Linear interaction
A former commercial space in Kerameikos, designed in 1938 by Aristomenes Provelengios, is transformed into a modern restaurant.
Functional Organization
The restaurant occupies the elevated ground floor and includes the main hall, bar, and part of the kitchen. The basement houses part of the preparation area, along with a loft space. The relationship between these successive levels is defined by the positioning of the reception area and its view of the public space. Central to the design composition is a monolithic bench, which serves as a pivotal feature. Spanning over a total length of 11m, the monolithic bench seamlessly connects the bar and kitchen areas, joining them within a single volume that extends along the ground floor plan. Chefs and guests interact, while the process of food preparation and consumption coexist in the same space. In the basement, a blue glass wall defines the boundary of the secondary kitchen.
Architectural elements
Transparent materials are strategically employed to create a distinct atmosphere that complements the architectural design and aesthetic. The main façade balances the relationship between solid and void. The load-bearing elements contribute to the building’s structural integrity, while the large openings and double-height ground floor space allow abundant natural light to enter the space, fostering a visual connection between the interior and exterior environments.
Featuring a minimal and simple geometry, devoid of any decorative design, the façade serves as a filter between the public and private space. The exterior mural -a carefully composed artwork that incorporates street art elements- becomes the façade’s main feature, adding vibrancy to the exterior aesthetic. During the renovation process, materials were thoroughly selected to accentuate the existing elements of the space.
Material Palette
The interior space showcases a blend of perforated metal, blue glass, and plaster finishes, extending the robustness of the façade seamlessly inside the building. Metal emerges as the primary material across the restaurant, retaining the building’s original aesthetic as a toy manufacturing workshop and reinforcing its industrial identity.
The exterior coating, treated with the artifice technique, sets the stage for crafting a textured ambiance within the building’s interior. The plaster finish, alternating between coarse and rough texture, serves as a contemporary interpretation of the façade’s coating. Introducing blue hues on the interior glass adds depth to the space’s ambiance, subtly referencing the modernist movement, of which architect and urban planner Aristomenes Proveleggios was a notable member.