Industrial Aesthetic

In the center of the city of Volos, a specialty coffee shop with a strong urban character is introduced to the public through its clearly defined design identity. The core concept focuses on the creation of a minimal and fresh space, enriched with discreet industrial elements that convey energy and an intense morning atmosphere.

 

Spatial Organization

Within a compact area of 35m2, which includes spatial units such as the bar, preparation area, customer circulation zone, seating area, as well as auxiliary spaces for storage and WC, particular emphasis is placed on the formation of a functional and ergonomic layout.

Inside, the centrally positioned bar operates both as the main functional production element and as a point of daily social interaction. Behind it, compositions of metal shelving structures arranged in a grid highlight the interior height of the space, while suspended circular metal elements add an additional industrial character.

 

 

Façade Design

The extroverted character of the space is largely defined by the design approach of the façades. Slender white metal frames open the interior towards the urban environment, transforming the coffee preparation process into a daily urban experience. In addition, the handmade pine wood entrance doors introduce a distinctive sense of warmth and a gentle contrast to the predominantly white composition.

 

 

Materials, Lighting & Constructions

Both externally and internally, white surfaces dominate, while characteristic metal elements in a vivid yellow color introduce a pop-like quality. In between, the use of oak textures adds a sense of calmness and balance. The material palette is completed by the targeted use of white square tiles.

Special emphasis is placed on construction details. From the laser-cut entrance handles to the rounded planters and fluid decorative forms, all elements are the result of deliberate design, aiming to shape a unified and coherent identity.

Finally, artificial lighting plays a significant role, following a laboratory-inspired approach through the use of suspended linear lighting above the bar, as well as neon-type signage and light boxes, completing the urban character of the project.

 

An urban canteen

Tanpopo is the Japanese word for the dandelion plant and the title of a cult Japanese film from 1985 that follows the story of a young mother who is taught by a truck driver how to make the perfect bowl of ramen. It is also a distinctive space tucked away behind Klafthmonos Square, where Japanese food is served in a casual, canteen-like atmosphere that feels as if it is set directly on the sidewalk.

 

Design Philosophy

The design intent was to blur the boundaries between public and private space, bringing the act of cooking into constant interaction with passersby. Spatially, this idea is expressed through the placement of the food preparation area on the façade, at the core of the flow between the street and the interior. The peripherally open kitchen is housed within a metal solid that rises to a double height and is integrated into the space without relying on the existing structural elements, even allowing for the possibility of being relocated.

 

 

Spatial Organization

In this way, the kitchen functions as an independent universe with its own rhythm and rules. The unobstructed visibility of all food preparation processes enhances the sense of immediacy, while simultaneously transmitting the pulse of the kitchen to the visitors. Points of interaction and meeting between the two worlds – preparation and consumption – are formed by the food counters, where the chef serves the ramen directly to the guests.

 

 

Material Palette

The materials selected to dress the fast and ephemeral eat-and-go concept are raw in character, with metal taking a dominant role. Stainless steel surfaces in the kitchen interior combine with the prevailing grey tones and Aliveri marble details in the seating area, creating a sense of continuity. The variety of textures and the transition from the smoothness of stainless steel to the roughness of plastered walls and processed bush-hammered marble create tactile differentiation, while the color palette visually unifies the space, placing preparation and consumption in a constant negotiation of boundaries and differences.

The design is completed with wooden counters that evoke memories of traditional street canteens, making the atmosphere more familiar while enhancing functionality and circulation flow. The particular emphasis on the harmonious interplay of materials and structures aims to enrich the overall concept, highlighting the authenticity of the brand.

 

 

Simple aesthetic

Skrew is an all-day bar-restaurant designed for relaxation and socializing, serving as a favorite meeting point for its guests from morning until late at night. The owners’ desire for a fresh yet timeless space, housed within an existing industrial building, defined the overall design approach.

