Industrial Archaeology

The existing building is one of the rare examples of the Brutalist architectural movement in Greece. It was constructed in 1972 and represents one of the most significant works by the Tombazis office. It served as a flagship for the company specializing in industrial concrete production.

The revival of the historic building posed an ethical challenge in terms of the intervention limit on the existing structure. It is worth noting that over its 50 years of existence, the building had been covered in various hues and materials, with the most recent being an ochre shade, which obscured its original Brutalist texture. Therefore, the initial intervention focused on restoring the original (1972) composition of exposed concrete in all visible elements of the building (40,000 sqm).

 

Spatial Organization

The goal for the interior was not to eliminate intervention through a faithful reconstruction of its original form. The radical spatial rearrangements inside aimed to create a new space that was always there, in the building’s “subconscious” since 1972. This effort was primarily guided by the 1.20m x 1.20m grid, corresponding to the dimensions of the typical element of the barrel-vaulted roof. This grid became the basis for every architectural and electromechanical element of the building, designed upon the natural, three-dimensionally projected grid that defined the barrel-vaulted roof.

To highlight the geometry of the roof as the driving force behind the entire design, all mechanical or other equipment was removed. This contrasted with the initial state of the building, where the roof was covered with various false ceilings and other architectural and electromechanical elements. Thus, the previously “buried” barrel-vaulted roof serves as a significant archaeological finding that determines the new morphology of the building’s interior and guides the space “towards absolute architecture” (Jean Pierre Raynaud – Maison de La Celle-Saint-Cloud).

 

 

Material Palette

A fundamental intervention in the interior of the building is the implementation of a clear functional access axis on the horizontal plane, with continuous water surfaces. Additionally, a vertical axis is created by a series of self-supporting marble cantilevers integrated with the central staircase. Earthy materials and minimalist clean lines are applied to enhance the Brutalist elements of the building through contrast. Water elements are modernized, redesigned, and expanded within the building’s interior, while the central staircase is reoriented to relieve congestion and widen the circulation routes (horizontal and vertical) of the common areas. The mezzanine is removed, and a complete reconfiguration is executed in the entrance area, aiming to create a clean and iconic reception space. Auxiliary spaces are added, and an opening is made towards the surrounding area of the ground floor event hall to create a multifunctional contemporary space. Raised floors are implemented on all levels to accommodate all mechanical installations while leaving the barrel-vaulted slab untouched and visible. The courtyard is highlighted in the Administration area, and a limited, open-plan arrangement is employed in the closed office spaces with extensive use of glass, along with a functional open layout for the office areas. Finally, the basement is excavated with the aim of creating a wine cellar and tasting area.

 

 

Sustainability Strategy

Regarding the building envelope, all roof and terrace insulation is reconstructed, including waterproofing and thermal insulation. Thermal bridging points on all horizontal surfaces are addressed, minimizing them on vertical surfaces without causing any alteration to the facades. Additionally, all external openings are replaced with modern thermally broken aluminum frames and energy-efficient glazing. Solar shading systems are implemented to control sunlight, while water elements in the building’s exterior are modernized and expanded to provide natural cooling and improve the microclimate.

The architectural treatment of the facades is discreet, almost reverential, in terms of highlighting the character and overall philosophy of the building. One could argue that the choice of the same materials – concrete and glass, but in their present-day interpretation, almost 40 years later – better serves the core of the initial idea that governs the entire building, while simultaneously giving it a much more contemporary image.

 

Sincere geometry

The residence is conceived as an architectural gesture rooted deeply in its natural setting. Specifically, the building’s form merges from an interactive engagement with the landscape, resulting in a structure that both asserts its presence and remains open to the immediate context.

 

Design Philosophy

Simple lines and rigorous proportions carry a “sincere” visual geometry that is further enhanced through the material honesty of exposed concrete. The design rejects imitation and speaks to an architectural ethos that embraces authenticity. Material, form and space are all approached with profound architectural discipline, eventually producing a residence that feels both monolithic and porous.

