Mitsis N’ U Piraeus Port

Urban Character

The new hotel was developed by reconstructing and repurposing the historic Metaxas distillery building in the port of Piraeus. The project features 101 rooms, the Amber Cellar bar-restaurant, and a rooftop bar on the 8th floor. The interior is adorned with carefully curated artworks from the contemporary Greek art scene, underscoring the hotel’s vibrant urban character.

Design Philosophy

The design of the new shell focuses on both the aesthetic and functional enhancement of the existing building. The triangular projections on the front façade are driven by the desire to provide the best possible views of the harbor and the sea from the rooms. The spatial organization of the former Metaxas distillery guided the design of the ground floor, which accommodates the reception area, restaurant, and essential auxiliary spaces for the hotel’s operation. Visitor circulation in the public areas is defined by a series of passages beneath intricately designed wooden arches, which both separate the different functions and unify the space aesthetically.

Existing Elements

The circulation of visitors through the public spaces is defined by a series of successive wooden arches, which delineate distinct functional areas and unify the space aesthetically. The design of these arches is inspired by the geometric analysis of the circular and spatially inscribed barrel forms that once characterized the storage areas of the old distillery.

The renewed circulation route within the Metaxa distillery is further enhanced by an optical illusion created through the strategic use of mirrors on the inner sides of the wooden passages. This reflection amplifies the visual experience, adding depth and intrigue. The geometry of the barrels and their subdivisions is echoed in the interior of the rooms, particularly within the design of the fixed furniture elements.

Material Palette

The hotel’s interior color palette draws inspiration from the local landscape and collective memory. The blue hues of the sky and sea blend seamlessly with the warm golden tones of the Greek summer light, culminating in the rich amber shades reminiscent of Metaxa cognac. Enhancing the accommodation experience, the public and private spaces feature murals and sculptures by renowned artists Kostas Varotsos, Konstantinos Kakanias, and Jason Megoulas (Cacao Rocks).