A serene, minimalist bedroom features a built-in timber desk and shelving unit, establishing a dedicated workspace. Expansive windows frame the lush green urban view, filling the room with warm, natural light that highlights the simple, textural woven headboard and neutral bedspread.

Block722's Craft-Rich Penthouse in Athens is a Case Study in Nature-Centred Urban Living

Words by Yatzer

Athens, Greece

When architects design their own homes, free from the expectations and negotiations that usually shape a brief, their creative vision tends to crystallize into its purest form. For Greek architects Katja Margaritoglou and Sotiris Tsergas, founders of Block722, this duplex penthouse in Athens’ leafy Papagou suburb does exactly that. Designed for their family of four, the 230-square-metre, light-filled residence distils the studio’s philosophy of “organic luxury” into a calm composition where natural materials, crafted details, and nature-centred wellness, the pillars of Block722’s ethos, take centre stage. With a portfolio that includes numerous luxury resorts and island villas, it only feels fitting that the home carries a transportive quality of its own, more private retreat than typical apartment, quietly perched above the city.

A detail shot of the pool edge and planting bed, showcasing a small, traditional Greek or Asian sculptural element nestled among the wild grasses. The high, exposed travertine wall and the distant view of Mount Lycabettus ground the space in its Athenian context.

Photography by Ana Santl Andersen.

A distinctive brutalist-meets-Mediterranean facade shot highlights the monolithic, textured plaster exterior and deeply recessed, sculptural balconies. Strategic plantings and rusted-tone metal railings integrate biophilic elements, contrasting the smooth, curved concrete geometry against the blue sky.

Photography by Ana Santl Andersen.

Looking up at the contemporary facade, the building features soft, rounded, textured concrete balconies that extend like planters, injecting biophilic design into the structure. Native grasses and small trees sprout from the recesses, softening the modernist geometry against a clear sky.

Photography by Ana Santl Andersen.

The six-storey residential building in which the penthouse sits was conceived from the ground up by Block722 after the couple discovered a south-facing corner plot backing onto woodland. Taking cues from Papagou’s architectural heritage—the suburb flourished during Athens’ post-war expansion under modernist influences—the building combines strict geometry with softening gestures such as curved balconies, timber accents and Mediterranean vegetation that relax the massing and lend the structure a warm, inviting character.

Occupying the top two floors, Lumen Residence, as the project is titled, makes the most of its sweeping views over the city and the neighbouring woodland. Large openings lined with lush planting frame the panorama, folding nature into the spaces, while an open, free-flowing layout creates an ease of movement that mirrors the landscape beyond. The lower level accommodates the children’s bedrooms and an open-plan living space, discreetly zoned into sitting, dining and kitchen areas, while upstairs the master suite opens onto a roof terrace with a swimming pool, lounge deck and outdoor dining area.

A ground-level entrance embraces biophilic design, with the soft curve of a balcony casting a deep shadow over the textured wall and recessed wooden doorway. Lush, oversized foliage and gravel beds create an immediate, intimate connection to the natural environment.

Photography by Ana Santl Andersen.

A sun-dappled Mediterranean balcony featuring textured, earthy-toned walls and flooring overlooking a dense, lush green hillside. The simple, rust-orange wire bistro set adds a pop of vibrant color, inviting contemplation in this authentic outdoor space defined by vertical lines and natural light.

Photography by Ana Santl Andersen.

A fluid, open-plan space with curved oak paneling, featuring a built-in banquette upholstered in textured taupe fabric. The scene is anchored by an arresting contemporary oil painting, blending rich bohemian color with the minimalist, Japanese-style wood slat shutters that filter the light.

Photography by Ana Santl Andersen.

The dining alcove, illuminated by striped shadows from the closed wooden blinds, features a custom-built, crescent-shaped sofa and a circular table with simple wood chairs. Glass and dark oak room dividers signal a sophisticated, Japandi-influenced approach to spatial partitioning and light play.

Photography by Ana Santl Andersen.

Materiality is the backbone of the home’s sense of calm and wellbeing. Wooden surfaces dominate throughout, from the oiled timber flooring, wall panelling, to the cabinetry and furniture, creating a sense of warmth, while textured render, ceramic tiles, marble and luxuriant fabrics add layers of tactility. Soft curves in the carpentry and voluptuous seating introduce a sculptural sensibility that enriches the pared-down, Scandinavian-inflected aesthetic and lends the home a gentle tempo. These rounded forms, echoed in the building’s exterior curves, underscore Block722’s holistic approach, where architecture, interior design and décor speak the same language.

A long view across the dining and living spaces, separated by tall, framed glass and oak pivoting doors. The minimalist design emphasizes a cohesive material palette of light oak flooring and curved wood joinery, leading the eye toward the distant urban view framed by the kitchen window.