 

 

Functional Organization

Organized on a steep hillside, the residence unfolds through a sequence of interlocking volumes and voids. Large rectangular openings break up the rigidness of the square, acting as apertures that connect the residence to the site, shifting between interior and exterior thresholds. The plan is comprised of layered planes and long horizontal spans that create double height spaces as well as sheltered outdoor rooms. In parallel, a series of structural elements, such as a concrete staircase leading to a sunken courtyard, celebrate the residence’s sculpted simplicity. The plan is straightforward yet spatially rich, offering a continuous dialogue between enclosure and openness.

 

 

Context Integration

The residence is positioned within the terrain with precision, rising from the forest canopy as a measured, geometric insertion. Rather than imitating the surrounding nature, the building becomes a dynamic counterpoint, where its rigid concrete form contrasts the organic densities of the surrounding nature.

 

Sustaining heritage

Situated on a hill above Oropos, the residence harmonizes with its natural setting. The renovation avoided expansion, preserving the existing volume and respecting building regulations. The result is a modest, elegant dwelling that demonstrates how careful reuse can sustain heritage while supporting contemporary living and environmental awareness.

 

Design Philosophy

The project transforms a deteriorated 1970s prefabricated summer house into a light-filled, contemporary retreat overlooking the Evian Gulf. Respecting the original volume, the design balances preservation with renewal, embracing a bright, modern aesthetic inspired by the natural landscape. The intention was to redefine the house’s identity –  from an outdated seasonal home to a welcoming weekend refuge that connects with its surroundings in every season.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The house maintains its compact footprint while achieving openness through selective interior interventions. By removing suspended ceilings and exposing white-painted trusses, the design introduced vertical depth and natural light. Anchored functional zones (kitchen, library, fireplace) line the perimeter, freeing the central area for flexible living. Outdoor and indoor spaces merge through a shaded veranda and garden views.

Storage is fully integrated into the architecture, creating a calm and efficient space without loose furniture. A movable dining table, in vibrant coral-pink, acts as a flexible focal point for dining or working. Each intervention contributes to a coherent spatial narrative of comfort and adaptability.

 

 

Material Palette

The palette combines contrasts: dark terrazzo floors, white upper walls, and olive-green accents drawn from the surrounding groves. The color-band concept unifies the space –  darker materials ground the lower portions, while the white and pistachio tones evoke freshness and light. Functional materials shift subtly across the program, always remaining cohesive and tactile.

 

Floating volume

Situated close to the shoreline of the densely populated suburb of Artemida in Eastern Attica, this small house engages critically with its surroundings while conceptually addressing its broader context.

 

Design Philosophy

The project seeks to redefine the ephemeral and adaptable character of coastal habitation. It aims to provide comfortable, high-quality indoor and outdoor living spaces using economical means, to frame selected views toward the sea, and to ensure the residents’ privacy from neighboring properties. Elevated on a distinctly articulated concrete base, the two-story structure is composed of two intersecting volumes arranged at a right angle. The white, seemingly floating volume with its gabled roof creates generous covered spaces beneath its overhangs, forming a fluid, ground-level living area that merges interior and exterior environments within the garden boundaries. This suspended volume accommodates two strikingly tall bedrooms and a bathroom, organized around a bright stairwell–study space. Adjacent to the party wall, a rooftop terrace extends the interior into an outdoor room connected to the study. Each bedroom opens onto a private loggia, with the bathroom located between them.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The contrasting forms of the two volumes are echoed in their interior finishes. On the ground level -conceived as a shaped terrain- earthy, robust materials dominate. Cement terrazzo flooring extends seamlessly into both levels of the garden, while exposed concrete surfaces are complemented by dark-painted metal elements and joinery in deep black tones. In contrast, the upper volume is defined by a palette of white surfaces and wooden flooring, which continues uninterrupted through the enclosed and open-air rooms. Folding timber shutters, in the same tone as the flooring, break the uniformity of the white prism and provide shading above the openings.

