Header: Ana Santl
The leafy district of Papagou in Athens has long been defined by its mid-century character and quiet, tree-lined streets. It is here that the founders of Block722, Sotiris Tsergas and Katja Margaritoglou, chose to build their own family home.
Known as the Lumen Residence, this 230-square-metre duplex occupies the top two floors of a new boutique building, acting as a living gallery for the studio’s “organic luxury” philosophy. By moving away from cold, polished finishes and focusing on how a family actually moves through a space, the design team created a home that feels personal and connected to the Greek landscape.
A layout tailored to family life
The apartment is split across the fourth and fifth levels, designed to feel more like a private house in the sky than a standard flat. On the lower floor, the layout prioritises flow and togetherness. Two bedrooms sit alongside an open-plan living area where the kitchen takes centre stage, specifically sized for hosting and entertaining. Rather than using solid walls to divide the space, the team used furniture and light partitions to mark out different zones. This keeps the interior airy and allows light to reach every corner, following the movement of the sun from morning until night.
Natural materials and tactile finishes
The palette inside the Lumen Residence is a celebration of texture and the natural world. Instead of hiding the character of the materials, the design highlights the unique patterns found in stone and wood. Travertino rosso, marble, and ceramic tiles appear throughout, paired with oiled timber flooring that feels warm underfoot. These surfaces are intended to age naturally, picking up a patina over time that tells the story of the people living there. The use of textured render on the walls adds a soft, hand-applied quality to the rooms, avoiding the sterile look of many modern developments.
Bespoke craftsmanship and local art
Almost every stick of furniture in the home was designed by Block722 and built by local artisans. The dining tables and benches were manufactured by Nitsolas Furniture, while the marble basins were crafted by Stonetech SA. This commitment to custom-made pieces ensures that the furniture fits the dimensions of the rooms perfectly. The interior is further elevated by a curated selection of art, including paintings by Stella Kapezanou and artistic direction by Efi Spyrou. Even the functional elements, like the CNC inox cutters by M. Kouroupaki and the lighting by LineaLight, show a high level of technical detail.
Outdoor living and city views
The upper level is dedicated to the primary bedroom suite, which opens onto a sprawling roof terrace. This outdoor space is a rare find in a city apartment, featuring a swimming pool, a wooden deck, and even a half-size basketball court. Lush Mediterranean planting by Outside Landscape Architecture surrounds the terrace, providing privacy while framing views of the Athens cityscape and the nearby woods. Large windows throughout the duplex ensure that the greenery is visible from every room, pulling the outdoors into the daily life of the family.
A new standard for urban housing
The Lumen Residence is the result of a long process of self-analysis by the architects, who ran various scenarios to see how their family would use the space. The result is a home that balances the practical needs of two children and two working parents with a high-end aesthetic. It is a project that values the human experience above all else, proving that city living can be functional and soul-stirring.
Project info
Owner: Sotiris Tsergas & Katja Margaritoglou
Developer: Block722 – Thekla Construction
Architecture & Ιnterior design: Block722 Leaders: Sotiris Tsergas & Katja Margaritoglou, Vasiliki Moustafatzi, Patricia Fakiolaki, Francesca Balfoussia
Team: Michael Gryllakis, Eleni Boni, Panagiotis Konstantopoulos, Tzemil Moustafoglou, Marilena Michalopoulou, Sofia Stephanopoulou, Nansy Nikolopoulou, Aggeliki Kantarzi, Patricia Fakiolaki
Master planning & Architecture: Block722
Interior Design: Block722
Landscaping: Block722
Planting: Outside landscape architecture