Photography by Ana Santl Andersen.

A sun-drenched kitchen view showcases a minimalist island with a white marble top, centered before a wide window framing the cityscape. Custom wood slat paneling along the wall defines the space, lit dramatically by low-hanging pendant lights and the warm afternoon light.

Photography by Ana Santl Andersen.

A minimalist, Zen-inspired detail of the kitchen featuring custom dark oak lower cabinetry contrasted with a sleek stainless steel backsplash and shelving. The open-shelf design elegantly displays stemware, reflecting a design philosophy focused on authentic materials and quiet functionality.

Photography by Ana Santl Andersen.

A bright, Japandi-inspired kitchen and dining area defined by custom oak cabinetry and warm wood flooring. Pivoting glass and wood partition panels create fluid spatial relationships, allowing the space to be opened or closed, emphasizing a soulful integration of natural textures and minimalist utility.

Photography by Ana Santl Andersen.

Craftsmanship grounds the design at every scale. Much of the interior is custom-designed by Block722, ranging from the timber-and-glass doors that modulate privacy between the kitchen and living room to the extensive kitchen cabinetry and the bespoke marble sinks in the bathrooms that function as quiet sculptural anchors for daily rituals. Many of the furnishings are also studio-designed, mixed with contemporary and vintage pieces chosen with equal care.

In the dining area, a curved banquette upholstered in clay-toned Kvadrat fabric cusping a round wooden table, both pieces custom-designed by Block722 are paired with auction-sourced Heart Chairs by Hans J. Wegner and a minimalist chandelier by Trizo21. In the living area, a voluptuous sectional sofa by Jardan in beige bouclé is set against Eichholtz’s polygonal Cortes Coffee Table with its textured smoke-glass top. A vintage Fenix Armchair by Sam Larsson for DUX adds a gentle nod to the studio’s Scandinavian alignment, while a painting by Stella Kapezanou and art photography by Maria Siorba bring personal artistic voices into dialogue with the architecture.

An intimate composition of the living area, emphasizing the contrast between the warmth of the oak joinery and the creamy upholstery. A retro wooden ceiling fan and floor-to-ceiling sheer drapes contribute to the soft, diffused light, supporting the biophilic design elements of the towering houseplant.

Photography by Ana Santl Andersen.

A serene, mid-century modern living room defined by a minimalist wood-paneled wall and built-in media console. Bouclé seating and a tan tufted chaise lounge create a soft, inviting atmosphere, while sheer curtains diffuse the light, highlighting the acoustic fidelity setup and dark, organically shaped glass coffee table.

Photography by Ana Santl Andersen.

  • A perspective shot down a wooden-floored corridor into the sunlit bedroom, flanked by dark oak closet paneling. The composition emphasizes the contrast between the interior's rich wood tones and the bright, verdant outdoor vista, conveying a sense of authentic material luxury and privacy.

    Photography by Ana Santl Andersen.

  • A close-up of a bespoke oak desk and cabinetry, showcasing the warm grain and soft, curved edge of the desktop. An open magazine and a ceramic mug suggest a moment of quiet contemplation, reflecting the design's underlying philosophy of holistic well-being and craftsmanship.

    Photography by Ana Santl Andersen.

  • The powder room blends rustic and refined elements, featuring rich, variegated stone on the floor and walls. Custom oak millwork with an open shelf and a delicate, organically shaped stone sink celebrate the authenticity of natural, tactile materials in a small, curated space.

    Photography by Ana Santl Andersen.

  • A dramatic Zen bathroom with a suspended oak vanity and a striking, rough-hewn marble basin carved from a singular stone piece. The rich, earth-toned veining of the stone backsplash is juxtaposed with the verticality of the mirror, reflecting the biophilic view from the window.

    Photography by Ana Santl Andersen.

  • A visually striking shower detail features a wall covered in small, vibrant mustard-gold penny round tiles, contrasted with smooth, matte beige plaster. A diagonal ray of sunlight sharply cuts across the mosaic, creating a moment of geometric artistry and evocative lighting.

    Photography by Ana Santl Andersen.

An intimate detail shot of the built-in desk area, bathed in afternoon sunlight that casts defined geometric shadows. An open paperback book and a simple ceramic cup rest on the smooth oak surface, emphasizing the focus on personal rituals and quiet, functional design.

Photography by Ana Santl Andersen.

A serene, minimalist bedroom features a built-in timber desk and shelving unit, establishing a dedicated workspace. Expansive windows frame the lush green urban view, filling the room with warm, natural light that highlights the simple, textural woven headboard and neutral bedspread.

Photography by Ana Santl Andersen.