 

 

Construction Strategy

Structurally, the house employs a composite system that minimizes its footprint on the compact site. The basement and ground floor are constructed from reinforced concrete. The ground floor is pared down to its essential structural elements -two concrete walls and four slender steel columns- maximizing spatial flexibility and enhancing visual continuity with the garden. The upper floor slab combines cantilevered steel beams with a 10 cm concrete deck. The floating volume and its pitched roof are built using a lightweight steel frame of columns and beams.

 

Unified architecture

The project is a modern residential complex located in Drosia, Attica, designed with an emphasis on integration into the natural environment and minimalist geometry. Its architecture is based on clean lines, natural materials, and large transparent surfaces that enhance the connection with the surrounding landscape.

 

Design Philosophy

The design creates an engaging dialogue with the surrounding environment, bypassing rigid lines and establishing a sense of unity. The arrangement of the residences maintains privacy without being immediately apparent from the exterior, allowing for a natural flow and continuity in the space that reinforces the sense of unified architecture.

 

 

Materiality & Spatial Layout

The residences are developed on multiple levels, ensuring privacy, unobstructed views, and high-quality outdoor spaces. The materiality is mostly characterized by earthy tones, with metal, wood, and stone finishes creating a serene and timeless aesthetic.

 

 

Context integration

The project aims for high-quality living, emphasizing functionality, natural shading, and subtle integration into the pine-covered landscape of the area. The name Silva (Latin for “forest”) reflects the character of the project: a dwelling that communicates with nature without excess.

 

Sustainable Development

Eurohub’s Logistics Center, located in the Keratea Industrial Park, is one of the most advanced facilities in Southeastern Europe, classified as Z2. This state-of-the-art project boasts a zero environmental footprint, prioritizes safety, and offers exceptional conditions for both employees and visitors.

 

Design Philosophy

The facility spans an area of 16,904.93 m², with the building itself covering 14,185.92 m². The design and permitting process took 16 months, while the project was completed in just 11 months. The south-facing complex is spread across four levels and a basement, which contains a fire tank. The ground floor, which serves as the main section of the building, features the primary entrance, a visitor and staff foyer, changing rooms, waiting areas, and a loading and order deposit area. The design enables the loading process to be fully automated, eliminating direct contact between workers and drivers. This system not only saves time but, more importantly, enhances the safety of the workforce.

 

 

Technological Integration

Additionally, the Logistics Center utilizes advanced VNA (Very Narrow Aisle) technology, enabling the efficient placement, storage, and retrieval of the company’s pharmaceutical products. This system is integrated with a Personal Security System (PPS) and energy-saving features, optimizing storage density and maximizing available space.

 

 

Functional Layout

The first floor houses a second storage area, along with an outdoor semi-open break area for staff. The second and top floors are dedicated to office spaces for employees and administrative staff, along with the necessary support facilities. The building is fully accessible to people with disabilities. Furthermore, the facility features automation for energy consumption and maintains a zero environmental impact from the company’s operations, making it an exemplary model of sustainable development.

 

Primeval shelter

Situated in the serene, pine-covered neighborhood of Rea on the northern slopes of Penteli, the project harmonizes with the forested landscape that serves as its backdrop. It is designed to meet the demands of modern living while evoking the sense of protection and intimacy found in a primordial shelter, seamlessly blending with the mountain’s mystical surroundings.

 

Design Philosophy

The process of composition was inspired by a spatial archetype: the form of the shelter, intrinsically linked to the concept of “dwelling,” has historically shaped human spatial preferences, reflecting our inherent predispositions. The residence in Dionysus offers, through contemporary architectural language, a symbolic and spatial reinterpretation of this archetype -an effort that seeks to evoke memory and, ultimately, a return to the authentic, the primal, and the enduring.

 

Building Morphology

This rhetoric finds architectural expression through a geometrically defined, tectonic, and Doric-inspired form -a structurally coherent whole, marked by an enigmatic simplicity. The central compositional gesture involves the suspension of a monolithic volume made of exposed concrete. This strictly prismatic shell contains the private bedrooms of the dwelling.

