Material identity

The project involves the redesign of an enclosed parking area located at the intersection of Solonos and Asclepius streets in Kolonaki, central Athens.

 

Project Aim

The seven-story parking facility accommodates approximately 1,000 drivers daily and is situated in a bustling area characterized by high business activity and several prominent public institutions. Nearby landmarks include the Law School, the National Library, the University of Athens, the Academy of Athens, the Council of State, and the Cultural Centre of the Municipality of Athens. The surrounding densely populated neighborhood faces significant traffic congestion and a severe shortage of parking spaces relative to the daily demand. As a result, multi-story enclosed parking structures play a vital role in supporting the area’s functionality for those reliant on cars. However, many of these facilities are outdated and lack thoughtful design. This project, therefore, presents an opportunity to reimagine these essential infrastructural spaces, enhancing their functionality and improving the daily experience of the workers who rely on them.

 

Design Philosophy

From the outset of the design process, there was a strong alignment with the project owner, who emphasized the importance of focusing on the building’s ground floor to create a distinctive, one-of-a-kind space that would leave a lasting impression on parking customers. The design brief centered on the complete redesign and renovation of the ground floor, including optimizing traffic flow and parking arrangements while prioritizing the creation of a dedicated reception area for customers.

A key objective was to ensure that this 40m² reception area, serving as the building’s operational hub, would offer a comprehensive view of the entire 1,200m² ground floor and maintain clear sightlines to both entrances. To achieve this, the reception was strategically located in the space previously occupied by the offices and accounting department. The redesign utilized an open-plan layout and took full advantage of the triangular geometry of this section.

 

Material Palette

To ensure the reception area is highly visible and easily identifiable as the primary interaction point with the site staff, the design incorporates striking material contrasts. The circulation and parking areas throughout the ground floor are finished in white hues, while the reception area features natural black Damascus marble with brass accents. This deliberate use of bold, rich materials for the compact reception space was central to the project’s vision, transforming it into a striking focal point -a jewel at the heart of the expansive parking area.

Mediterranean atmosphere

Ayia Napa Marina is situated on the southeast coast of Cyprus and can be characterised as the epitome of a high-standard mixed residential development. It includes luxury residences, yachting facilities, seaside restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Seamlessly blending public amenities with shared services and private residential spaces, the marina serves as a hub for living, docking, and leisure, capturing the vibrant essence of Mediterranean life.

 

Project Vision

Agia Napa Marina is the realized vision of two investors: Cypriot Gerasimos Caramondanis, through G. Caramondanis Investments Ltd, and Egyptian Naguib Sawiris, with Ora Developers. Addressing the need for an ultra-luxury marina in the Eastern Mediterranean, this project integrates advanced technologies and services and enhances the social as well as economic setting of Cyprus.

The marina offers docking facilities for 360 vessels up to 110 meters in length in the water, 160 vessels up to 10 meters in the Dry Stack, and an additional 80 in the Dry Dock. Located about six kilometers west of Agia Napa, between Makronisos and Agia Thekla beaches, the marina provides a unique fingerstyle berthing service, while the state-of-the-art floating docks ensure comfortable and safe mooring at all times, regardless of weather conditions.

Modern floating piers provide a wide range of services, including water and electricity, WiFi, fibre optics, and fire safety equipment. A special cloud platform allows boat owners to monitor their water and electricity consumption at any time. Additionally, a mobile application enables seamless communication with the marina control centre, where users can report any arising issues.

 

Program Development

The docking area stretches from the eastern part of the development to the villas on the marina peninsula, with an artificial island featuring 12 villas in between. The marina breakwater includes a helipad for direct access to the facilities. At its heart lies the commercial zone, offering dining, entertainment, and recreational options, along with an impressive Event Center.

The project features two iconic revolving towers, visible from both land and sea. The eastern and western towers resemble lighthouses, rising over 110 meters and welcoming sailors, residents, and visitors. Their curved forms are inspired by the Caryatids and sculptures found in archaeological sites across Cyprus. Both towers have T-shaped floor plans with a rotation of about 1.6 degrees per floor, maximizing panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea, the marina, and the coastlines stretching in both directions. The highest floors face east, overlooking some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. The third floor of the eastern tower houses the marina’s Fitness & Spa Center, which extends to a 240m² pool terrace offering unobstructed sea views.

The development features 35 villas: 11 on the beach, 12 on the marina peninsula, and 12 on an artificial island, all situated along private grounds and roads. Each villa boasts a modern, open-plan design, with all main spaces oriented towards the sea. Sliding balcony doors, 2.80m high, seamlessly connect the interiors with terraces, gardens, and pools. The ground floor includes a reception area, lounge, dining room, spacious outdoor areas and terraces. The bedrooms, located on the first floor, have sliding balcony doors that offer uninterrupted views of the marina and the Mediterranean.

 

Recreational Facilities

The terrace is converted into a roof garden with an open outdoor space, while the interior basement is equipped with a kitchenette, toilet, bathroom, maid’s room and an open plan space that can be converted into a playroom. The elegant design incorporates the warmth of wood within a sophisticated palette of materials and finishes. This allows the new homes to be harmoniously integrated into their surroundings. The 4,000 m2 commercial zone, which is the largest in the Greater Famagusta district, is in the heart of the marina, in a semi-circular layout. Reminiscent of a traditional Greek island harbor, it houses shops, cafes, restaurants and leisure facilities that create a lively atmosphere.

The architecture combines local stone with modern stone and glass accents, consistent with the marina’s overall design ethos. An impressive canopy spans across the promenade, which resembles a ship’s hull, uniting the space and offering shade. Shops are strategically positioned near the docks and residential properties. Additionally, the area features a convenience store, a cash machine, offices for yacht purchase and hire, a marine equipment store, and a pharmacy.

At the western edge of the commercial zone stands the Yacht Club, home to the renowned Robuchon restaurants. Adjacent to the development’s western end is the Beach Club, offering direct access to the beach, private cabanas, a spacious infinity pool, and a sheltered terrace. Serving as the marina’s centerpiece, the Event Center encapsulates its vibrant atmosphere. The distinctive glass building, located at the southeastern corner of the commercial zone, is organized in an elliptical floor plan with a conical shape, hosting large indoor as well as outdoor events.

 

Construction Progress

The project spans a total area of 318,535m2, comprising a 146,051m2 port basin and 172,484m2 of land development. Of this, 127,734m2 have been reclaimed from the sea. The project commenced in 2017, with the first phase (including the delivery of the east tower) slated for completion in spring 2023, with a budget of €300,000,000.

When fully operational, the development will feature 220 luxury apartments across two towers and 35 villas in the land zone. Among these, 12 villas on the artificial island and 6 on the marina peninsula will have private berths. The commercial zone is already in operation, offering a unique Mediterranean atmosphere all year round to residents, owners, boat crews and visitors as a new seaside experience.