The seventh edition of Material Matters, organized by ek magazine, was successfully held on 16 June at the Banquet Hall of Megaron the Athens Concert Hall. Dedicated to the design and construction of architectural façades, Material Matters Vol. 7: Facades — Metal, Wood, Glass & Cladding brought together leading architectural practices to reflect on the façade as a technical, spatial, material and cultural interface.

The event was moderated by architects Ariadni Vozani, Professor at the National Technical University of Athens and Editor-in-Chief of ek magazine, and Stavros Martinos, member of the magazine’s editorial team. Invited speakers were asked to present two of their own projects and one work by another architect, through their own critical lens, within a ten-minute format.

The evening opened with Natassa Lianou and Ermis Chalvatzis of LC Architects, who presented the projects Orbit and Antenna Group at the level of detailed design, while pointing to the potential of glass-fibre reinforced concrete in contemporary façade design. Nikolas Travasaros of Divercity Architects then focused on the relationship between visibility and bodily movement, through an office building on Syngrou Avenue and the new Mitsis N’U Piraeus Port hotel, using the Institut du Monde Arabe by Ateliers Jean Nouvel as a reference.

Matilda Beraha of Arid offered a reflective exploration of the façade as boundary, presenting the Veil building in Kypseli and a shipping company headquarters on Alimou Avenue, while drawing parallels with related works in New York and Paris. Dimitra Katsota of Buerger Katsota Architects highlighted the façade as part of the public realm through the work of Alison and Peter Smithson, before bringing this line of thinking into the design of the new University of Nicosia facilities at Ellinikon and an office building nearing completion on Kifisias Avenue.

Anargyros Mougiakos of ISV Architects addressed the façade as a sculptural construction composed of successive standardized elements, drawing on examples from 1950s American modernism and two corresponding applications in specialized buildings in Athens. Fotini Gouveli and Niki Katsaragaki of A&S Architects brought the importance of the “fifth façade” to the fore, through an office building on Pireos Street and Education City in Doha, using COBE Architects’ The Silo in Copenhagen as their reference project.

Eraclis Papachristou of Eraclis Papachristou Architects discussed the challenges of designing tall buildings through two recent projects in Limassol, focusing on the importance of views — but also of a broader architectural vision — in relation to tactility and material presence. Ivy Nanopoulou and Eri Nikoloudi of TPA – Thymio Papayannis and Associates selected two projects separated by almost sixty years: the OSE Building on Karolou Street and the “Odysseas” Hellenic Maritime Heritage Park, currently under construction in Faliro Bay. Their presentation traced the continuity of the practice’s thinking through a creative reading of place, landscape and history, with Frank Gehry’s Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris serving as their reference building.

Loukas Bobotis of Bobotis+Bobotis Architects presented his private residence in Athens and the One Floreasca complex in Bucharest, taking as a point of reference the renovation of the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana in Rome.

The evening concluded with the keynote lecture by Doriana Mandrelli Fuksas and Massimiliano Fuksas, who presented an impressive panorama of their work, ranging from interior design to large-scale building complexes and public spaces. The participation of the internationally acclaimed Studio Fuksas gave this year’s edition particular weight, opening a direct dialogue with the Greek architectural community and confirming the high quality of the presentations that define the Material Matters series.

The event was held under the auspices of the Hellenic-Italian Chamber of Commerce of Athens, the Hellenic-Italian Chamber of Commerce of Thessaloniki, and the Hellenic Institute of Architecture. Material Matters Vol. 7 was honoured by the presence of the Ambassador of Italy to Greece, H.E. Paolo Cuculi.

Platinum Sponsor: Elval Colour
Gold Sponsor: F|Nous
Silver Sponsor: Voutsadakis
Bronze Sponsor: E-dreams
Stage Design Sponsor: Rouchotas
Cocktail Event Sponsor: Dipo-Interwood
Sponsors: AkzoNobel, Alumil, Etem, Europa, Ilicon, Mipeco, Nolte Kitchens, VasGlass, Vitex
Supporters: Anegersi, Diodos, Domiki Papanikolaou, Gratalum, Koligas Wood Essence, Knauf, Saint-Gobain Glass, Textures & Tiles
Hospitality Sponsors: Electra Rhythm Athens, Inn Athens
Wine Sponsor: Zacharias Winery

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.

