An artist's home in the island of Aegina

A picturesque house built  as an extension to an old stone farmhouse of the early 20th century in a courtyard full of peanut trees and colourful flowers. It develops in three levels, the basement is the artist's workshop, the ground floor is the main living space with a living room, a bedroom, kitchen and bathroom and the first floor has a small room,wc and a beautiful sunny balcony for the guests. The interior space has clearly defined boundaries despite the absence of any internal doors. The materials and the colours used blend with the surrounding garden. 

The island is rich in places of archaeological and religious interest as well as beautiful scenery ranging from the pine clad hills of Aghia Marina through the mountain village of Anitsaio to the quiet harbour at Portes which makes it a walker’s paradise.For this reason the island has been home to many artists and writers, both Greeks and foreigners.

Schinias National Park: An Ancient and rare Ecosystem of Attica

Athens is surrounded by water so spending a day at one of the many lovely and clean beaches along its’ coastline is relatively easy and accessible either by public transport or taxi. One of the most beautiful areas of Athens to visit is the Schinias National Parkwhere you will be able to combine great swimming, relaxation, incredible natural beauty, bird watching, water sports, canoeing or rowing, cycling or walking.

Historically this area identifies with the Battle of  Marathon which took place in 490 BC. This is  where the Persian army made camp and such a culturally rich area of Attica that no one should forego. Over 5000 years of Greek civilization unfolded here. The Marathon’s Battle Trophy is within walking distance from the Park and if you have the time (!) make a point of visiting the archaeological site and museum of Marathon.

Perhaps the most famous and inspiring athletic event known all over the world is the Athens Classic Marathon Race which takes place every year, usually in the fall.

In this area fifty square meters become an excellent getaway from the everyday life .Designed to maximize the small space  to include a kitchen, living room, bathroom and a bedroom with a double bed.   A wooden volume in the center of the space helps separate the different areas holding a bookcase, closets and a bathroom entry.  Materials help separate the functions of the spaces: concrete on the exterior wall and a raised wooden platform which defines the bedroom.

- Anna-Christina Fractopoulou -

Hans Christian Andersen Museum Competition

The eternally pertinent stories of Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen appeal to people all over the world and are read by children and adults alike. However, the treasure trove of fairytales needs a physical setting that matches the poetry. That is why Odense City Museums and the City of Odense launched an international open ideas competition for a new presentation concept, a new House of Fairytales and a fairytale garden: a new attraction that should welcome people into Andersen’s fairytale world. 

-Anna-Christina Fractopoulou-

E is for Elephant, E is for Eames.

The Red Elephant was a toy for my twins, but I liked it too much and I stole it from them.

Charles and Ray Eames experimented with materials a lot. Their goal was to make high quality-low cost furniture that could be mass-produced. The toy elephant was a side fun product of these experiments. It was made of plywood in 1945; however, it never went into production. Now manufactured in plastic in different colors, the Eames Elephant is available to the target group for which it was originally intended: children.

It is a very interesting object because it teaches children how an abstract form or a three dimensional diagram can be easily understood as a symbol. A two year old can tell it is an elephant.

-Aspa Papazaharia

Christmas loading... with Red

Have you ever really thought about the color RED? We all know it is the color of the Holidays and Christmas.

For Architect Frank Loyd Wright, red was the color of creation, which is why he used the red square as his signature when he signed his architectural drawings. His favorite tone was "Cherokee Red" #PPG31-02.

Red is considered to be the sacred color and along with green they universally remain the most accepted colors of Christmas. Holly berries, the red robes of church bishops, red apples on the pine trees of medieval plays were the forerunners of Rudolph's red nose and Santa's suit.

Speaking of pine trees the pine cone symbolizes fertility and growth. All its parts are there to create a new life but since it has not yet taken root, it is purely potential. 

A wreath of red pine cones looks elegant and welcoming on my front door.

-Aspa Papazaharia

For my Christmas Tree I keep a simple palette of silver, clear glass and red ornaments like this one.

For my Christmas Tree I keep a simple palette of silver, clear glass and red ornaments like this one.