Limassol, Cyprus
Nestled in the heart of Limassol’s historic city center, this project reimagines a modest yet characterful single-story residence built in the 1950s modernist tradition. Though not a listed building, the house sits within a designated special character area, calling for a sensitive design approach that honors the architectural rhythm of its surroundings while embracing the possibilities of contemporary transformation.
Synnos Cube by Studio X+ won a Future House Award 2025 from The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and Global Design News.
The design explores three distinct yet interconnected strategies to reimagine the existing structure. Adaptive Extension introduces a new upper level that adds valuable living space while carefully preserving the spatial logic and proportions of the original building. This vertical expansion adopts the same architectural language—clean lines, rhythmic openings, and restrained detailing—ensuring visual and conceptual continuity between old and new.
Reinterpreted Form proposes a more refined transformation by reconfiguring internal spaces and upgrading materials. This approach enhances circulation, daylight access, and spatial relationships, aligning the home with the needs and comforts of contemporary family life while maintaining its architectural identity.
Finally, the Enclosure Concept presents a bolder yet contextually grounded vision: the original house is wrapped within a new cubic shell that redefines its external appearance and introduces a series of internal courtyards. Drawing inspiration from traditional Cypriot homes, these courtyards foster layered spatial experiences that balance privacy, natural light, ventilation, and social interaction. The new skin serves as both an expressive architectural gesture and a climatic buffer, integrating form and function.
Sustainability is central. Photovoltaic panels generate on-site energy, while self-shading elements, natural ventilation, and internal courtyards enhance thermal performance and reduce reliance on mechanical systems. The design integrates high-performance insulation, double glazing, and smart energy systems to optimize efficiency. Modern anti-seismic upgrades ensure structural safety.
This is more than a renovation—it is a forward-looking architectural renewal. By blending heritage with innovation and embedding passive design strategies, the project creates a resilient, energy-efficient home that honors its past while addressing the demands of the future.
Architects: Studio X+
Lead Architect: Christos Passas
Design Team: Ziheng Zhou and Pavlos Schizas
Client: Private
Photographs: Courtesy of the Architects
