Interviewe mat Renos Constantinou

I had the great opportunity to work at ZAHA HADID and Scott Brownrigg. During my employment with them I was team member of international large scale projects such as:

•BUSINESS BAY. MIXED – USE DEVELOPMENT COMPETITION, SKYCRAPERS IN DUBAI (DANCING TOWERS)

•SPACE FOR ARTISTIC CREATION CORDOBA, SPAIN

•OLYMPIC SWIMMING STADIUM 2012, LONDON, UK

•ELEFTHERIA SQUARE AND SOURROUNDINGS NICOSIA, CYPRUS.

•AFRODITE HILLS HOLIDAY VILLAGE, PAFOS, CYPRUS

•NICOSIA TOWER

•MEDITERRANEAN HOTEL, LIMASSOL, CYPRUS

•EDEN HOUSE, UK

The moment when I saw my name at the Design Museum in London I felt rewarded and forgot the 24/7 hard working lifestyle. All these years there I learned how to work on large scale projects and the importance of teamwork.

Since I can remember I always wanted to have a profession which has to do with creativity, creating and at the same time giving and contributing to the community. I feel grateful that I had the opportunity to achieve this and I am happy with my decision

The first thing that comes to my mind is the importance of meeting the client’s expectations and brining it alive. The first discussions are very important to understand their needs and budget in order to be able to design something which suits their lifestyle and accommodates their needs. Good collaboration is essential as well for the successful delivery of each project. I always listen to my clients and communicate with them openly about the projects and make them feel part of it.

Good collaboration and teamwork is of high importance as everyone has to give something different and unique to the design. What I ask of the team is to let their creative ideas alive and to create with their hearts.

I am satisfied with my team and happy that we can all coexist in the office with my family and my colleagues. The ‘oldGen’ with the ‘nextGen’. My father gives us his own ideas and experience and the nextGen puts its own elements. Both of my siblings work at the office my sister is an architect and my brother is a civil engineer.

We joined the office over the past 15 years as directors and team leaders. We feel huge responsibility to carry on the business and the operation of the office which was established 45 years ago by our father, Andreas Constantinou at the highest level and to preserve its legacy. Our office is considered as one of the bests in the country.

Good communication. I try to communicate in a variety of ways, from transmitting information to inspiring others and coaching.

Self-awareness and humility are paramount for leadership as well. The better you understand yourself and recognize your own strengths and weaknesses, the more effective you can be as a leader.

It is important is to have empathy. In addition, treating people with respect on a daily basis is one of the most important things a leader can do. It will ease tensions and conflict, create trust, and improve effectiveness.

Leadership isn’t a destination — it’s something that you’ll have to work at regularly throughout your career, regardless of what level you reach in your organization.

As a person I am very confident and I have respect for the people around me.

Whatever I do in my life I give all my strength and I like to make people happy. I do not like to be static as a person and I want to do things and create.

I like to travel and discover cultures

I believe in the potential of our scholars, scientists and with the available supplies and technology . Several studies have been done and we are preparing for it.

The theme of floating cities is sparking interest all across Europe. In the Netherlands, the marine research institute MARIN has been awarded a grant by the European Union to research possible solutions. The institute is a leader of the “Space at Sea” project, which won 1.6 million in EU funding to come up with projects for floating cities over the next three years wherever it is possible to duplicate a lifestyle on land - from vertical farms to ports and parks. With this goal in mind, MARIN is adopting an urban model that can fit all of the EU countries that border the sea. It is a first step towards the urbanization of water, and a bet that could bring the dream of floating cities within the reach of everyone.

Good collaboration is essential as well for the successful delivery of each project, always listen the clients and communicate with them openly about the projects and make them feel part of it.

Self-awareness and humility are paramount for leadership as well. The better you understand yourself and recognize your own strengths and weaknesses, the more effective you can be as a leader.

It is important is to have empathy. In addition, treating people with respect on a daily basis is one of the most important things a leader can do. It will ease tensions and conflict, create trust, and improve effectiveness.

Leadership isn’t a destination — it’s something that you’ll have to work at regularly throughout your career, regardless of what level you reach in your organization.

As a person I am very confident and I have respect for the people around me.

Whatever I do in my life I give all my strength and I like to make people happy. I do not like to be static as a person and I want to do things and create.

I like to travel and discover cultures. What i do is what i suggest to everyone else because i think play important role to be successful

I start my day with supervisions and meeting with my team at work and sometimes we have the meetings at the restaurant or bar :)

We usually buy the latest Architecture books and we have very rich Library at the office

The building elements are clear and concise in their geometry and the form is complemented by large openings and vertical blinds. The ground level accommodates the living quarters, open towards the swimming pool and the garden. Wide openings spanning the entire height maintain the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, while comfortable sheltered open air areas benefit from shading system to provide pleasant outdoor living conditions during the summer months.

The first level contains the bedrooms and laundry area. The staircase becomes the main compositional element of the house interior.

When the design is ready is something that you can feel it. Is very unique feeling that is difficult to explain it :)

We collaborate with our clients and we challenge them to think differently about their projects by asking the right questions.

For us, real success is the moment when a client is presented with a design solution and says, “We did it.”

I had the great opportunity to work at ZAHA HADID and Scott Brownrigg. During my employment with them I was team member of international large scale projects such as:

•BUSINESS BAY. MIXED – USE DEVELOPMENT COMPETITION, SKYCRAPERS IN DUBAI (DANCING TOWERS)

•SPACE FOR ARTISTIC CREATION CORDOBA, SPAIN

•OLYMPIC SWIMMING STADIUM 2012, LONDON, UK

•ELEFTHERIA SQUARE AND SOURROUNDINGS NICOSIA, CYPRUS.

•AFRODITE HILLS HOLIDAY VILLAGE, PAFOS, CYPRUS

•NICOSIA TOWER

•MEDITERRANEAN HOTEL, LIMASSOL, CYPRUS

•EDEN HOUSE, UK

The moment when I saw my name at the Design Museum in London I felt rewarded and forgot the 24/7 hard working lifestyle. All these years there I learned how to work on large scale projects and the importance of teamwork.

Me, my brother and my sister followed his footsteps of my father and we learned and still keep learning a lot every day as we work in the same environment. He has 50 years of experience, over which he faced many difficulties and learned all the secrets of architecture in order to deliver the best results. Some of them are the following:

To be committed to service our clients the best possible way, to the profession and to the community.

To make our firm a creative, fun, fulfilling and rewarding place to come to work each day and to promote the design and delivery of the built environment as a collaborative effort.

We are motivated by what is best for the project and client, and we are skilled enough to make what is best for architecture and we bring ideas to the table that have value.