 

Design Philosophy

The interior preserves the restrained aesthetic of exposed concrete while incorporating distinctive features, such as a striking bar set against a 3.5-meter-high backdrop and a counter clad in tin. The dining area offers a variety of seating options, including banquettes paired with custom-designed marble tables and vintage chairs. At the rear, the open kitchen with its glass frontage adds vibrancy and a sense of interaction. The presence of plants, combined with a diverse selection of furniture and architectural elements, creates a layered experience, with different spatial qualities unfolding in every corner.

 

 

Spatial Layout

A key element of the restaurant is the sculptural metal staircase leading to the secluded mezzanine, which also functions as a display surface for wines. Its industrial character reinforces the identity of the building, while its bold color introduces an artistic accent within the otherwise neutral setting. The upper level accommodates a lounge area, ideal for working or reading during the day, as well as a retail corner featuring a curated selection of accessories and clothing.

 

 

Material Palette

The existing terrazzo flooring, with its three-color composition, lends a nostalgic touch to the space. Yellow leather details on the bar stools complement the overall color palette. The combination of diverse styles and textures -raw concrete, polished cement, glass blocks, and the leather-clad bar front- creates an atmospheric and dramatic setting. The final result is a two-level space that blends pop and classic culture, luxury and informality, quiet daytime moments and vibrant nightlife.

 

Organic forms

The project’s location -along one of Limassol’s most important commercial corridors, near a major junction- set from the outset the ambition to create a landmark building for the Mesa Geitonia area.

 

Design Philosophy

This strategic position, coupled with the elongated geometry of the plot, informed the building’s distinctive massing from the very early design stages. To meet the project’s goal, the design adopts a linear, organically shaped volume that unfolds along the avenue, both asserting the presence of the complex and preserving the continuous flow and pulse of the commercial axis.

 

 

Functional Organization

The building is structured across five levels. The ground floor accommodates retail units, reflecting the commercial character of the street, while the four upper floors house office spaces that open toward the narrow façades through covered verandas. Although the primary pedestrian entry is located on Spyrou Kyprianou Avenue, the building also incorporates a two-level underground parking garage accessed via the internal road running parallel to the avenue. This underground structure provides all required parking spaces, mechanical rooms, and storage areas.

 

 

Architectural Language

The architectural expression merges a futuristic, dynamic aesthetic with fluid, organic forms. The façades alternate between metal panels and expansive glazing to maximize natural light. Cantilevers and projecting architectural elements reinforce the building’s horizontal character, while simultaneously functioning as shading devices that regulate solar exposure, enhance daylight performance, and reduce dependence on mechanical cooling.

On the narrow elevations, the shifting balance between interior space and covered verandas on each level creates a vertical, volumetric rhythm. This generates a parametric, organic pattern that imbues the building with a distinctive sense of movement, resulting in striking perspectives and visually compelling, theatrical façades.

 

Spatial richness

To open up to a place and move beyond the boundaries of the ordinary. To allow a home to be infused with the rare experience of coexisting with nature. To uncover the beauty of simplicity and feel the quiet strength of life itself.

 

Design Philosophy

This residence combines simplicity with spatial richness, creating distinctive experiences at every turn. Born from the harmony between architecture and its setting, the house is both open and sheltered, enveloped by a green mantle that protects its intimacy and fragility. Perched among the trees and following the contours of the terrain, it establishes a constant dialogue with nature. Open yet private, it allows its inhabitants to live fully immersed in the jungle landscape, attuned to the rhythm of light, air, and sound.

 

 

Context Integration & Layout

The sloping terrain presented both a challenge and a guiding principle in the design process. The form of the house responds to the complexity of the land, adapting to its contours and preserving existing tree roots so that the surrounding vegetation becomes part of the architecture itself. The living areas open completely to the landscape, allowing light, sound, and air to dissolve the boundaries between interior and exterior space.

Designed as both a permanent home and a seasonal retreat, the villa unfolds over two levels. The main living area above opens to sweeping ocean views, while the lower level, containing the bedrooms, remains discreetly embedded in the landscape. A network of terraces, a pool, and connecting stairs create a fluid circulation between spaces, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living.