Specially designed aluminum flyscreens regulate the exposure of the delicate interior to the exterior. By elevating the shell, the ground floor is freed, allowing it to seamlessly merge with the outdoors. Stone elements anchor and visually lighten the concrete volume while organizing the interstitial spaces in close connection with the courtyard and natural ground. These two seemingly contradictory spatial qualities are balanced and unified by a large interior patio, which serves as an intermediate space. It facilitates visual connectivity while providing optimal natural light and ventilation for the house’s interior.

 

Context Integration

The orientation of the plot and the architectural development along the east-west axis allow natural light to permeate and become an integral part of the spatial experience. Sunlight, at times filtered through the tall surrounding trees and at other times directed into the interior through carefully placed openings, animates the spaces and creates an almost monastic atmosphere.

Hour by hour, season by season, the ever-changing natural light transforms the sensory experience, revealing and emphasizing different elements of the architectural composition. The exposed concrete wall, paired with its linear staircase situated just below the elongated roof opening, serves informally as a sundial, marking the passage of the day for the inhabitants.

 

Central Structure

The sensual narrative of the design extends into the evening hours. Subtly underlit, the monolithic volume seems to dissolve into the starry sky, while protectively embracing the life it contains. At the heart of the dwelling, the “hearth” enhances the earthy warmth of the space. Here, inhabitants and visitors alike, as they gather and live within this “shelter,” will repeatedly rediscover, with a touch of surprise, the timeless beauty and precious value of simplicity.

Central Square

The redesign of the company’s administrative building not only enhanced its functionality but also revitalized its image to align with modern working standards. The renovation resulted in expanded office space, upgraded air conditioning, and lighting systems geared towards enhancing comfort and optimizing the facilities.

 

Design Objective

Built in 2007, the building initially failed to accommodate the company’s growing demand for office space. Consequently, management opted to renovate all office areas, a total of 7000m2, to meet the organization’s expanding needs. The study was developed with the aim and the vision of crafting a design proposal befitting a pioneering company, while also prioritizing the quality of the working environment it offers to its employees.

The design incorporated suggestions from employees who had participated in recent projects, fostering a collaborative approach. These suggestions included creating spaces conducive to relaxed discussions, facilitating work outside the office environment, and fostering an atmosphere that encourages freedom in work and, consequently, in thought and creativity. At the same time, the objective was to establish a welcoming atmosphere that prioritizes comfort and versatility in the space, catering to the employee’s varying needs. Additionally, the design aimed to offer an escape from conventional routines by incorporating interactive elements within these spaces.

 

Architectural Concept

Taking into consideration all the programmatic modifications, the architectural concept revolves around freeing the “dark centre” and replacing it with a vibrant “heart.” This central space offers a multitude of functionalities, fostering personal expression and creativity for every individual. By cultivating an accessible, intimate, and inviting environment, the design promotes innovation and collaboration, while staying aligned with contemporary trends as well as the new generation entering the workplace. The concept’s originality lies in elevating public spaces and reimagining the “square” -drawing reference from the Renaissance period- as the “heart” of the city. Embracing the Greek character, the local “language” and lifestyle led to the architecture being conceptualized around the notion of the Greek square.

 

Open Layout

The building’s core unfolds to integrate meeting rooms in a dynamic arrangement, emphasizing diagonal positioning and prioritizing transparency. Within this space, circulation spaces intertwine with refreshment areas, break rooms, seating sections as well as an open kitchen. The “square’s” public nature is accentuated by natural elements, such as a tree-sculpture, fostering a sense of openness and drawing people together for communal interaction. The building’s original architectural structure was preserved.

The design leverages its existing geometry as the foundation for the proposal’s distinctive diagonal pathway, which breathes new life into the previously enclosed centre. Central to this design is the triple-height atrium, around which the remaining structure revolves, facilitating the vertical diffusion of natural light throughout the space. The proposal’s strength lies in the abundant natural light entering the space, illuminating the building’s core, while also flowing through the central space and the transparent perimeter, bathing all floors in its glow.