 

Visual permeability

A compact hair studio of just 28m2 has been transformed into a spatial experience defined by clarity, warmth, and highly intentional material choices. Located in the commercial heart of Melissia, the project explores how light, color, and structure can work in concert to elevate a small-scale program into an expressive and memorable interior.

 

Design Philosophy

The design approach is defined by precision and visual permeability. Fluted glass panels and glass blocks – used both on the façade and within interior partitions – are employed to gently filter natural light, creating a softly illuminated environment that feels more expansive than its physical footprint. This controlled transparency enhances depth and atmosphere while ensuring privacy where required.

The façade is articulated as a striking composition of bold red steel framing, curved profiles, and translucent glass blocks, establishing a distinct and recognizable identity. A pivoting window allows the threshold to remain fluid and inviting, while an integrated outdoor bench extends the interior experience toward the street, fostering a dialogue between the studio and its urban context and offering a place for brief pauses by clients or passersby.

 

 

Functional Layout

The spatial layout is organized with clarity and efficiency. A primary wall accommodates a sequence of full-height mirrors and black styling chairs, positioned to maximize light reflection and maintain unobstructed circulation. Storage is seamlessly integrated through tall cabinetry and discreet product shelving, preserving a clean and orderly workspace. Throughout the interior, red accents are introduced as intentional focal points – from equipment details to the warm glow of lighting in the side room – echoing the exterior language and infusing vibrancy into the muted interior setting.

 

 

Material Palette

Within the interior, the material palette reinforces a sense of quiet confidence. Surfaces are finished in soft grey tones, forming a calm and cohesive envelope. An exposed cement ceiling introduces a raw, tactile quality that contrasts with the smoothness of the walls and mirrors, grounding the space while emphasizing its vertical dimension. This restrained backdrop is designed to support, rather than overpower, the daily activity of the studio.

Through the careful orchestration of materiality, structure, and light, a space is formed in which each element remains in constant dialogue with the others. Minimalism is balanced with character, precision with warmth, and efficiency with atmosphere. The result is a thoughtful interior that demonstrates how even the most compact spaces can be imbued with depth, identity, and a sense of calm refinement.

 

 

Playful light

The project concerned the renovation of a 70m² second-floor apartment near Lycabettus Hill. The design follows an open-plan layout, allowing natural light to penetrate deeply into the interior. To organize the unified space, emphasis was placed on transitional areas through the use of vibrant colors and textures. The kitchen was treated as an integrated piece of built-in furniture, while metal partitions and doors were designed to accommodate different living scenarios. Distinctive features of the 1970s apartment were preserved and complemented by more vibrant and industrial elements, resulting in a layered collage of materials.

 

Renovation Strategy

The primary intervention was the relocation of the kitchen in order to optimize the apartment’s spatial organization. In its original position, the kitchen obstructed the entrance, lacked visual and functional connection with the rest of the apartment, and suffered from insufficient light and limited size. Its relocation enabled the creation of an elongated entrance hallway and a generous, multifunctional storage element incorporating an entrance bench, wardrobe, washing machine, and general storage. The kitchen was conceived as a functional object rather than a separate room – integrated into the open plan and discreetly supporting everyday activities. It is directly connected to the dining area and positioned opposite the balcony door to benefit from improved natural light.

 

 

Functional Layout

The apartment is organized into three distinct zones. The first zone, comprising transitional spaces such as the hallway and storage areas, functions as a chromatic frame for the more restrained main spaces. A key intervention involved the removal of the wall separating the bedroom from the living area, revealing the building’s structural elements, including the central column and beams. In place of the original partition, a four-leaf metal door with fluted glass was introduced, referencing traditional wooden sliding partitions commonly found in Athenian apartments. The ribbed glass enhances the 1970s aesthetic while allowing light to diffuse throughout the space and providing privacy when needed.

 

 

Material Palette

The original mosaic floor, uncovered but heavily damaged by previous interventions, was replaced with turquoise tesserae tiles that enhance light reflection in these intermediate and darker areas. Birch veneer, selected for its expressive grain and warm yellow tones, was used for the woodwork, while the entrance threshold is defined by a burgundy accent.