 

 

Material Palette

The home’s earthy palette harmonizes with the surrounding greenery. Rammed earth, concrete, steel, glass, and cedar wood are combined to express both strength and natural balance. Finishes are left raw and authentic, embracing the passage of time as a means to deepen their texture and character.

 

Strict geometries

Lucky No 5 is an espresso and aperitivo bar housed within a two-story building. Situated in the heart of the city, the project reimagines the urban bar as a space that breaks from convention, merging industrial rawness with a vivid pop sensibility. The result is an interior that feels both authentic and playful – a setting where everyday ritual meets expressive design. The concept sought to create a venue with a distinctly urban character, defined by strict lines, essential geometries, and an absence of decorative excess. The aesthetic draws from industrial influences infused with pop-inspired energy, resulting in a space that is direct, structured, and visually engaging.

 

Design Philosophy

Within the 38m² ground floor, the layout was carefully organized to accommodate the main bar, the product preparation zone, and a compact support area for production. The first floor, spanning 25m², houses the restroom and an additional open space. Located at the corner of a narrow urban arcade, the bar fully embraces its distinctive position. Large window frames and a continuous counter dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior, inviting guests to sit comfortably both inside and along the façade. This gesture transforms the small footprint into an open, fluid environment, extending the café-bar’s atmosphere into the public realm and creating a lively interaction between the sheltered arcade and the vibrant interior.

 

 

Spatial Organization

At the heart of the composition lies the bar, the social and visual nucleus of the space. Its green metal base and crisp, minimal surfaces convey strength and precision, while slender blue stools with circular seats introduce a light, playful rhythm. Behind the counter, open deep-blue shelving integrates functional elements – glasses, tools, ingredients – into the visual identity of the bar, blending utility and design.

Lighting defines the atmosphere and transitions of the space. Linear fixtures accentuate the exposed industrial ceiling, while spherical wall lamps soften the mood with a theatrical note. A violet LED strip behind the bar adds depth and a subtle club-like character, allowing the ambiance to evolve fluidly from daytime espresso bar to nighttime aperitivo lounge.

 

 

Branding & Materials

Light blue metal chairs and tables echo the cheerful tones of the interior, while a striped orange-and-blue awning lends the façade a recognizable, upbeat identity. Illuminated signage above the entrance and the violet glow emanating from within draw attention to the energy of the space. Upon entry, the eye is immediately caught by the bold three-dimensional signage on the mezzanine; more than a branding element, it serves as an architectural centerpiece and a defining visual landmark.

The material palette is guided by contrast. Exposed concrete and worn plaster reveal the building’s history, forming a raw, industrial backdrop that lets color and light take prominence. The terrazzo-style flooring introduces subtle texture and resilience, balancing the intensity of the surrounding hues. Together, these elements establish a dialogue between permanence and playfulness.

Green, blue, and orange dominate the space’s chromatic identity. These vibrant tones infuse the space with pop dynamism, while the neutral terrazzo flooring and raw architectural surfaces maintain visual balance. This interplay of opposites – industrial honesty and pop exuberance – shapes a bar that is more than a place for coffee or cocktails. It becomes a design experience: a microcosm where structure meets spontaneity, precision meets play, and urban authenticity finds expression in color and light.

 

Pure hierarchy

The project reflects an approach focused on redefining interior space through the subtle interplay of geometry, proportion, and material. The concept emerged from the need to reconfigure an existing apartment into a contemporary living environment that combines warmth, precision, and flexibility. Attention to detail guided every stage of the process, from spatial planning to the selection of textures and colors.

 

Design Philosophy

The apartment’s layout was redesigned to establish fluid connections between areas while maintaining a sense of privacy where needed. Walls were repositioned to optimize circulation and to allow natural light to permeate deeper into the space. Transitions between rooms were carefully considered to create a continuous flow that enhances the perception of openness.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The program is organized around a clear hierarchy of spaces. Public areas such as the living room, kitchen, and dining zone are visually connected, forming a coherent ensemble for daily activities. Private areas, including the bedrooms and bathrooms, are strategically separated to provide comfort and intimacy. Every element, from furniture placement to lighting, was designed to promote functional clarity.

