APAP ADDS CANTILEVERED EXTENSION TO 1970S WOODLAND RESIDENCE

 

Designed by architecture practice APAP, DIAGONAL is a residential extension to a 1970s dwelling situated on a wooded, elevated plot in Nicosia, Cyprus. Departing from the original home’s primary structural motif, defined by two parallel load-bearing walls, the project introduces an unprogrammed pavilion articulated by two horizontal planes that cantilever outward toward the central courtyard, establishing direct visual connections with the surrounding tree canopy.

all images ©Shivas Shaolin

 

 

OPEN-ENDED INTERIOR VOLUME ADAPTS TO SHIFTING LIGHT PATTERNS

 

Conceived by APAP Studio without a rigid functional brief, the open volume adapts to indeterminate domestic uses over time. Glazed perimeters capture the shifting patterns of foliage shadows and diurnal sunlight, turning the concrete and glass envelope into a receptive plane for natural light. After dusk, the volume functions as an illuminated vitrine via a custom four-part diagonal lighting armature suspended within the space. The bespoke fixture deploys three distinct color temperatures: very warm red light cast toward the sides, very cool white light directed up toward the ceiling, and warmer white light projected down onto the floor. This calibrated artificial lighting schema emphasizes the structural diagonal of the enclosure without requiring internal physical partitions.

DIAGONAL is a residential pavilion designed by APAP as an extension to a 1970s home the project is situated on a sloped clearing surrounded by mature woodland trees the design takes cues from the original house’s structural geometry of two parallel walls

the interior intentionally lacks built-in partitions to support flexible, indeterminate functions

expansive glazing frames continuous vistas of the surrounding tree trunks and foliage a bespoke four-element diagonal lighting fixture anchors the center of the ceiling

during the evening, the glazed pavilion transitions into a transparent, illuminated container

two planar horizontal slabs define the floor and roof thresholds of the new volume the extension cantilevers out into the courtyard to create an open connection with the landscape the luminaire distributes artificial light across three distinct calibrated color temperatures

the artificial lighting arrangement reinterprets the room’s geometry after dark without physical dividers

 

project info:

 

name: DIAGONAL
architect: APAP | @alexispapadopoulosarch

location: Nicosia, Cyprus

area: 133 sqm 

design team: Alexis Papadopoulos, Maria Giannakou

civil engineer: Allayiotis & Christodoulidou

contractor: Innovative Construction Solutions

lighting: Ioannides Lighting

photographer: Shivas Shaolin

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. See more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: Christina Vergopoulou | designboom

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