The second zone includes the primary living spaces – living room, dining area, and bedroom – where the existing oak parquet flooring was repaired and retained. Other elements were designed to contrast with and emphasize the warmth of the wood, incorporating industrial finishes such as exposed concrete, metal elements (including sliding doors and shelving), glass, and chrome glossy details in lighting fixtures and hardware.

The third zone, encompassing the kitchen and bathroom, features Dionysos marble as the dominant material, a reference to materials already present in the apartment. In the kitchen, the marble was applied to both countertop and backsplash, creating vivid reflections that contrast with the matte off-white lacquered cabinetry. In the bathroom, 40×40 cm marble tiles were used to introduce a more playful interpretation of this timeless material.

 

Structural consolidation

The project involves the renovation and extension of a farmhouse set within a courtyard on the crest of the hills in the Piedmont area of the Reggio Emilia Apennines. The original stone building, dating back to the early 1900s, had undergone several interventions over time, including structural consolidation works that introduced reinforced concrete terraces on the valley-facing sides, as well as more recent upgrades such as the refurbishment of the roof and the addition of a concrete-and-wood portico on the eastern elevation.

 

Renovation Strategy

The intervention was driven by two main objectives: to expand the ground floor – where the existing living and bedroom spaces were insufficient – and to redesign the extensive outdoor areas of the property. The first-floor sleeping quarters were left untouched, as they were already adequate in terms of size and functionality.

The reconfiguration of the living spaces began with the transformation of the existing sloped portico, which was converted into a new volume accommodating a living and dining area, along with a wellness extension connected to the ground-floor bedroom. The original wooden and tiled roof was removed, while the concrete pillars were retained. A new metal structure was introduced to support a flat roof slab, reusing the original wooden beams of the portico.

 

 

Layout & Materials

This new volume was enclosed with continuous glazing, articulated by staggered aluminum pilasters with a Corten finish, while the original stone wall was deliberately left exposed within the interior. The former living area was repurposed as a kitchen and connected to the new living space through a large sheet-metal-clad portal, created by reworking the existing wall openings. A similar intervention was carried out in the bedroom, where a new opening in the stone wall leads directly to the wellness area, which includes a sauna.

 

 

Landscape & Façade Design

Externally, the existing terraces were redefined through the introduction of an infinity pool projecting toward the ridge, with a basement level beneath it housing technical systems and storage spaces. The terracing system was further expanded through the use of reinforced and gabion-retained earthworks, creating new landscaped areas designed for outdoor use.

The areas in front of the building were cleared of walls and fences to enable the creation of a new main entrance to the house. Access is no longer aligned with the center of the portico but instead positioned along the short side of the extension, allowing for a reorganization of vehicular access from the main road, now separated from the rest of the courtyard.

The new main façade is marked by an entrance structure consisting of a metal pergola, partially covering the main doorway and designed to support climbing vegetation, reinforcing the dialogue between architecture and landscape.

 

“Soul-specific” design

“An interior design project, even for a single apartment, carries with it the same complexity and responsibility as larger projects: it means interpreting desires, memories, and aspirations to transform them into space. It’s never about applying a pre-established model, but about building, step by step, a unique identity capable of generating quality of life. Each time, the result is different, surprising, and, to use a term from contemporary art, truly ‘soul-specific’.”

Pier Currà, Founder Pier Currà Architettura

 

Design Philosophy

Every corner of this apartment in the historic center of Forlì tells a story of creativity, color, and memory. The renovation transforms a 1960s home into a vibrant living space where a vintage soul meets contemporary pop accents, resulting in interiors that are both surprising and expressive.

 

 

Functional Layout

The double-height living room, flooded with natural light from a large window, forms the heart of the home. Morning light bounces off surfaces and details, enhancing the bold chromatic contrasts. The space is shaped by custom-made furniture that becomes architectural in itself: the striking orange staircase doubles as a sculptural bookcase, while the bespoke storage unit at the entrance acts as a visual and functional filter between the lowered hallway and the living area.

