THE NEW AGE OF HOUSES IN GREECE

Despite experiencing a severe recession in the construction activity in our country, in recent years we observe increasingly modern buildings, both in terms of architecture and technical specifications.

The need for energy consumption reduction, the increase in tourism and its related demands, as well as the new, more demanding European regulations that have been implemented since 2011, have led today to the construction of houses with distinctive architecture and lower energy needs. There are now several examples of Greek architects whose works have either been awarded in international competitions or featured in major architectural magazines.

Three characteristics define a modern residence: simplicity in architectural design, low energy consumption, and durability over time.

• Today, architecture has begun to play a decisive role in the construction of houses, both with the bioclimatic elements it introduces, which contribute to reducing energy consumption, and with those elements that create functional and comfortable spaces in a residence, giving it a distinct character. Thus, today we observe a dominance of clean lines and simplicity of spaces which, combined with modern materials, create homes with a unique design.

• The increasing demands of the modern human for energy, as well as the need to protect the environment, have led people today to invent a plethora of new materials and systems that allow us to control energy consumption and significantly reduce energy demands.

• The significant construction activity of previous years has provided us with great experience regarding the properties of building materials. Utilizing this experience, in recent years, new regulations and materials have been developed to increase the durability of construction over time, resulting in reduced maintenance costs and making it safer against natural phenomena.

The orientation of the building, the dimensions and positions of the openings, and the use of shading systems are some of the basic elements taken into account during architectural design. The placement of thermal insulation, solar collector systems for both hot water production and electricity generation are some of the systems that make a modern residence almost energy self-sufficient. The use of high-strength concrete with low permeability, highly elastic mortars, new technology insulation materials, etc., are some of the materials that allow us to protect a new construction from corrosion, reducing maintenance costs.

Taking into account all the above characteristics of the modern residence and the experience gained over the years of extensive construction activity, it is understandable that the construction of a building has evolved significantly and can offer us higher-quality constructions that focus on the needs of the modern individual, while keeping construction costs at low levels relative to high quality. However, the most important factor in realizing a modern residence remains the human element, impeccable collaboration with the client, proper design, and correct application of materials require experienced individuals who keep up with developments.

Text: Kapogiannopoulos Dimitris, Civil Engineer.