After decades in architecture, interior design and planning, we’ve learned that outstanding work is built on relationships. We collaborate with our clients and we challenge them to think differently about their projects by asking the right questions.

For us, real success is the moment when a client is presented with a design solution and says, “We did it.”

Good communication. I try to communicate in a variety of ways, from transmitting information to inspiring others and coaching.

Self-awareness and humility are paramount for leadership as well. The better you understand yourself and recognize your own strengths and weaknesses, the more effective you can be as a leader.

It is important is to have empathy. In addition, treating people with respect on a daily basis is one of the most important things a leader can do. It will ease tensions and conflict, create trust, and improve effectiveness.

Leadership isn’t a destination — it’s something that you’ll have to work at regularly throughout your career, regardless of what level you reach in your organization.

As a person I am very confident and I have respect for the people around me.

Whatever I do in my life I give all my strength and I like to make people happy. I do not like to be static as a person and I want to do things and create.

I like to travel and discover cultures

Good collaboration and teamwork is of high importance as everyone has to give something different and unique to the design. What I ask of the team is to let their creative ideas alive and to create with their hearts.

I am satisfied with my team and happy that we can all coexist in the office with my family and my colleagues. The ‘oldGen’ with the ‘nextGen’. My father gives us his own ideas and experience and the nextGen puts its own elements. Both of my siblings work at the office my sister is an architect and my brother is a civil engineer.

We joined the office over the past 15 years as directors and team leaders. We feel huge responsibility to carry on the business and the operation of the office which was established 45 years ago by our father, Andreas Constantinou at the highest level and to preserve its legacy. Our office is considered as one of the bests in the country.

Apart from the 45 years of experience, our office operates a one-stop-shop firm, providing all kind of services in industry such as architectural design, interior design, structural design, sustainability design, lighting design etc.

This is a very important question thank you for asking.

We give emphasis on new methods and technology to revitalize our services.

We start working on site analysis using drone scanning. In addition, using them for site scanning and feedback during the construction process, even taking the incorporation of drone scanning a step further by integrating drone data feedback loops into their design practice.

3D printing is one of technology’s most revolutionary innovations, with the potential to change the face of so many industries including architecture. When presenting to clients or exploring design in further details, creating a 3D-printed model can help both designers and clients see a clearer picture of the project, seeing how a design interacts with its surroundings.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) throughout the design process helps to improve quality and accelerates design processes with integrated workflows for concept design, modeling, multidiscipline coordination, and construction.

Sustainability was a key factor in the design of the house, emphasizing solar protection, natural ventilation and the use of photovoltaic / solar panels. The swimming pool was placed adjacent to the living room, for natural cooling

The building’s placement enhances natural ventilation and lighting, and large openings add to the connection between inside and out.

First of all, thank you for the opportunity to do the interview.

A Design Award is one of the best to promote your work for any professional. The questions for the interviews related issues as well as topics such as planning the future taking into account climate change and the coexistence of Architecture with the way of life in each country.

Also it is very important that he gives the opportunity to young Architects and professionals to express their views through the interviews. The questions are targeted, to the point in order to be able to give a comprehensive reply.

I wish you good luck and I am sure you will continue to do a great job.

The 340m² private house in the outskirts of greater Nicosia was designed to feature contemporary aesthetics, acquiring permanence with the use of timeless materials. Concurrently, the house caters to the needs of a family of four, facilitating communication and comfort.

The building’s placement enhances natural ventilation and lighting, and large openings add to the connection between inside and out.

I am planning to make some exhibitions and show our work and inform them about the award which is very important for us. We are proud for it.

The concept idea 4 months and the final design 9 months

Thank you for the question. I chooses to bestow the house with identity, alluding to the owners’ names: Paris and Helen. Mythology provides inspiration for designing a contemporary “Trojan” home, the “Villa Troy”.

The design is for our customer

Concurrently, the house caters to the needs of a family of four, facilitating communication and comfort.

Everything was designed by me and our office. Architecture design, Interior design, Lighting design, furniture design etc

The design is for a family

The choice of stone cladding on a loadbearing wall on the façade, as well as on the enclosure at the back of the property, hints at the walls of Troy.

Metal, applied in many components, is another significant material from that time: the façade features five ornamental brackets whose angular form alludes to the trojan war spears; The original metal door and the vertical metal railings shape the home enclosure.

The architect Renos Constantinou chooses to bestow the house with identity, alluding to the owners’ names: Paris and Helen. Mythology provides inspiration for designing a contemporary “Trojan” home, the “Villa Troy”.

This is a very important question thank you for asking.

We give emphasis on new methods and technology to revitalize our services.

We start working on site analysis using drone scanning. In addition, using them for site scanning and feedback during the construction process, even taking the incorporation of drone scanning a step further by integrating drone data feedback loops into their design practice.

3D printing is one of technology’s most revolutionary innovations, with the potential to change the face of so many industries including architecture. When presenting to clients or exploring design in further details, creating a 3D-printed model can help both designers and clients see a clearer picture of the project, seeing how a design interacts with its surroundings.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) throughout the design process helps to improve quality and accelerates design processes with integrated workflows for concept design, modeling, multidiscipline coordination, and construction.

Sustainability was a key factor in the design of the house, emphasizing solar protection, natural ventilation and the use of photovoltaic / solar panels. The swimming pool was placed adjacent to the living room, for natural cooling

The building’s placement enhances natural ventilation and lighting, and large openings add to the connection between inside and out.

The design of the building façade appears opaque, dressed in adjustable aluminum strip cladding from top to bottom. This custom design device allows ventilation and protects the residence privacy. The aluminum panels play an important role in the passive cooling of the interior and, during the night, provide insulation from moisture.

Enginerr4u Civil engineers

workflows for concept design, modeling, multidiscipline coordination, and construction.

I have mentioned it above

The existing environment

Is very important to be part of an international competitions in order to have a good feedback

We had to manage the time very well and the timeframe

Renos Constantinou was born in Nicosia, Cyprus. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Architecture, RIBA 1 from University of Greenwich, UK. He continued further his postgraduate academic studies at University of Brighton UK, RIBA 2 and completed his studies at BME University, where he has obtained his master degree in Architecture and Architecture Engineer.

Renos started his career in 2006 in London, UK where he was working at two well established and reputable architectural companies, ZahaHadid UK and Scott Brownrigg (SB), which are one of the largest and most successful international architectural firms.

During his employment in London at ZAHA HADID UK, he was part of the team working on the following projects:

BUSINESS BAY. MIXED – USE DEVELOPMENT COMPETITION, SKYCRAPERS IN DUBAI (DANCING TOWERS)

SPACE FOR ARTISTIC CREATION CORDOBA, SPAIN

OLYMPIC SWIMMING STADIUM 2012, LONDON, UK

ELEFTHERIA SQUARE AND SOURROUNDINGS NICOSIA, CYPRUS.

