Frabala | Store Renovation in Pagkrati

Industrial memory

In a quiet neighborhood of Pagrati, a 100m² ground-floor space is reimagined through thoughtful architectural intervention. With a rich history and diverse uses dating back to the 1970s -from a handmade fabric flower workshop, car repair garage, and photography studio to its current life as a boutique for clothing and jewelry- the space now embraces a new identity: contemporary, warm, and approachable.

Design Philosophy

The design bridges past and present by preserving and celebrating the materiality and layered history of the space. Rather than mimicking its former functions, it pays tribute to them. A two-tone treatment on the walls -beige at the base and a deep, warm burgundy above- softens the shell’s verticality and introduces a more human scale. This color palette also highlights the original mosaic flooring, which remains intact as a living memory within the space.

Materials & Custom Elements

Natural wood brings warmth and tactile richness, reinforcing a sense of friendliness and simplicity. Cement blocks, echoing an industrial aesthetic, are employed both structurally -such as in partition walls- and decoratively, forming tables and planters.

Custom-designed furnishings feature clean, minimal lines that allow the focus to remain on the products themselves. Jewelry display tables are inset with discreet vitrines that subtly frame each piece. Soft fabric curtains, used to conceal the old interior mezzanines, add a theatrical quality and enhance the visual clarity and continuity of the main space.

Spatial Layout

A key aspect of the redesign is the repositioning of the jewelry workshop. Once a hidden, utilitarian space, it is now an open, active feature within the store, inviting visitors to observe the creation process in real time -a direct link between craftsmanship and customer experience.

With an emphasis on detail and cohesion, the intervention avoids excess and honors the character of the original space. The renovation creates a quiet yet unmistakable transition -from past to present- transforming the venue into a contemporary landmark in the neighborhood.