The bedroom embodies a Japandi aesthetic with full-height oak wardrobes and a custom woven-cane headboard. Sheer curtains soften the daylight, illuminating a mid-century modern-style reading chair and dark side table, creating a quiet, contemplative sanctuary.

Photography by Ana Santl Andersen.

  • A striking minimalist staircase captures a diagonal shaft of light slicing across the smooth, micro-cement wall, illuminating the floating light oak treads. The composition focuses on the purity of line, shadow play, and material simplicity in a quiet architectural moment.

    Photography by Ana Santl Andersen.

  • A symmetrical view through an open dark wood doorway, flanked by integrated wardrobes, leads into a serene bedroom. The composition highlights the warmth of the wood and the clean, rhythmic lines that draw the eye into the minimalist space beyond.

    Photography by Ana Santl Andersen.

  • A close-up of the custom-designed, floating bedside storage unit integrated beneath a full-width cane and wood headboard. Dramatic sunlight casts sharp shadows on the light oak floor, highlighting the careful placement of small, curated objects, emphasizing detail and simplicity.

    Photography by Ana Santl Andersen.

  • A sophisticated stone powder room featuring walls and a curved, carved basin made of monolithic grey marble. Patterned sunlight filters through a decorative, lattice window, casting geometric lines onto the stone, celebrating the authentic texture and meditative atmosphere.

    Photography by Ana Santl Andersen.

  • A luxurious, spacious bathroom clad entirely in warm, light-grey marble with prominent veining. Custom-fabricated stone shelving holds a dark, sculptural basin, creating a tranquil, monolithic effect that is brightened by a concealed light well from above.

    Photography by Ana Santl Andersen.

A tranquil, Zen-inspired bedroom featuring a wall of dark wood cabinetry and a woven-cane headboard. A panoramic window frames the expansive, verdant urban landscape, bringing the biophilic element indoors, while soft, natural light creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Photography by Ana Santl Andersen.

Upstairs, the master bedroom enjoys expansive glazing, one side opening directly onto the rooftop terrace to create the most immersive space in the home. Outside, the swimming pool rests on a podium crafted in Travertine Rosso, its rich tone continuing into the bedroom as a stepped platform that dissolves the threshold between outdoors and in—a clear nod to the kind of spatial gesture that belongs to architects who know exactly how they want to live.

Perhaps this is the real story behind the Lumen Residence. It’s not a display of confidence but of clarity: a home where comfort, craft and nature are embedded in the everyday. Although Block722’s hospitality experience is evident in the spatial generosity and the way light, views and materials support wellbeing, nothing here feels styled for transience. This is a place that has been designed not to marvel at, but to live in well into the future.

A close-up of the stylish, patterned twin sun loungers on the pool deck, set against the backdrop of a dense, forested hillside. The natural materials, including the travertine coping and wicker deck chairs, establish a quiet, coastal-inspired, and genuinely relaxing atmosphere.

Photography by Ana Santl Andersen.

An intimate detail of the bedroom corner, showcasing the rich texture of the woven rattan headboard and a monolithic window bench clad in striking, horizontal red-brown travertine. The composition celebrates the intersection of authentic textures and material contrasts.

Photography by Ana Santl Andersen.

The master bedroom opens dramatically to a rooftop terrace featuring an infinity-edge pool and lush, native plantings, overlooking the Athens skyline at dusk. The minimalist design incorporates a red-veined travertine plinth, creating a seamless transition from the warm interior wood to the outdoor sanctuary.

Photography by Ana Santl Andersen.

The infinity pool seamlessly merges with the horizon, framed by high grasses and native plantings that mimic the natural landscape. Red-brown travertine coping defines the edge, contrasting the dark water and creating a Mediterranean, rustic-modern atmosphere overlooking Athens.

Photography by Ana Santl Andersen.

A serene rooftop terrace in Athens blends Mediterranean modernism with soft, earthy tones. A reflective plunge pool anchors the space, surrounded by woven lounge chairs, oversized daybeds, and wild grasses that blur into the lush forest canopy beyond. The distant Hymettus mountain range frames a calm, sun-washed atmosphere designed for slow living and outdoor dining.

Photography by Ana Santl Andersen.

The exterior view of the master suite at sunset, showing direct access to the rooftop pool and deck. The recessed wooden overhang and large sliding glass door illuminate the room's warm interior, while the tiered travertine pool edge and railing secure this authentic, high-altitude retreat.

Photography by Ana Santl Andersen.

A stunning sunset view from the rooftop infinity pool, reflecting the warm, ochre light and the silhouette of the city against the mountains. The pool edge is defined by rustic, red-toned travertine, contrasted with wild biophilic plantings that create a private, tranquil oasis above the urban sprawl

Photography by Ana Santl Andersen.