At SCOTT BROWNRIGG (SC) he had the opportunity to work on large scale Hospitality and Leisure projects, such as:

AFRODITE HILLS HOLIDAY VILLAGE, PAFOS, CYPRUS

NICOSIA TOWER

MEDITERRANEAN HOTEL, LIMASSOL, CYPRUS

EDEN HOUSE, UK

Renos returned to Cyprus and joined to ACA’s Architects (Andreas Constantinou and Associates Architects – Engineers, Since 1980) in 2011 as a Senior Design Architect.

The moment when I saw my name at the Design Museum in London I felt rewarded and forgot the 24/7 hard working lifestyle. All these years there I learned how to work on large scale projects and the importance of teamwork.

He is currently team leader on various small to large scale architectural projects in diverse fields such as, residential, medical/health, office buildings, showrooms and many other different projects, involving renovation, recreation, interior design, extensions and restorations.

As a team architect he was involved in several other projects, such designing of Sport Centres, Defense facilities, Squares and more.

As a Senior Design Architect he is responsible for architectural drawings, interior design, contract administration, and supervision of construction.

Renos is passionate about way architectural sculpts and the built environment can transform people’s lives in a long-lasting and emotionally significant way. His drive for great design comes from the charge he has given himself: never stop improving the world we live in.

The creativity and to give something to the world

Since I can remember I always wanted to have a profession which has to do with creativity, creating and at the same time giving and contributing to the community. I feel grateful that I had the opportunity to achieve this and I am happy with my decision.

Residential , Commercial , Hospitality

Good collaboration is essential as well for the successful delivery of each project. I always listen to my clients and communicate with them openly about the projects and make them feel part of it.

Self-awareness and humility are paramount for leadership as well. The better you understand yourself and recognize your own strengths and weaknesses, the more effective you can be as a leader.

It is important is to have empathy. In addition, treating people with respect on a daily basis is one of the most important things a leader can do. It will ease tensions and conflict, create trust, and improve effectiveness.

APPROACH over AESTHETIC

There is no predetermined style or model , take a fresh approach with every project.

BALANCE + DIALOGUE expressed in design

Space versus form object versus place.

I believe in the potential of our scholars, scientists and with the available supplies and technology . Several studies have been done and we are preparing for it.

The theme of floating cities is sparking interest all across Europe. In the Netherlands, the marine research institute MARIN has been awarded a grant by the European Union to research possible solutions. The institute is a leader of the “Space at Sea” project, which won 1.6 million in EU funding to come up with projects for floating cities over the next three years wherever it is possible to duplicate a lifestyle on land - from vertical farms to ports and parks. With this goal in mind, MARIN is adopting an urban model that can fit all of the EU countries that border the sea. It is a first step towards the urbanization of water, and a bet that could bring the dream of floating cities within the reach of everyone.

We approach each project as an opportunity to meld common good with commercial reality. We strive to create new ways to respond to constrained briefs and realise complex projects.

Our firm was founded on the philosophy of commitment to service, to our clients, the profession and the community and a goal to make our firm a creative, fun, fulfilling and rewarding place to come to work each day. We promote the design and delivery of the built environment as a collaborative effort.

to motivated by what is best for the project and client, and we are skilled enough to make what is best for architecture and we bring ideas to the table that have value and bring them into practice and make them part of the project and client culture.

Me, my brother and my sister followed his footsteps and we learned and still keep learning a lot every day as we work in the same environment. He has 50 years of experience, over which he faced many difficulties and learned all the secrets of architecture in order to deliver the best results. Some of them are the following:

To be committed to service our clients the best possible way, to the profession and to the community.

To make our firm a creative, fun, fulfilling and rewarding place to come to work each day and to promote the design and delivery of the built environment as a collaborative effort.

We are motivated by what is best for the project and client, and we are skilled enough to make what is best for architecture and we bring ideas to the table that have value.

After decades in architecture, interior design and planning, we’ve learned that outstanding work is built on relationships. We collaborate with our clients and we challenge them to think differently about their projects by asking the right questions.

For us, real success is the moment when a client is presented with a design solution and says, “We did it.”

The Dancing towers in Dubai

The Competition project for Cyprus sport Center

We give emphasis on new methods and technology to revitalize our services.

We start working on site analysis using drone scanning. In addition, using them for site scanning and feedback during the construction process, even taking the incorporation of drone scanning a step further by integrating drone data feedback loops into their design practice.

3D printing is one of technology’s most revolutionary innovations, with the potential to change the face of so many industries including architecture. When presenting to clients or exploring design in further details, creating a 3D-printed model can help both designers and clients see a clearer picture of the project, seeing how a design interacts with its surroundings.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) throughout the design process helps to improve quality and accelerates design processes with integrated workflows for concept design, modeling, multidiscipline coordination, and construction.

I could be an Architectural traveler

The first thing that comes to my mind is the importance of meeting the client’s expectations and brining it alive. The first discussions are very important to understand their needs and budget in order to be able to design something which suits their lifestyle and accommodates their needs. Good collaboration is essential as well for the successful delivery of each project. I always listen to my clients and communicate with them openly about the projects and make them feel part of it.

Is my father.My father gives us his own ideas and experience and the nextGen puts its own elements. Both of my siblings work at the office my sister is an architect and my brother is a civil engineer.

We joined the office over the past 15 years as directors and team leaders. We feel huge responsibility to carry on the business and the operation of the office which was established 45 years ago by our father, Andreas Constantinou at the highest level and to preserve its legacy. Our office is considered as one of the bests in the country.

The major landmark of his accumulated experience is the big diversity of projects that he has designed and supervised. This was the reason of us being inspired and challenged to seek and work on projects “outside of our comfort zone”.

I would distinguish the project for the Cyprus EU presidency of 2012 which it was a JV project with Scott Brownrigg UK. Additionally, the farms and processing factory of Mintikkis Farms which is considered the leader on poultry sector in Cyprus and in the region.

Moreover, the 2 large Defense projects that he has designed and supervised, of the Ministry of Defense of Cyprus. Those were unique and challenging projects with high specialized specifications that we have done and fulfilled scopes of the projects to the maximum and brought it to success.

Another very interesting project was the design and supervision of Pyrga Primary school. That project was very interesting in terms of specification as well as the promotion of the wellbeing and welfare of students.

Last but not the least, the design of a 5 star hotel in Protaras at the most landmark location of the world famous Fig Tree bay. With his accumulated knowledge and experience, he has provided a unique and guest friendly five star all year hotel.

My father has 50 years of experience, over which he faced many difficulties and learned all the secrets of architecture in order to deliver the best results

Since I can remember I always wanted to have a profession which has to do with creativity, creating and at the same time giving and contributing to the community. I feel grateful that I had the opportunity to achieve this and I am happy with my decision.

