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INTRODUCTION
Acropolis Gardens, Nice Day’s newest project, can be described as an urban oasis. Even though, it is situated in the heart of metropolitan Nicosia, it’s occupants will have the feeling of living in nature. It occupies a large plot of over six thousand square meters (6.000 m2) where the emblematic “Acropol” cinema used to operate. This rare large plot has given the design team the ability to plan for a unified development with large areas of green space between the buildings. The increased distances between them, the unobstructed views by other buildings, combined with the large openings and the extensive outdoor spaces given to each apartment, will make nature always be part of everyday life.




LOCATION
The project sits a few blocks away from the intersection of the vibrant Iphigenias and Armenias avenues. This setback protects the development from the sounds and energy associated with high intensity thoroughfares and reinforces the sense of tranquility associated with local neighbourhoods. Yet, all the main functions and amenities of Nicosia are in close proximity. 


Acropolis Gardens is in the middle of three of Nicosia’s most popular parks, that of Ayios Demetrios, Acropolis and Academias, all approximately ten minutes away by foot. And in a few more minutes one can reach the Pedieos linear park, ideal for jogging and cycling. The project is situated in an area teeming with commercial streets, shops and businesses that can fullfil most of the everyday needs of the local inhabitants.  Also, unique to the area, is the unusually dense concentration of schools, both public and international, catering to all types and levels of education.


For those seeking an escape from the city to the countryside, the mountains or the sea, Lemesou and Iosif Hadjiosif avenues are both less than a kilometre away, providing quick access to all roads leading away from the capital.




THE PROJECT
The apartment buildings were designed with functionality, comfort, aesthetics, privacy and security in mind. Even though each building maintains its autonomy, they are functionally and aesthetically part of a single whole. The landscaped grounds meticulously planned themselves, integrate all buildings into a unified project thus giving the residents the sense of entering into a private and protected area. Eventually most buildings will be surrounded on all sides with trees. In addition, a generous playground in the centre of the complex, will give both the younger and the older occupants a place for play, relaxation, contemplation and exercise.


Internally, the spaces satisfy the modern needs of the tenants, with minimal areas allocated to circulation to leave most internal space to functional uses. Special importance is given to the external spaces, with the creation of large balconies. The placement of the balconies next to the living and dining areas expands the possibilities of how each space functions. With the temperate climate enjoyed in Cyprus the division of indoor and outdoor space is minimized offering the possibility to unify the inside with the outside and maximize the potential of the apartments.


The role of the outdoor spaces is reinforced with the provision of large planting areas. These lend themselves to the development of greenery that suits the needs of each individual apartment with the intention to fulfill multiple functions: To plant flowers, shrubs, vegetables and to develop vertical gardens which in turn provide privacy and cooling.


The design team for Acropolis Gardens has given a lot of importance on making the project as environmetally friendly as possible. Taking advantage of the fact that it is situated in an area with one of the highest elevations in Nicosia, it was designed to take advantage of the wind and the role it plays for cross ventilation, especially in the summer months. The building opens up to the north, east and west through large deeply recessed openings designed to protect the apartments in the summer months, while the south facade has smaller openings for better control  of the sun. These combined with the provision for vertical gardens will limit the need for mechanical cooling and heating.