The kitchen celebrates color and craftsmanship. Entirely custom-designed, it is defined by deep blue cabinetry paired with a stainless-steel worktop. The flooring pays explicit homage to the 1970s through optical-patterned tiles, while a glass-brick wall filters light and introduces rhythmic geometric textures.

 

 

Materials & Furnishings

Throughout the apartment, interior design oscillates between memory and innovation. Original elements, such as the large window and the ceiling clad in exotic wood slats, have been carefully restored and enhanced, while bold color choices and bespoke furnishings create a cohesive narrative across the spaces. Pastel-toned bathrooms with cement tiles and red taps, a master bedroom distinguished by a custom burgundy wardrobe and white paneling, and an upper floor featuring a study that overlooks the living room and opens onto a balcony with a flower box, all contribute to a layered and imaginative domestic landscape. The result is a home that embraces its original identity while reinterpreting it with energy, personality, and lightness.

 

Organic aesthetic

The restaurant is located in the picturesque neighborhood of Ano Petralona, in the heart of Athens. Although close to the city’s bustling center, the project exudes an introverted charm, reflecting the warm atmosphere of its surroundings. The strong materiality, combined with a dark color palette, is carefully balanced with the organic interior, creating a welcoming and intimate space.

 

Functional layout

A key element of the design is the open kitchen at the rear of the restaurant, visible from every point within the interior. Against this backdrop, two dining areas are arranged on different levels, organized around a centrally positioned, curved open bar. Guests are able to observe the activity in the kitchen while experiencing the various design details and the interplay of materials across the surfaces.

The bar at the front of the restaurant serves as an inviting point of arrival before the dining areas. With three distinct seating options, guests may choose to sit along the central bar, directly facing the lively open kitchen, or in a cozy corner of the second dining room, which offers greater privacy and seclusion.

Custom-made elements

To enhance the distinct experience of each individual zone and to minimize distractions from external stimuli, semi-transparent curtains are used along the glazed façade, preventing direct visual contact with the busy street. The connection to the surroundings is achieved through an operable roof, which allows views of the sky and introduces a sense of openness and freshness into the dining area.

 

 

Materials & furnishings

The design concept focuses on texture, emphasizing the use of natural materials to infuse the space with authenticity. Vertical surfaces are clad in custom-made terracotta tiles, reinforcing the organic character, while the floors and the central bar feature rough-textured tiles. The main dining area is finished with custom-applied terrazzo, adding a playful note to the otherwise earthy, matte environment through its subtle reflections. Throughout the project, emphasis is placed on craftsmanship and handmade elements at every scale, from flooring to ceramic vases.

The lighting fixtures – wooden wall sconces and suspended ceramic pendants – as well as the ceramic decorative elements, were custom-designed and crafted to achieve the desired aesthetic. Upholstery fabrics, ranging from leather and suede to linen in a variety of tones, were carefully selected to enhance the natural and harmonious atmosphere of the space.

 

Concrete frame

An existing concrete structure forms the point of departure for the project. Such frames became a familiar presence in the Greek landscape following a regulation that allowed building permits to remain valid if only the structural skeleton was constructed. By the time the project began, this concrete frame had stood unfinished for more than a decade. Its reuse was a deliberate choice, directly addressing issues of sustainability, economy, and legislation – concerns that are particularly pressing in the context of overtourism in the Cycladic islands.

 

Reuse Strategy

The intervention was based on a strategy of subtraction and addition using elementary geometries. Only the necessary portions of the existing structure were carefully removed, while new L-shaped and rectangular volumes were introduced to establish formal and programmatic clarity. This measured approach produced a solution that both transcended the limitations imposed by the site’s past and navigated its complex regulatory framework.

The plot is characterized by its flat terrain and proximity to the port and village. Surrounded by neighboring developments on all sides except the western edge – which is expected to remain undeveloped due to its protected forestry status – the site lacks the extroverted qualities typical of a seaside plot. As a result, the house is conceived as a balance between introversion and openness.

 

 

Functional Layout

At ground level, volumes are arranged around a central pool to form an inner courtyard, mediating between privacy and openness toward anticipated or existing construction. This configuration moves away from a conventional sequence of enclosed rooms, proposing instead a communal mode of living in which water becomes the focal point of daily life.