The 340m² private house at the outskirts of greater Nicosia was designed to feature contemporary aesthetics, acquiring permanence with the use of timeless materials. Concurrently, the house caters to the needs of a family of four, facilitating communication and comfort.

The challenges at the time of design in conjunction with the construction stage are to anticipate them all and not to have ambiguities in the study. This will result in it being off-budget and not on schedule.

Good communication. I try to communicate in a variety of ways, from transmitting information to inspiring others and coaching.

Self-awareness and humility are paramount for leadership as well. The better you understand yourself and recognize your own strengths and weaknesses, the more effective you can be as a leader.

It is important is to have empathy. In addition, treating people with respect on a daily basis is one of the most important things a leader can do. It will ease tensions and conflict, create trust, and improve effectiveness.

I believe in the potential of our scholars, scientists and with the available supplies and technology . Several studies have been done and we are preparing for it.

The theme of floating cities is sparking interest all across Europe. In the Netherlands, the marine research institute MARIN has been awarded a grant by the European Union to research possible solutions. The institute is a leader of the “Space at Sea” project, which won 1.6 million in EU funding to come up with projects for floating cities over the next three years wherever it is possible to duplicate a lifestyle on land - from vertical farms to ports and parks. With this goal in mind, MARIN is adopting an urban model that can fit all of the EU countries that border the sea. It is a first step towards the urbanization of water, and a bet that could bring the dream of floating cities within the reach of everyone.

Our office deals with various projects such as residential, private luxury holiday villas in Cyprus and in Greece, apartments, hospitality and mixed used projects, competitions, interior design for restaurants and roof bar in Cyprus and energy projects such as photovoltaic parks and various other projects concerning alternative ways of generating energy.

Is better to give emphasis on sustainability and to use more recycle materials

Is depends on a project

The first thing that comes to my mind is the importance of meeting the client’s expectations and brining it alive. The first discussions are very important to understand their needs and budget in order to be able to design something which suits their lifestyle and accommodates their needs. Good collaboration is essential as well for the successful delivery of each project. I always listen to my clients and communicate with them openly about the projects and make them feel part of it.

We are motivated by what is best for the project and client, and we are skilled enough to make what is best for architecture and we bring ideas to the table that have value.

After decades in architecture, interior design and planning, we’ve learned that outstanding work is built on relationships. We collaborate with our clients and we challenge them to think differently about their projects by asking the right questions.

For us, real success is the moment when a client is presented with a design solution and says, “We did it.”

This is a very important question thank you for asking.

We give emphasis on new methods and technology to revitalize our services.

We start working on site analysis using drone scanning. In addition, using them for site scanning and feedback during the construction process, even taking the incorporation of drone scanning a step further by integrating drone data feedback loops into their design practice.

3D printing is one of technology’s most revolutionary innovations, with the potential to change the face of so many industries including architecture. When presenting to clients or exploring design in further details, creating a 3D-printed model can help both designers and clients see a clearer picture of the project, seeing how a design interacts with its surroundings.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) throughout the design process helps to improve quality and accelerates design processes with integrated workflows for concept design, modeling, multidiscipline coordination, and construction.

Is very important how to use the materials, colors and lighting

What is the main idea and if is functionable , environmental.

Our team consists of architects, interior designers, lighting designers, civil engineers and others.

Good collaboration and teamwork is of high importance as everyone has to give something different and unique to the design. What I ask of the team is to let their creative ideas alive and to create with their hearts.

I am satisfied with my team and happy that we can all coexist in the office with my family and my colleagues. The ‘oldGen’ with the ‘nextGen’. My father gives us his own ideas and experience and the nextGen puts its own elements. Both of my siblings work at the office my sister is an architect and my brother is a civil engineer.

We joined the office over the past 15 years as directors and team leaders. We feel huge responsibility to carry on the business and the operation of the office which was established 45 years ago by our father, Andreas Constantinou at the highest level and to preserve its legacy. Our office is considered as one of the bests in the country.

Apart from the 45 years of experience, our office operates a one-stop-shop firm, providing all kind of services in industry such as architectural design, interior design, structural design, sustainability design, lighting design etc.

Our team consists of architects, interior designers, lighting designers, civil engineers and others.

Good collaboration and teamwork is of high importance as everyone has to give something different and unique to the design. What I ask of the team is to let their creative ideas alive and to create with their hearts.

I am satisfied with my team and happy that we can all coexist in the office with my family and my colleagues. The ‘oldGen’ with the ‘nextGen’. My father gives us his own ideas and experience and the nextGen puts its own elements. Both of my siblings work at the office my sister is an architect and my brother is a civil engineer.

We joined the office over the past 15 years as directors and team leaders. We feel huge responsibility to carry on the business and the operation of the office which was established 45 years ago by our father, Andreas Constantinou at the highest level and to preserve its legacy. Our office is considered as one of the bests in the country.

It makes me to feel more responsible and makes me proud of course gives me the strength to continue

That depends on my mood.

Let me start with the first part of your question Johnny which is even easier :) haha

A good leader must have the following characteristics and I try to have them as much as possible.

Good communication. I try to communicate in a variety of ways, from transmitting information to inspiring others and coaching.

Sellf-awareness and humility are paramount for leadership as well. The better you understand yourself and recognize your own strengths and weaknesses, the more effective you can be as a leader.

It is important is to have empathy. In addition, treating people with respect on a daily basis is one of the most important things a leader can do. It will ease tensions and conflict, create trust, and improve effectiveness.

Leadership isn’t a destination — it’s something that you’ll have to work at regularly throughout your career, regardless of what level you reach in your organization.

As a person I am very confident and I have respect for the people around me.

Whatever I do in my life I give all my strength and I like to make people happy. I do not like to be static as a person and I want to do things and create.

I like to travel and discover cultures

Since I can remember I always wanted to have a profession which has to do with creativity, creating and at the same time giving and contributing to the community. I feel grateful that I had the opportunity to achieve this and I am happy with my decision.

I believe in the potential of our scholars, scientists and with the available supplies and technology . Several studies have been done and we are preparing for it.

The theme of floating cities is sparking interest all across Europe. In the Netherlands, the marine research institute MARIN has been awarded a grant by the European Union to research possible solutions. The institute is a leader of the “Space at Sea” project, which won 1.6 million in EU funding to come up with projects for floating cities over the next three years wherever it is possible to duplicate a lifestyle on land - from vertical farms to ports and parks. With this goal in mind, MARIN is adopting an urban model that can fit all of the EU countries that border the sea. It is a first step towards the urbanization of water, and a bet that could bring the dream of floating cities within the reach of everyone.

