Dionisio Aggourakis of Free Architects discusses the design of a maisonette in Voula and the choice to use Lumbertech flooring by Skema

Voula is one of the locations that make up the Athenian Riviera, the southern coastal front that in recent years has concentrated a significant portion of high-quality residential production in the Greek capital. It is here that the Free Architects group has created a private residence distributed as a maisonette across three levels—the third, fourth, and fifth floors of a contemporary luxury building—featuring a roof garden with a wonderful view of the Saronic Gulf.

The project focuses on the continuity of experience between levels: a typical challenge for this typology, where vertical distribution risks producing environments perceived as separate. Free Architects’ response was largely material-based. Skema’s Lumbertech wood flooring is one of the elements that hold the residence together: a surface that repeats across levels, introducing visual and tactile warmth and dialoguing with the stone materials present in the project without competing with them.

We spoke with architect Dionisio Aggourakis about the design choices, the role of flooring in creating the atmosphere of the rooms, and the collaboration with Skema.

The project was born in a geographically precise and identity-rich context, the Athenian Riviera. How much does the landscape influence your design decisions?

The choice of location and the quality of the view are of fundamental importance, while the correct orientation of the building contributes to optimal use of natural light, enhancing the warm atmosphere and chromatic harmony of the rooms.

How did you solve the challenge of vertical distribution across three levels?

We worked to transform verticality into an element of connection rather than division. Vertical circulation was designed as an integral part of the spatial experience, capable of visually and functionally relating the different levels of the house. We introduced elements of continuity—such as the consistent use of materials, particularly the wood flooring, and a homogeneous color palette—to build a unified language.

Let’s talk about wood. How did Skema enter this project?

HOHO Architecture, a company we collaborate with directly as Free Architects studio, is the representative for Skema in Greece.

Which wood species and finish did you select, and why?

We selected Conero Oak from Skema’s Lumbertech line, with a 270 varnish finish, because it perfectly met the material concept and atmosphere we wanted to create in the project. It is a clean wood, free of obvious knots, with an elegant and controlled texture that contributes to creating a contemporary and refined interior image. The wider plank format also plays an important role in strengthening the perception of continuity and spaciousness. From a technical standpoint, we were convinced by its durability and reliability over time, fundamental aspects in a multi-level home with high-intensity use.

What convinced you compared to other products on the market?

What convinced us compared to other products on the market was the combination of durability and aesthetic quality. This flooring offers the possibility of being used continuously in all rooms of the house, from the living room and bedrooms to the kitchen and dining area, ensuring both adequate technical performance and visual consistency. This versatility allowed us to reinforce the idea of a unified space, without material interruptions, while maintaining a high level of quality in every environment.

How did Skema’s technical support interact with your design process?

For any technical needs or clarifications, we were in constant contact with the Export Manager, Mr. Paolo Zulian.

Let’s talk about atmosphere. How would you describe the role of wood flooring in building the domestic environment of this residence?

The wood flooring played a central role in defining the domestic atmosphere of the project; it was not conceived as a simple finishing element, but as a surface capable of building continuity, warmth, and identity within the spaces.