On the upper floor, the living area and master suite are oriented toward both the active port and the island’s northern landscape. A large opening frames views of the port, allowing daily activity to remain visually present. An external staircase provides independent access to the upper level and the roof, where unobstructed views extend across the surroundings. With its restrained geometry, the house emerges quietly, maintaining a measured dialogue with its context.

 

 

Sustainable Design

Beyond standard strategies such as cross-ventilation and high-performance thermal insulation, a skylight positioned above the interior staircase transforms it into a passive cooling tower. Photovoltaic panels generate sufficient energy for autonomous operation, reducing reliance on the local grid. Native trees and vegetation, selected for their low water demand, help filter views toward neighboring hotel facilities, ensuring privacy while acknowledging the realities of building within an existing village fabric.

 

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.

 

 

Sculptural retreat

The study concerns a property located within the consolidated urban fabric of the town of the island of Chios, characterized by dense development. The specific plot adjoins a neighboring property to the northeast, while its remaining sides are free.

 

Design Philosophy

The aim of the composition was to seek an architectural expression that resists the mechanistic application of formal restrictions. The building’s massing is shaped by the interplay of different geometries that articulate the façades, achieving a sense of peripheral plasticity. The interlocking of volumes forms the compact core of the building, which is anchored to the stairwell nucleus, transferring movement from the basement to the roof terrace.

 

 

Functional Organization

The ground-floor apartment benefits from direct access to outdoor spaces on both sides: to the east, the living areas open onto an outdoor space, while to the west, the bedrooms connect to a small, privately defined garden. Large openings on the façades contribute to visual openness from the interior toward the landscaped exterior and enhance the extroverted character of the apartment, while privacy is ensured by a perimeter enclosure composed of a solid wall and latticework.

The upper-floor apartment is organized on two levels: the main level and a loft. All spaces have access to terraces at different points along the façades, offering varied geometries and visual perspectives. By positioning the loft above the bedrooms, a double-height space is achieved in the shared areas, which, in combination with the metal structure to the south and the large openings to the northwest, introduces diverse spatial qualities throughout the apartment. A defining element of the façade is the lattice screen, which provides solar protection without obstructing outward views from the interior. Conversely, the large, glazed opening to the south allows winter sunlight to penetrate through a system of internal blinds, enabling direct solar gain.

 

 

Materials & Vegetation

Along the main street, the curved form guiding access to the entrance simultaneously reinforces a sense of enclosure. The composition of different materials – colored renders, exposed concrete, metal structures, and glazing – highlights the geometries of the volumes. Finally, priority was given to surrounding the building with dense vegetation; for this reason, the areas paved with cast material in the open space are limited to what is strictly necessary to ensure access.

 

Dessert arcade

The central objective for the ground floor of a 1960s building in the Metropolis area was the creation of a “Sweet Arcade”: a multi-layered venue that would need to accommodate a production laboratory, a retail area, and a dessert restaurant.

 

Cultural Context

The concept that emerged during the design process drew inspiration from the Athenian arcade. This archetypal form of a covered yet freely accessible space seamlessly connects commerce, social gathering, and leisure. The first arcade built on Athenian soil, at Kapnikarea Square, was constructed in 1883 to designs by Ernst Ziller, within the four-storey neoclassical Melas Mansion, featuring a “glass-roofed passage” modeled after the Parisian galeries made of metal and glass.

Among the most vital nodes of commercial life, arcades were primarily thematic, functioning as hubs for specific activities or types of retail. Initially conceived as spaces for the concentration of goods, they ultimately evolved to “serve the pursuit of pleasure in the city, through strolling and other forms of entertainment.”

 

 

Design Philosophy

Inspired by the commercial arcade and motivated by its inclusive vibrancy, the pastry shop is designed primarily using metal and glass. It is articulated as a sequence of three distinct spatial units (shops), each with its own façade (shopfront) facing an elongated, central shared space -the arcade.

The olive-green arcade, measuring 9×3m and featuring the original mosaic flooring, forms along its entire outer edge the main, twin entrance. A slender, elongated structure placed along the central axis organizes movement, provides a functional counter surface, and supports suspended, illuminated planting that enhances the sense of a public, open space. Flanking the entrance and extending to the back, metal and textured glass define the shopfronts of the three units as well as the passage leading to the restrooms.