I had the great opportunity to work at ZAHA HADID and Scott Brownrigg. During my employment with them I was team member of international large scale projects such as:

•BUSINESS BAY. MIXED – USE DEVELOPMENT COMPETITION, SKYCRAPERS IN DUBAI (DANCING TOWERS)

•SPACE FOR ARTISTIC CREATION CORDOBA, SPAIN

•OLYMPIC SWIMMING STADIUM 2012, LONDON, UK

•ELEFTHERIA SQUARE AND SOURROUNDINGS NICOSIA, CYPRUS.

•AFRODITE HILLS HOLIDAY VILLAGE, PAFOS, CYPRUS

•NICOSIA TOWER

•MEDITERRANEAN HOTEL, LIMASSOL, CYPRUS

•EDEN HOUSE, UK

I was born in Nicosia, Cyprus. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Architecture, RIBA 1 from University of Greenwich, UK. He continued further his postgraduate academic studies at University of Brighton UK, RIBA 2 and completed his studies at BME University, where he has obtained his master degree in Architecture and Architecture Engineer.

Renos started his career in 2006 in London, UK where he was working at two well established and reputable architectural companies, ZahaHadid UK and Scott Brownrigg (SB), which are one of the largest and most successful international architectural firms.

During his employment in London at ZAHA HADID UK, he was part of the team working on the following projects:

BUSINESS BAY. MIXED – USE DEVELOPMENT COMPETITION, SKYCRAPERS IN DUBAI (DANCING TOWERS)

SPACE FOR ARTISTIC CREATION CORDOBA, SPAIN

OLYMPIC SWIMMING STADIUM 2012, LONDON, UK

ELEFTHERIA SQUARE AND SOURROUNDINGS NICOSIA, CYPRUS.

At SCOTT BROWNRIGG (SC) he had the opportunity to work on large scale Hospitality and Leisure projects, such as:

AFRODITE HILLS HOLIDAY VILLAGE, PAFOS, CYPRUS

NICOSIA TOWER

MEDITERRANEAN HOTEL, LIMASSOL, CYPRUS

EDEN HOUSE, UK

Renos returned to Cyprus and joined to ACA’s Architects (Andreas Constantinou and Associates Architects – Engineers, Since 1980) in 2011 as a Senior Design Architect.

He is currently team leader on various small to large scale architectural projects in diverse fields such as, residential, medical/health, office buildings, showrooms and many other different projects, involving renovation, recreation, interior design, extensions and restorations.

As a team architect he was involved in several other projects, such designing of Sport Centres, Defense facilities, Squares and more.

As a Senior Design Architect he is responsible for architectural drawings, interior design, contract administration, and supervision of construction.

Renos is passionate about way architectural sculpts and the built environment can transform people’s lives in a long-lasting and emotionally significant way. His drive for great design comes from the charge he has given himself: never stop improving the world we live in.

The moment when I saw my name at the Design Museum in London I felt rewarded and forgot the 24/7 hard working lifestyle. All these years there I learned how to work on large scale projects and the importance of teamwork

ACA Architects , was founded in 1980 by Andreas Constantinou with a goal to provide high quality design and deliver a complete package design to our clients, combining Architecture and every field of engineering design necessary for the completion of the design of the project. Through these years, our company is very well established in the Cyprus market and it’s widely acknowledged within the professionals and others. Our name is considered as a synonym of quality, efficiency, effectiveness, expertise and good management practices. We dare to create great places and spaces that are beneficial for every use.

Today, Andreas Constantinou & associates, Architects – Engineers-Valuers (ACA Architects) , employees a number of experts and professionals as Architects, Engineers, draftsmen, support staff as well as other associates with over 120 years combined experience.

Through these almost 40 years of presence, ACA Architects have designed a big number of projects that were created by the dynamic team of ACA Architects. The last 10 years, the addition of two new Senior Design Architects-Partners, Renos and Angela Constantinou, Architects that studied and also worked abroad, has pushed and enhanced more, the contemporary, cozy and warm spaces creations which has further expanded the design identity of our Design firm.

Hard work, knowledge, dedication, respect for our clients and our high quality standards in place, have made our company one of the most prestigious consultancy firms in Cyprus.

Our work is respected across multiple sectors from commercial and workplace, to culture and residential. We have been widely recognized and published for our contribution to architecture and interior design.

Our team consists of architects, interior designers, lighting designers, civil engineers and others.

Good collaboration and teamwork is of high importance as everyone has to give something different and unique to the design. What I ask of the team is to let their creative ideas alive and to create with their hearts.

I am satisfied with my team and happy that we can all coexist in the office with my family and my colleagues. The ‘oldGen’ with the ‘nextGen’. My father gives us his own ideas and experience and the nextGen puts its own elements. Both of my siblings work at the office my sister is an architect and my brother is a civil engineer.

We joined the office over the past 15 years as directors and team leaders. We feel huge responsibility to carry on the business and the operation of the office which was established 45 years ago by our father, Andreas Constantinou at the highest level and to preserve its legacy. Our office is considered as one of the bests in the country.

We are motivated by what is best for the project and client, and we are skilled enough to make what is best for architecture and we bring ideas to the table that have value. We bring them into practice and make them part of the project and client culture.

Sustainability was a key factor in the design of the house, emphasizing solar protection, natural ventilation and the use of photovoltaic / solar panels. The swimming pool was placed adjacent to the living room, for natural cooling

The building’s placement enhances natural ventilation and lighting, and large openings add to the connection between inside and out.

The design of the building façade appears opaque, dressed in adjustable aluminum strip cladding from top to bottom. This custom design device allows ventilation and protects the residence privacy. The aluminum panels play an important role in the passive cooling of the interior and, during the night, provide insulation from moisture.

ND House

The 280m² private house in the outskirts of greater Nicosia was designed to feature contemporary aesthetics, acquiring permanence with the use of timeless materials. Concurrently, the house caters to the needs of a family of four, facilitating communication and comfort.

The building elements are clear and concise in their geometry and the form is complemented by large openings and vertical blinds. The ground level accommodates the living quarters, open towards the swimming pool and the garden. Wide openings spanning the entire height maintain the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, while comfortable sheltered open air areas benefit from shading system to provide pleasant outdoor living conditions during the summer months.

The first level contains the bedrooms and laundry area. The staircase becomes the main compositional element of the house interior.

The building’s placement enhances natural ventilation and lighting, and large openings add to the connection between inside and out.

The architect Renos Constantinou chooses to design the building façade appears opaque, dressed in adjustable aluminum strip cladding from top to bottom. This custom design device allows ventilation and protects the residence privacy. The aluminum panels play an important role in the passive cooling of the interior and, during the night, provide insulation from moisture.