 

 

Material Palette

Red birch wood plays a central role in defining the character of the apartment, adding depth and warmth to the minimal composition. Its natural grain and color variations create a visual rhythm that contrasts with neutral surfaces and fine details. Stone, metal, and light were integrated as complementary elements, emphasizing craftsmanship and tactile quality.

 

Athenian Patchwork

This duality -restrained elegance meeting bursts of energy- makes the home both timeless and full of personality, seamlessly woven into the fabric of Athens while remaining a deeply personal retreat.

 

Design Philosophy

SItuated in the dynamic neighborhood of Pagkrati, this renovation is an exercise in balance -between refinement and vibrancy, subtlety and expression, quiet backdrops and bold statements. Designed for a young family of three, the home adapts to its inhabitants, allowing them to shape their space while embracing moments of architectural playfulness.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The main living spaces are kept deliberately understated, their muted material palette and clean lines forming a canvas for personal expression. Signature furniture pieces find their place alongside a growing collection of paintings and sculptures. These spaces are meant to be lived in, evolving over time as layers of objects and memories accumulate.

 

 

Custom Structures & Materials

In contrast, the terraces, kitchen, and bathrooms take a bolder stance. The terraces, in particular, embody the extroverted character of Athens, where life spills effortlessly between indoors and out. A perforated yellow staircase zigzags upward, a ciel blue BBQ anchors gatherings, red-tiled benches invite conversation, and colorful outdoor furniture completes the collage -an architectural nod to the city’s patchwork of balconies and rooftop additions. The same spirit infuses the kitchen and bathrooms, where vibrant colors and patterns break the neutrality of the home, creating playful, unexpected moments.

The material palette contrasts muted tones in the main living areas with bold colors and textures in the terraces, kitchen, and bathrooms, balancing calm neutrality with moments of intensity.

 

Fluid interior

Diosa is an all-day café/bar located in Agios Georgios Square, in the vibrant heart of Kypseli, Athens. A space that transforms with the passing of the day, shaped by light and atmosphere.

 

Design Philosophy

By day, soft natural tones highlight textures and materials, creating a calm, earthy ambiance. By night, the lighting deepens and intensifies, giving way to a more intimate, immersive setting. This dual character of Diosa -a relaxed haven for coffee and conversation by day, and a lively bar for drinks and social gatherings by night- is at the core of the project’s architectural approach.

 

 

Functional layout

The layout is defined by two structural columns framing a circular wall opening -a subtle yet distinctive architectural gesture that guides movement and sets the rhythm of the interior. Strategically placed mirrored and silver-toned surfaces reflect light in varied ways, adding layers of shifting visual texture and movement throughout the space.

 

 

Façade Design & Materials

On the façade, iridescent vinyls and the Diosa logo play with the viewer’s perspective and the changing light of day, echoing the project’s playful and contemporary spirit. A tiled wall featuring a gradient of fading hues introduces a sense of continuity and flow, harmonizing with the lighting scheme and reflective elements to create a coherent and unified visual language. Fluid, luminous, and ever evolving, the design offers a renewed spatial experience with every visit, inviting guests to rediscover it again and again.

 

Dynamic reuse

The early 20th-century multi-storey warehouse in the port of Patras, a listed building, has been restored to its original form. Late additions on the south side were removed, and necessary structural reinforcements were made to accommodate office infrastructure and create a modern working environment.

 

Existing Shell

The enclosure is characterized by a limited number of rectangular windows and the distinctive preserved ventilation holes of the former warehouses on each level. Internally, the original composite load-bearing structure of concrete, steel, and timber was removed and replaced with a new steel-and-concrete framework. The slab levels were redefined to provide sufficient height in the central zones, with the reused building spanning five above-ground floors.

