Ergon Bakehouse Hotel and Bakery in Athens

Contrasting pairs

Ergon Bakehouse is a unique destination that seamlessly blends a hotel, bakery, shop, and restaurant. Located in the heart of Athens’ historic center, it occupies a listed building designed by Vassilis Tsagris at the turn of the twentieth century, offering a multi-dimensional experience in both gastronomy and hospitality.

Existing Building

The building was once home to residences and offices, with the ground floor serving as a commercial space. An exemplary representation of classical Athenian architecture, it has been carefully preserved, with the new design seamlessly integrated into its structure. Today, elements of the building’s aesthetic and functional history are still visible, including ornate plaster decorations, one of the original staircases, and the elevator.

Functional Layout

From the main entrance to the rooms, the design revolves around the life cycle of dough and the ambiance of a traditional oven. On the ground floor, the 72H Artisanal Bakery prepares and bakes bread and other goods, each benefiting from 72 hours of “resting.” The striking storefront invites visitors into three distinct areas: the shop, which sells ingredients for homemade baked goods; the cooking area; and the 72H Lab, a prep space with open-plan workshops visible through existing openings -a feature rarely seen in more conventional bakeries.

At the center of the building is the entrance, which leads to three key zones: the shop and 72H Eatery, the hotel reception, and the waiting area. Two staircases and two lifts serve the space- one of which is preserved, while the other is newly added to accommodate increased foot traffic. The room layout spans three floors, blending seamlessly with the building’s original architecture, following the facade’s openings to create spacious interiors. Each room is designed to reflect elements of an oven and professional kitchen, featuring dark firebrick, wall paneling, stainless steel worktops, and linen fabrics that complete the overall aesthetic.

Custom Structures & Lighting

Internal shades were incorporated as a blackout solution, seamlessly integrated into the existing openings to control light and create a serene, welcoming atmosphere. The deybed, a distinctive feature of the room, serves both as an additional bed and a resting surface, a traditional element found in Greek homes that enhances functionality. The lighting is minimal, with spot and targeted fixtures providing focused illumination. A system of thin stainless steel tubes runs throughout the room, offering a versatile solution. Due to structural reinforcements in the outer perimeter walls, running wiring through them was not possible; instead, cables are routed through the tubes, which also support both the lighting and fabric suspension system.