Sustainability was a key factor in the design of the house, emphasizing solar protection, natural ventilation and the use of photovoltaic / solar panels. The swimming pool was placed adjacent to the living room, for natural cooling

Residential buildings and was a team member of the Cyprus presidential building of EU

This is a very important question thank you for asking.

We give emphasis on new methods and technology to revitalize our services.

We start working on site analysis using drone scanning. In addition, using them for site scanning and feedback during the construction process, even taking the incorporation of drone scanning a step further by integrating drone data feedback loops into their design practice.

3D printing is one of technology’s most revolutionary innovations, with the potential to change the face of so many industries including architecture. When presenting to clients or exploring design in further details, creating a 3D-printed model can help both designers and clients see a clearer picture of the project, seeing how a design interacts with its surroundings.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) throughout the design process helps to improve quality and accelerates design processes with integrated workflows for concept design, modeling, multidiscipline coordination, and construction.

When i am next to the beach

The first thing that comes to my mind is the importance of meeting the client’s expectations and brining it alive. The first discussions are very important to understand their needs and budget in order to be able to design something which suits their lifestyle and accommodates their needs. Good collaboration is essential as well for the successful delivery of each project. I always listen to my clients and communicate with them openly about the projects and make them feel part of it.

. I try to communicate in a variety of ways, from transmitting information to inspiring others and coaching.

Self-awareness and humility are paramount for leadership as well. The better you understand yourself and recognize your own strengths and weaknesses, the more effective you can be as a leader.

It is important is to have empathy. In addition, treating people with respect on a daily basis is one of the most important things a leader can do. It will ease tensions and conflict, create trust, and improve effectiveness.

That means a lot to me. I feel very happy and proud and gives me the strength to look forward

Communicate thoroughly and collaborate openly. We have a clearly defined process and we provide strong guidance and leadership.

The a fresh approach to every project and our work evolves organically without the constrains of preconceived ideas, a stringent style or prescribed formula. Every project is unique.

Sustainability was a key factor in the design of the house, emphasizing solar protection, natural ventilation and the use of photovoltaic / solar panels. The swimming pool was placed adjacent to the living room, for natural cooling

The building’s placement enhances natural ventilation and lighting, and large openings add to the connection between inside and out.

The design of the building façade appears opaque, dressed in adjustable aluminum strip cladding from top to bottom. This custom design device allows ventilation and protects the residence privacy. The aluminum panels play an important role in the passive cooling of the interior and, during the night, provide insulation from moisture.

That is very good question. I give emphasis and for example at the latest design ''ND House'' as a mentioned it already, the house enhances natural ventilation and lighting, and large openings add to the connection between inside and out.

The design of the building façade appears opaque, dressed in adjustable aluminum strip cladding from top to bottom. This custom design device allows ventilation and protects the residence privacy. The aluminum panels play an important role in the passive cooling of the interior and, during the night, provide insulation from moisture.

sustainability and smart home

The last exhibition it was in Cyprus at Hilton Hotel when we got a mention for a sport center design.

Since I can remember I always wanted to have a profession which has to do with creativity, creating and at the same time giving and contributing to the community. I feel grateful that I had the opportunity to achieve this and I am happy with my decision.

Modern and minimal design

In europe. Cyprus and Greece. I uded to make some Architectural tours and some times Architectural documentaries etc

To make our firm a creative, fun, fulfilling and rewarding place to come to work each day and to promote the design and delivery of the built environment as a collaborative effort.

We are motivated by what is best for the project and client, and we are skilled enough to make what is best for architecture and we bring ideas to the table that have value.

After decades in architecture, interior design and planning, we’ve learned that outstanding work is built on relationships. We collaborate with our clients and we challenge them to think differently about their projects by asking the right questions.

For us, real success is the moment when a client is presented with a design solution and says, “We did it.”

The companies has to allow the designer to create something unique and stylish

We bring innovation and leadership to every project. Our collaborative approach and integrated process ensure quality and integrity are maintained, and the project progresses smoothly and efficiently at every stage.

We provide certainty for our clients and clarity for our project partners, achieving the best outcomes for all stakeholders.

Architectural design, lighting design , interior design , furniture design and landscape design

Let me start with the first part of your question Johnny which is even easier :) haha

A good leader must have the following characteristics and I try to have them as much as possible.

Good communication. I try to communicate in a variety of ways, from transmitting information to inspiring others and coaching.

Self-awareness and humility are paramount for leadership as well. The better you understand yourself and recognize your own strengths and weaknesses, the more effective you can be as a leader.

It is important is to have empathy. In addition, treating people with respect on a daily basis is one of the most important things a leader can do. It will ease tensions and conflict, create trust, and improve effectiveness.

They have to discover what they want to design. The have to focus and fine identity regarding design.

Is very nice to create something but that makes you to have responsibilities etc

HONEST + AUTHENTIC design language

Every element is part of an integrated whole and contributes to the bigger picture.

APPROACH over AESTHETIC

There is no predetermined style or model— we take a fresh approach with every project.

This is a very important question thank you for asking.

We give emphasis on new methods and technology to revitalize our services.

We start working on site analysis using drone scanning. In addition, using them for site scanning and feedback during the construction process, even taking the incorporation of drone scanning a step further by integrating drone data feedback loops into their design practice.

3D printing is one of technology’s most revolutionary innovations, with the potential to change the face of so many industries including architecture. When presenting to clients or exploring

design in further details, creating a 3D-printed model can help both designers and clients see a clearer picture of the project, seeing how a design interacts with its surroundings.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) throughout the design process helps to improve quality and accelerates design processes with integrated workflows for concept design, modeling, multidiscipline coordination, and construction.

The concept idea is very important and you need to do it when you feel creative.

Is depends on the project type

This is a very important question thank you for asking.

We give emphasis on new methods and technology to revitalize our services.

We start working on site analysis using drone scanning. In addition, using them for site scanning and feedback during the construction process, even taking the incorporation of drone scanning a step further by integrating drone data feedback loops into their design practice.

3D printing is one of technology’s most revolutionary innovations, with the potential to change the face of so many industries including architecture. When presenting to clients or exploring

design in further details, creating a 3D-printed model can help both designers and clients see a clearer picture of the project, seeing how a design interacts with its surroundings.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) throughout the design process helps to improve quality and accelerates design processes with integrated workflows for concept design, modeling, multidiscipline coordination, and construction.

When i was working at ZAHA HADID office and Scott Brownrigg

I have many clients. private sector and we have done some governmental projects as well

Good collaboration and teamwork is of high importance as everyone has to give something different and unique to the design. What I ask of the team is to let their creative ideas alive and to create with their hearts.

