*. She trained as an architect at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece and studied architectural history at the Bartlett in London. Now an established journalist, she has been a member of the Wallpaper* team since 2006, visiting buildings across the globe and interviewing leading architects such as Tadao Ando and Rem Koolhaas. Ellie has also taken part in judging panels, moderated events, curated shows and contributed in books, such as The Contemporary House (Thames & Hudson, 2018) and Glenn Sestig Architecture Diary (2020).
-
These London spas are utterly relaxing urban escapes
These London spas offer transformative treatments in awe-inspiring spaces for total relaxation in the midst of the big city
By Mary Cleary • Published
-
Max Richter: ‘Visual art culture is wide open in a way that classical music, unfortunately, sort of isn't’
Hot on the heels of Max Richter’s new album, ‘Sleep: Tranquility Base’, and recently opened multi-arts haven in rural Oxfordshire, we speak to the acclaimed composer about creating a sonic antidote to complex times
By Harriet Lloyd-Smith • Published
-
Discover all the Rolex watches released at Watches and Wonders 2023
Rolex unveils bold new additions to its iconic watch families
By Hannah Silver • Published
-
Spain’s Casa Primitiva is ruled by simplicity
The pared-back Casa Primitiva by Hanghar fits in perfectly in its semi-rural Spanish context
By TF Chan • Published
-
Veil House balances openness and seclusion in Winnipeg
A large steel screen shields Veil House, a striking private residence in Winnipeg, Canada, designed by local practice 5468796 Architecture
By Ellie Stathaki • Published
-
The finest brutalist architecture in London and beyond
For some of the world's finest brutalist architecture in London and beyond, scroll below. Can’t get enough of brutalism? Neither can we.
By Jonathan Bell • Published
-
Khanna Schultz’s House in Michigan is an exercise in balancing contrasts
House in Michigan by Khanna Schultz was conceived to fulfil contrasting needs – and does so with poise and efficiency
By Ellie Stathaki • Published
-
Ian Chee’s Singapore apartment blends past and present
Architect Ian Chee welcomes us into his Singapore apartment, where past and present cohabit in perfect equilibrium
By Daven Wu • Published
-
Modernist architecture: inspiration from across the globe
Modernist architecture has had a tremendous influence on today’s built environment, making these midcentury marvels some of the most closely studied 20th-century buildings; check back soon for new additions to our list
By Ellie Stathaki • Published
-
Minimalist architecture: homes that inspire calm
These examples of minimalist architecture place life in the foreground – clutter is demoted; joy promoted
By Ellie Stathaki • Published
-
The Social Athens makes waves in the Greek capital
The Social Athens by OOAK architects opens, featuring a distinctive wavy façade and an interior that balances social life and seclusion
By Ellie Stathaki • Published