 

 

Spatial Organization & Materials

The retail shop on the left and the restaurant on the right are located behind two facing metal arches that act as thresholds to the respective spaces. In the first, a brightly lit central table of white marble displays the products, adjacent to a luminous wall of glass blocks that filters the constant activity of the laboratory beyond. In the second, warm orange tiles, wooden tables, and subdued lighting create an inviting dining room for à la carte desserts.

At the rear, behind a retractable partition, lies the production laboratory. It comes alive in the afternoon, when its lights are turned on and its window opens, revealing the chef -now visible to the public- preparing the sculptural plates, the true protagonists of the Sweet Arcade.

 

Sculptural retreat

The project reimagines an unused 70 m² space on the ground floor of a private villa, transforming it into a sculptural wine cellar and gym. The result is a raw yet refined interior, where craftsmanship and material expression elevate a once-neglected service area into a striking, atmospheric retreat.

 

Renovation Strategy

Previously sealed off, the space was challenged by irregular geometry, high humidity, and insufficient ventilation. The intervention began with comprehensive hydro-isolation works and the installation of a new ventilation system, establishing the conditions for a stable and controlled microclimate. Significant variations in floor levels, ranging from 1m to 2.5m, along with narrow corridors, were synthesized into a cohesive spatial strategy.

 

 

Design Philosophy

The design draws inspiration from ancient Greek theatres, where tiered seating generates depth and visual drama. This reference informed the project’s sculptural language, shaping the relationship between light, materiality, and elevation. The dynamic front composition accommodates the wine fridges and is clad in brushed, fire-treated solid wood, offering a rich, tactile surface. Along the perimeter, wine bottle storage is formed from exposed structural reinforcement bars – an approach echoed in the oxidized metal shelving designed for glassware.

 

 

Material Palette

Handcrafted elements play a central role in defining the atmosphere. The wine cellar unfolds in a palette of grey and amber tones, contrasted by Corten-effect metal sliding doors that discreetly conceal all technical equipment. At its core, a monolithic bar table carved from black lava stone anchors the space as a powerful focal point.

 

Handcrafted aesthetic

In designing the restaurant, the aim was to create a non-conventional space that would actively engage visitors in an experience highlighting the values of art, design, and gastronomy, translating them into tangible forms, materials, and textures.

 

Spatial Organization

The existing restaurant features a distinctive double-height space with a mezzanine and a spiral staircase, while its façades are clad with large metal openings that provide full visual permeability throughout the interior. Upon entering, visitors encounter the central dining zone, arranged in an open-plan layout with seating, the bar and its counter, and an open kitchen at the rear, allowing guests to observe the food preparation process.

With a strong emphasis on detail, custom-made marble tables were designed, along with stainless-steel chairs featuring cushions made of flexible gel, introducing an unusual, soft tactile quality. The floor is finished with a mosaic composed of various Greek marble fragments, combined with bespoke ceramic tiles by artist Vasilis Papageorgiou.

 

 

Materials & Furnishings

Although wood in its natural tone appears to dominate at first glance, the design also incorporates materials with a more robust character, such as stainless steel and marble, which are seamlessly absorbed by the warmth and softness of the wood.

A central feature of the space is a sculptural light tube that rises to the ceiling and draws the eye from every direction, even from outside the restaurant. A handcrafted wool-and-silk rug by artist Yannis Varelas adorns the wall in front of the luminous column, becoming a focal point through its rich chromatic variety. The interplay of these two key elements creates an atmosphere of warmth and comfort, further enhanced by ambient lighting from smaller pendant fixtures and wall sconces.

 

 

Staircase Design

The stainless-steel staircase at the rear introduces a distinctive geometry to the space and leads visitors to the mezzanine, which is lined with wooden, wall-mounted wine libraries. This function extends to the basement as well, where the entrance resembles a wooden tunnel illuminated by a 90-degree light tube that continues the vertical column from the ground floor.

 

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.