I am satisfied with my team and happy that we can all coexist in the office with my family and my colleagues. The ‘oldGen’ with the ‘nextGen’. My father gives us his own ideas and experience and the nextGen puts its own elements. Both of my siblings work at the office my sister is an architect and my brother is a civil engineer.

We joined the office over the past 15 years as directors and team leaders. We feel huge responsibility to carry on the business and the operation of the office which was established 45 years ago by our father, Andreas Constantinou at the highest level and to preserve its legacy. Our office is considered as one of the bests in the country.

I believe in the potential of our scholars, scientists and with the available supplies and technology . Several studies have been done and we are preparing for it.

The theme of floating cities is sparking interest all across Europe. In the Netherlands, the marine research institute MARIN has been awarded a grant by the European Union to research possible solutions. The institute is a leader of the “Space at Sea” project, which won 1.6 million in EU funding to come up with projects for floating cities over the next three years wherever it is possible to duplicate a lifestyle on land - from vertical farms to ports and parks. With this goal in mind, MARIN is adopting an urban model that can fit all of the EU countries that border the sea. It is a first step towards the urbanization of water, and a bet that could bring the dream of floating cities within the reach of everyone.

Me, my brother and my sister followed his footsteps and we learned and still keep learning a lot every day as we work in the same environment. He has 50 years of experience, over which he faced many difficulties and learned all the secrets of architecture in order to deliver the best results. Some of them are the following:

To be committed to service our clients the best possible way, to the profession and to the community.

To make our firm a creative, fun, fulfilling and rewarding place to come to work each day and to promote the design and delivery of the built environment as a collaborative effort.

We are motivated by what is best for the project and client, and we are skilled enough to make what is best for architecture and we bring ideas to the table that have value.

After decades in architecture, interior design and planning, we’ve learned that outstanding work is built on relationships. We collaborate with our clients and we challenge them to think differently about their projects by asking the right questions.

For us, real success is the moment when a client is presented with a design solution and says, “We did it.”

Our office deals with various projects such as residential, private luxury holiday villas in Cyprus and in Greece, apartments, hospitality and mixed used projects, competitions, interior design for restaurants and roof bar in Cyprus and energy projects such as photovoltaic parks and various other projects concerning alternative ways of generating energy.

They can visit our website www.aconstantinou.com and ACA Architects - Cyprus

You worked at 2 well known international architecture firms in the UK. What are your takeaways from there?

I had the great opportunity to work at ZAHA HADID and Scott Brownrigg. During my employment with them I was team member of international large scale projects such as:

•BUSINESS BAY. MIXED – USE DEVELOPMENT COMPETITION, SKYCRAPERS IN DUBAI (DANCING TOWERS)

•SPACE FOR ARTISTIC CREATION CORDOBA, SPAIN

•OLYMPIC SWIMMING STADIUM 2012, LONDON, UK

•ELEFTHERIA SQUARE AND SOURROUNDINGS NICOSIA, CYPRUS.

•AFRODITE HILLS HOLIDAY VILLAGE, PAFOS, CYPRUS

•NICOSIA TOWER

•MEDITERRANEAN HOTEL, LIMASSOL, CYPRUS

•EDEN HOUSE, UK

The moment when I saw my name at the Design Museum in London I felt rewarded and forgot the 24/7 hard working lifestyle. All these years there I learned how to work on large scale projects and the importance of teamwork.

As the head of the ACA Architects, what do you expect from your team members?

Our team consists of architects, interior designers, lighting designers, civil engineers and others.

Good collaboration and teamwork is of high importance as everyone has to give something different and unique to the design. What I ask of the team is to let their creative ideas alive and to create with their hearts.

I am satisfied with my team and happy that we can all coexist in the office with my family and my colleagues. The ‘oldGen’ with the ‘nextGen’. My father gives us his own ideas and experience and the nextGen puts its own elements. Both of my siblings work at the office my sister is an architect and my brother is a civil engineer.

We joined the office over the past 15 years as directors and team leaders. We feel huge responsibility to carry on the business and the operation of the office which was established 45 years ago by our father, Andreas Constantinou at the highest level and to preserve its legacy. Our office is considered as one of the bests in the country.

What makes special your architectural firm?

Apart from the 45 years of experience, our office operates a one-stop-shop firm, providing all kind of services in industry such as architectural design, interior design, structural design, sustainability design, lighting design etc.

Architecture is at its most powerful when it tells a story that is deeply personal to its inhabitants. When I discovered the owners’ names were Paris and Helen, it felt like a cosmic invitation to bridge the gap between classical antiquity and contemporary Mediterranean living. The names immediately evoked the legendary city of Troy, prompting a central question: What would a Trojan home look like if it were built today?Instead of literal historical replication, I used mythology as a narrative framework. The design explores the duality of the names—the legendary romance, the grandeur of a fortified city, and the drama of epic poetry. It allowed us to bestow the structure with an unmistakable, poetic identity, turning a 340-square-meter private family residence into a modern-day citadel where history and everyday life beautifully coexist.

The materials chosen for the exterior act as visual metaphors for the legendary Bronze Age city. To emulate the famous, impenetrable walls of Troy, we strategically utilized heavy stone cladding on a prominent load-bearing wall along the façade, extending this texture to the enclosure at the rear of the property. This grounds the house, offering a sense of permanence and security.To contrast this earthy, protective shield, we introduced sharp, precise metal elements—a material that defined the era of the Trojan War. The five custom-designed ornamental brackets on the façade are a direct tribute to this history; their angular, aerodynamic forms mimic the spears of ancient warriors. By rendering these historical textures into clean lines and bold minimalist geometric forms, the materials bridge centuries, transforming ancient defensive motifs into striking contemporary ornamentation.

From a functional standpoint, the double-height void at the vestibule serves as the absolute physical and volumetric core of the home. In an open-plan layout, it is easy for spaces to bleed together without definition. This vertical volume acts as an anchor, allowing the lounge, living area, and dining room to unfold seamlessly around it while establishing a grand sense of arrival.Mythologically, the void honors the grand, scale-defying courts of epic palaces. It draws the eye upward, celebrating space and light while fostering effortless visual and acoustic communication between the ground-floor social spaces and the private quarters upstairs. It symbolizes the open, welcoming heart of a home designed for a modern family of four, while preserving the dramatic volume you would expect when stepping into a space inspired by legend.