A square atrium was introduced at the center of the floor plan, extending down to the ground floor. This addition was designed to create new openings, improving natural light and ventilation, which had been insufficient due to the small original windows. Two new internal stairwells ensure safe egress for employees from all floors, while the main stairwell features circular windows that reference the façade’s original ventilation holes.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The ground floor features the main entrance with a waiting and lounge area, meeting rooms, and seminar halls. On the first floor, there is a dining area, a kitchen, and office spaces to the south. The three upper floors follow an identical layout, dedicated exclusively to office use. Each floor includes ample restroom facilities, as well as kitchenettes and coffee stands for employees. The offices are designed in an open-plan layout, incorporating distinct yet interconnected collaboration and meeting areas of various types, along with executive offices enclosed by glass partitions.

 

 

Material Palette

The design aimed to create a vibrant, refreshing space with colorful accents and intriguing architectural details, fostering a welcoming work environment with a domestic aesthetic. To honor the building’s industrial heritage, exposed electromechanical installations were incorporated, evoking its original character. These elements coexist harmoniously with soft materials such as wood, Neptune seaweed, and colored surfaces, forming a modern and dynamic composition. Combined with the transparency and natural light from the atrium, this approach results in a highly expressive reuse of the listed building, perfectly aligned with the company’s identity.

 

Design for the future

The new headquarters span 1,200m² across seven floors of a former hospital building, which has been transformed into a modern workspace.

 

Design Philosophy

A key strategic decision was to design a functional office space that integrates modern work methods with the company’s specific needs while anticipating post-pandemic workplace transformations. Each floor was designed to function independently, both in terms of energy and organization. By analyzing the company’s organizational structure, an optimal department layout was developed to minimize unnecessary movement.

 

 

Functional Layout

Each floor features dedicated spaces for relaxation, meetings, and work, with offices designed around a hot-desking system. At the entrance of every floor, an open, monochromatic coffee corner provides a welcoming touch. On the top floor, the existing café was renovated and transformed into a dining area with an outdoor BBQ, encouraging social interaction in a relaxed setting while keeping workspaces free from dining activities. The second key strategic decision was to establish a bold, cohesive architectural identity that unifies the entire building and reinforces the company’s corporate character.

 

 

Material Palette & Furniture

The concrete roof was exposed by removing the old, suspended ceiling, while the existing technical installations were remodeled, modernized, and painted in a warm red hue. To complement this, the flooring was designed to define different spaces and guide the flow of movement. The company’s existing equipment was carefully inventoried, assessed, and repurposed wherever possible. All available furniture was primarily integrated into the IT area, creating a dynamic mix-and-match aesthetic that aligns with the needs of its users.

 

Industrial footprint

The refurbished apartment is located in a former industrial building from the 1950s in the Guinardó neighborhood of Barcelona.

 

Existing Structure

Originally designed as a small open-plan workshop, the space’s most compelling feature was its structural framework -concrete frames supporting slabs of concrete joists and ceramic vaults- partially concealed by layers of modifications over time. The renovation began with the removal of these later additions, unveiling the building’s original architectural essence.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The reorganization of the space is defined by two custom-built furniture elements that highlight the existing structural grid, establishing a clear distinction between the original architecture and the new interventions, between the permanent and the ephemeral. These elements structure the interior layout, maintaining a sense of permeability, allowing natural light to reach the deepest areas of the apartment, and integrating essential storage solutions.

The program is arranged into three distinct zones, following the rhythm of the structural framework. Entry is through the kitchen, the brightest area, which opens onto the main façade. At the core of the home lies a flexible, 40m2 multipurpose space, spanning two structural modules. The final zone houses the bedroom and bathroom, with the latter designed as a self-contained, almost intangible volume. An existing door has been repurposed for bathroom access, while certain original industrial elements anchored to the walls remain untouched, preserving the site’s historical memory.

 

 

Material Palette

Materiality plays a defining role in the project, with exposed ceramic walls, pine wood furniture, and new stoneware flooring that extends seamlessly throughout the apartment. A secondary tile format is subtly introduced to mark transitions, emphasizing key thresholds within the space.

 

Reconciliation with the existing

The project entails transforming a 450m² former industrial space, including a patio, into an all-day bar and restaurant with a strong focus on sustainability.

