Amplex

The project concerns the design of a 240 sq.m. commercial building in Moires, Crete, conceived as a composition of layered surfaces and distinct geometric volumes. Located within the urban fabric of a small Cretan town, the building seeks to establish a contemporary architectural presence while maintaining a sense of familiarity and calmness in relation to its surroundings.

The architectural approach explores the relationship between solidity and permeability, creating a building that changes character through light, depth, and movement. The composition is articulated through the juxtaposition of two primary forms: a monolithic curved volume and a more orthogonal linear mass. Their interaction generates a clear spatial hierarchy while establishing a strong architectural identity.

The monolithic curved volume accommodates the office spaces, vertical circulation, and auxiliary functions, operating as the building’s more enclosed and private element. In contrast, the orthogonal volume contains the main commercial space, conceived as an open and flexible environment defined by transparency and visual continuity toward the public realm. The distinction between the two volumes expresses the different functional requirements of the project while reinforcing the overall compositional clarity.

A perforated PVC screen wraps the main façade, functioning as an intermediate layer between interior and exterior. This semi-transparent envelope filters natural light, controls privacy, and creates a dynamic play of shadows throughout the day. At night, the building transforms into a luminous object, with the perforated surface revealing the activity and light of the interior through a subtle pattern of openings.

The concept of stratification is central to the project. Solid volumes, transparent glazing, and filtered surfaces are arranged in successive layers that mediate the transition from public to private space. This layered condition enriches the spatial experience while reinforcing the building’s environmental response to the intense Cretan light and climate.

Functionally, the building is organized across three levels. The ground floor operates as an open-plan commercial space, allowing flexibility and adaptability over time. The upper floor accommodates office functions, while the basement contains storage and supporting spaces related to the commercial use.

The material palette is intentionally restrained, focusing on texture, shadow, and the tactile quality of surfaces. The result is a contemporary commercial building that balances clarity and softness, openness and enclosure, establishing a quiet yet distinctive presence within the evolving landscape of Moires.