The pairing of fair-face concrete ceramic tiles with Calacatta marble-emulating flooring was an intentional study in contrasts, designed to strike a balance between industrial permanence and classical luxury.Villa Troy needed to feel anchored and secure—evoking the architectural weight of historical fortresses—while remaining a highly sophisticated, airy contemporary home.The Fair-Face Concrete Ceramics: This choice injected a raw, tactile, and minimalist element into the interior. It acts as an architectural nod to structural permanence without the logistical and environmental weight of pouring raw concrete indoors.The Calacatta Marble Emulation: To prevent the concrete aesthetic from feeling overly cold or brutally industrial, the expansive, high-gloss Calacatta marble-inspired slabs were introduced. The fluid, organic veining of the marble softens the rigid, linear quality of the concrete surfaces.By utilizing advanced, large-format ceramic slabs rather than real quarried marble and poured concrete, the design achieved flawless visual continuity, high durability, and a polished elegance that honors classical material beauty through a modern lens.

The main challenge was ensuring that sustainable, performance-driven design did not compromise the home's deep-rooted storytelling. The narrative—inspired by the owners' names, Paris and Helen—is woven directly into the sustainable orientation of the structure.Natural Ventilation & Structural Form: The house is arranged in an irregular L-shape, explicitly situated to capture the prevailing Mediterranean cross-breezes of the Nicosia outskirts. This structural footprint mimics the idea of a protective, defensive enclosure (reminiscent of the legendary walls of Troy) while naturally funneling air through the living spaces to reduce reliance on mechanical cooling.Lighting and Openings: Large, strategically placed glass openings break up the heavy, defensive stone cladding of the exterior. While the stone facade hints at an impenetrable ancient fortress, these expansive windows flood the double-height central vestibule with natural daylight.By using the "fortress wall" concept defensively against harsh solar heat gain on specific orientations, and opening up the living areas to the north and east, the mythological identity and zero-energy bioclimatic efficiency work as a unified system.

The three-sided glass fireplace functions as the spatial anchor of the ground level. The execution presented significant architectural and structural challenges, primarily concerning structural suspension, thermal dynamics, and visual continuity. Structural Load Minimization: Because the hearth sits at the intersection of the double-height vestibule, the living room, and the dining room, the heavy chimney breast had to be structurally suspended from above. The goal was to avoid bulky, intrusive support columns that would disrupt the visual flow between these three distinct zones.Thermal Management & Material Transitions: Encasing a high-heat feature entirely in glass required strict detailing where the glass meets the base—which is clad in fair-face concrete ceramic tiles. The design required custom expansion joints to prevent the heat from cracking the surrounding masonry or shifting the precise alignment of the floor-to-ceiling ceramic panels.Sightline Optimization: The ultimate goal was transparency. Managing the internal flue and mechanical extraction without obstructing the three exposed sides required routing the utilities through a highly condensed, hidden vertical core. This ensures that the flame remains a completely unobstructed, shared focal point from every angle of the open-plan layout.

Receiving the Iron A' Design Award for Villa Troy validates a core philosophy: contemporary architecture does not need to abandon history to be forward-thinking. Instead, historical narratives can serve as a powerful conceptual tool to give a building a distinct soul.For future residential projects, this recognition reinforces the commitment to narrative-driven architecture. It proves that clients are looking for more than just functional, minimalist boxes; they respond deeply to homes tailored to their personal identity, history, or geography.Moving forward, this accolade encourages pushing the boundaries of contextual design. It dictates an approach where ancient architectural metaphors—like the Trojan war spears translated into the villa's five angular facade brackets—are abstracted into sleek, functional, and contemporary details rather than literal, historicist replicas.Grand Interview Question 08: Portrait Paintings of Paris and HelenIntegrating the custom portrait paintings of Paris and Helen directly into the ceramic-clad dining room wall was a move to blur the line between architecture and art, directly cementing the home's conceptual origin.The Conceptual Anchor: Because the entire architectural brief hinges on the owners' namesakes, the dining room wall acts as the literal centerpiece of this mythological theme. Placing the portraits here turns a communal gathering space into a gallery-like experience that tells the story of the home.Material Juxtaposition: The choice of canvas and artistic paint texture creates an intentional contrast against the flat, raw, industrial backdrop of the fair-face concrete ceramic tiles. Rather than hanging the art as an afterthought, the portraits were designed to be framed by and embedded against the rigid grids of the large-scale architectural slabs. This integration ensures the art feels like an extension of the wall itself, grounding the romance of the myth within the clean lines of modern Mediterranean minimalism.

Integrating the custom portrait paintings of Paris and Helen directly into the ceramic-clad dining room wall was a deliberate move to blur the line between architecture and art, directly cementing the home's conceptual origin.Because the entire architectural brief hinges on the owners' namesakes, the dining room wall acts as the literal centerpiece of this mythological theme. Placing the portraits here turns a communal gathering space into a gallery-like experience that tells the story of the home.The choice of canvas and artistic paint texture creates an intentional contrast against the flat, raw, industrial backdrop of the fair-face concrete ceramic tiles. Rather than hanging the art as an afterthought, the portraits were designed to be framed by and embedded against the rigid grids of the large-scale architectural slabs. This integration ensures the art feels like an extension of the wall itself, grounding the romance of the myth within the clean lines of modern Mediterranean minimalism.

The irregular L-shaped layout of Villa Troy was driven by a dual purpose: maximizing site-specific environmental mechanics and deepening the project’s overarching Homeric narrative.From a Functional StandpointThe L-configuration acts as a highly responsive microclimate regulator. By breaking away from a rigid rectangular block, the shape optimizes the building's footprint to capture the dominant local wind currents. Combined with expansive structural openings, it encourages continuous natural cross-ventilation and floods the interior living zones with indirect, soft daylight. Additionally, it naturally carves out a sheltered outdoor courtyard, establishing a seamless, private indoor-outdoor transition where the interior spaces visually spill out into the verandas and gardens.From a Storytelling StandpointThe irregular, fragmented geometry functions as a physical metaphor for exploration and defense. Rather than revealing the entire home at once, the L-shape forces a gradual progression of sightlines. Moving through the double-height vestibule and around the living spaces mimics the journey through a storied landscape. It mirrors the protective, cellular nature of ancient architectural enclaves, keeping certain private quarters hidden from immediate view while celebrating the central communal courtyard.

As a designer, the most fulfilling aspect of creating Villa Troy was proving that a heavy, narrative-driven concept does not have to compromise the strict, high-performance demands of modern sustainable architecture.It was incredibly rewarding to watch historical symbolism double as functional, green design elements. For instance, the heavy, stone-clad loadbearing wall on the façade—inspired by the impenetrable, historic walls of Troy—serves a vital structural role while providing high thermal mass to keep the interior spaces insulated against the Mediterranean heat. Similarly, the ornamental metal brackets that mimic Trojan war spears give the building a striking, contemporary identity while accentuating the orientation of the structure, which is perfectly placed to run on zero-energy efficient systems and integrated photovoltaic panels.The ultimate reward was achieving total cohesion: delivering a house that honors ancient epic poetry in its aesthetics, but functions completely as a forward-thinking, low-impact haven for the future.