 

Functional Layout

Visitors enter the interior through a heavy wooden door and a small vestibule, defined by a thick, dark curtain. Beyond the curtain lies the hall, featuring its signature elongated bar. This is followed by the open workshop and refrigeration room, offering a full view of the product preparation process.

 

Design Philosophy

The high-ceilinged space is divided into four sections, with a layout that promotes flow and seamlessly connects the interior to the exterior. Large metal openings frame views of the patio and garden, the two additional sections that enhance the design with a sense of natural harmony. The building’s architectural integrity was carefully preserved, with the existing shell thoughtfully incorporated into the design.

 

Materials & Decoration

The materials used highlight the space’s industrial character, with no unnecessary embellishments. The metal elements were left in their original form, while the masonry was finished with plaster. Existing features, such as a well and a marble fountain of old Athenian design, were seamlessly integrated into the new project, repurposed as a table and a support for the beer tap. Wooden furniture with metal bases was selected for the décor, complemented by custom wooden paneling at the back of the bar. The white freestanding façades were enhanced with houseplants, while linear and spot lighting were strategically chosen to subtly emphasize the space’s key features.

Dynamic lighting

The project is a new Cross Fit Center, designed primarily in an industrial aesthetic that makes a profound first impression to each visitor.

 

Functional Layout

Upon entering the space, a spacious reception area and a café bar with stylish design become the main features of the gym. The transition from the welcome area to the sports hall is smooth, occurring through a zigzag shaped corridor. There are two separate Cross Fit halls, one for men and one for women, with adjoined locker rooms, restrooms, showers, a steam bath, and a sauna. In the male hall, there is a weightlifting area, as well as a swimming pool and a Jacuzzi. The female hall includes a variety of facilities including a sauna and a children’s playing area. Finally, an in-house retail shop offers a wide range of fitness products.

 

Material Palette

The primary materials used throughout the project are metal, mesh, bricks, concrete and wood, while the prevailing colors are gray and black, creating a sense of comfort and warmth. The walls are finished with concrete bricks and vertical concrete panels and the columns are enclosed by a metal mesh and an array of shelves. Additionally, the female lockers also feature intricate geometric patterns as well as large windows that offer a magnificent view of the mountain.

 

Lighting Design

Lighting plays a crucial role in the interior design. Each hall has a different lighting layout: in the reception and the cafe-bar area, soft, warm lighting emanates a sense of tranquility and relaxation. On the other hand, the Cross Fit halls feature directional lighting to create a feeling of dynamism. In the swimming pool area, a series of linear lights create the feeling of movement and speed.

Harmonies and contrasts

The eight-story, 1800m2 building is undergoing a complete renovation and transformation into a modern, four-star city hotel with a total of 53 guest rooms. Designed to accommodate the high volume of tourists who pass through the Port of Piraeus, this project aims to offer an updated, comfortable, and stylish hotel experience that aligns with the needs of contemporary travelers.

 

Material Palette

In line with contemporary architectural aesthetics, materials are carefully selected to provide guests with a sense of warmth, intimacy, and luxury. Wood is chosen as the primary material, featured in the flooring and wall cladding of both the rooms and corridors on each floor.

To complement the wood’s natural appeal, sections of the interior room walls are covered in sound-insulating wallpaper in an off-white tone, creating harmony with the dominant wood elements. The lobby area, designed to feel open and inviting, is highlighted in white and finished using polished, pressed cement mortar.

 

Contemporary Aesthetic

Together with the wooden elements, the high aesthetic quality of the space is further enhanced. The hotel’s restaurant evokes the ambiance of a modern industrial bistro, where material choices and color palettes blend contemporary design trends with touches of vintage charm from past decades.

 

Façade Renovation & Sustainable Design

The building’s exterior façade preserves the original stucco, enhanced with black aluminum frames and architectural accents around each frame. The contrast between the white marble of the façade and the rectangular metal etalbond panels forms a striking, repetitive geometric pattern. In terms of infrastructure, modern mechanical systems have been installed to maximize energy efficiency, supporting environmentally conscious operations, which are essential in today’s world.