 

Spatial transparency

The calmness, transparency, and clarity of this project create an atmosphere of repose within the heterogeneous and burdened environment of the city and the apartment building.

 

Existing Layout

The apartment is located in an apartment building dating back to 1967, in Kolonaki. The typical floor plan of the period defined five distinct spaces: bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom, and entrance hall. A double-leaf sliding door between the bedroom and the living room unified, to a certain extent, the two main spaces, while all areas were connected through the hall. Under these conditions, the service zone of the entrance and wet areas was cut off from natural light and from views toward the exterior environment. The equal distribution of surface area between the two main spaces, along with their rigid boundaries, limited habitation to small rooms with restricted visual connections and natural light.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The new layout unifies all individual spaces of the apartment, retaining only the bathroom as a separate room. From the entrance, the city becomes visible through the balcony door and window, which are now aligned consecutively along the interior façade facing the street. Solid partition walls are replaced by perforated metal elements of slender sections, such as the bookcase that occupies the center of the plan, as well as by movable elements, including sliding and concealed doors, allowing natural light to diffuse throughout the space and visual connections to multiply. All new vertical surfaces -sliding partitions, metal bookcase, wardrobes, cabinets, and curtains- extend from floor to ceiling, unifying the space in section as well and creating hidden niches and storage areas.

 

 

Materials & Custom Structures

Each individual point of this small dwelling accommodates more than one activity. The kitchen worktop also functions as a dining table, while the desk doubles as a seat for gazing out of the window. During the day, the bed becomes part of the living area, while at night it is isolated within a quiet white sleeping box. The central metal structure has two faces, and the television, as part of it, rotates 180 degrees around a vertical pole.

The walls, ceiling, structures, movable partitions, and fittings are all white, aiming for homogeneity and clarity within a small space composed of multiple elements. A mirror surface, placed perpendicular to the exterior façade, expands the space, multiplies the opening of the balcony door, and reflects the city’s exterior into the interior.

 

 

The shelter of an imprisoned spirit

The project is a photography studio that goes beyond being a purely functional space, unfolding instead as a deeply introspective environment inspired by the concept of intrauterine habitation and prenatal comfort.

 

Design Philosophy

The design employs symbolic elements that convey warmth, protection, and a cocoon-like sense of enclosure, aiming to foster creativity within a calm and intimate atmosphere. Central to the concept is the interplay of light and shadow, a deliberate choice that reflects the photographer’s expertise and creative journey. The space becomes a sanctuary: a place where creativity can be nurtured and where personal and artistic paths intersect within a meaningful, womb-like environment.

 

 

Custom Structures

Specifically designed custom metal structures were developed for the studio, serving the organization and storage of equipment while playing a decisive role in enhancing the visual dynamics of the space. These restrained, reflective surfaces capture and modulate light, producing striking reflections that shift according to the time of day and the position of light sources. The use of metal fulfills both functional and aesthetic objectives, offering durable and practical solutions for everyday needs while contributing to the overall artistic atmosphere. As light interacts with these structures, it rebounds in unexpected ways, casting delicate patterns onto the surrounding walls and further emphasizing the play of light and shadow that lies at the core of the architectural composition.

 

 

Materials & Lighting

The selected materials achieve a subtle balance between opacity and translucency, reinforcing the relationship between light and darkness. This design approach not only enhances the spatial aesthetics but also alludes to an inner tension experienced by the photographer – described as a “prisoner of spirit,” engaged in an ongoing dialogue between light and shadow. This poetic tension is visually articulated through the thoughtful placement of windows, skylights, and lighting elements, creating layers of illumination that shift and transform throughout the day.

Both natural and artificial light play a crucial role in the studio, not merely as functional components but as expressive tools in their own right. The way light filters through the materials generates a meditative atmosphere that encourages reflection and the exploration of creative depth. Extending beyond pure utility, the design transforms the studio into a symbolic space that promotes deep, inward-looking creativity.

 

Set within the heart of the Italian countryside, this spherical retreat appears like a gentle whisper from the future; one that honors the earth.

 

Conceptual Approach

Formed entirely from recycled metal, its warm, weathered surface captures the golden light of the Tuscan sun, blending seamlessly into the rocky, olive-dotted landscape. More than a structure, it is conceived as a soul with a shell.

The retreat is the outcome of an ongoing exploration into how artificial intelligence can assist architects and designers in transforming inner visions into tangible form. Emerging from a series of experimental processes, the design seeks to bridge imagination with spatial reality.

The concept originated from a visual intuition: a self-contained world, hidden in nature, circular like a cocoon, simultaneously grounded and futuristic. Gradually refined, this vision took shape as a metallic pod reflecting the warm tones of the earth and resting quietly within the Italian countryside.

Imagined as a compact living space, the retreat employs recycled metal and features circular openings that echo its soft geometry while framing views of olive trees and distant hills. Sustainable, poetic, and minimal, it offers a place for retreat, reflection, and reconnection. In its making, design converges with storytelling and intuition, suggesting new ways of thinking beyond traditional rendering.

 

 

Prompts & Software

Imagine prompt : a super futuristic and cozy spherical house covered in metal with gradient colour shades, located in the countryside of Italy. The house has two circular windows with bold black frames. The surrounding landscape is filled with herbs, stones, and natural elements under a sunny daylight. The pathway leading to the house is small, blending naturally with the environment. The overall design is avant-garde, creative, and unique, with a focus on natural harmony and a blend of modern architecture –ar 3:4 –s 750 –v6.1.

Created with Midjourney

 

Contrast and rhythm

The project is conceived as an immersive architectural project where experience and brand power converge. The ambition is to create not just an educational space for hair styling but a symbolic environment that reflects the values and identity of the company. Architecture here becomes a strategic tool, reinforcing brand presence through atmosphere, materiality, and spatial sequencing. The concept transforms education into a lived experience, highlighting the inseparability of design and identity.

 

Spatial Organization

The academy unfolds as a carefully structured environment where circulation, orientation, and visibility are designed to enhance engagement. Spaces are distributed to encourage interaction and participation, offering visual continuity between different programs. The sequence of spaces guides users through a journey, framing each moment as part of a narrative that communicates the brand’s values.

The building accommodates diverse functions: classrooms, laboratories, exhibition spaces, and gathering areas. Each program is integrated within a continuous flow, ensuring that learning, experimentation, and interaction coexist. The flexible layout allows for adaptation to different activities, supporting both individual focus and collective experience. Social spaces are interwoven with educational ones, reinforcing the sense of community.

 

 

Material Palette

The material palette was chosen to reinforce the immersive character of the project. Textures, colors, and finishes create atmospheres that resonate with the brand’s aesthetic language. Concrete, wood, glass, and lighting are used strategically to generate contrast and rhythm, enhancing both intimacy and monumentality within the academy.

 

 

Context Integration

Located in São Paulo, the Truss Academy is deeply connected to its urban and cultural setting. The project embraces the city’s energy and integrates it into an environment of learning and creativity. By merging architecture with brand identity, the academy becomes a landmark not only for the company but also for the city, demonstrating how design can shape cultural and educational presence in an urban context.

 

Spatial experiment

The project reflects Shanghai’s evolving urban culture. By creating a curated immersive environment, the café acts as both a neighborhood gathering place and a statement of global coffee culture. It connects the local context with international design trends, enriching the city’s cultural fabric.

 

Design Philosophy

The project was conceived as a commercial space that transcends traditional functions. Instead of a conventional café, it represents an immersive curatorial experience, where design, commerce, and community intertwine. The design emphasizes a new urban lifestyle -open, experimental, and centered around creative exchange.

The original building’s spacious design and rugged industrial features offered both challenges and opportunities for the project. Instead of using traditional walls, the design features low, wooden walls and modular display racks to create a space that feels both open and organized. The plant installations at the entrance and the creative exhibition square blend together, marking the start of the commercial transformation while also telling a cultural story. The space is designed to grow organically: the modular racks can be rearranged to update product displays, and the central area can be quickly changed into a conference or event space by moving the coffee cart and adjusting the seating. This flexibility is key to balancing the space’s function and aesthetic appeal.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The spatial concept blends circulation, display, and social interaction. Multiple levels of platforms and corridors connect seamlessly, allowing people to experience the café dynamically from different perspectives. The arrangement encourages movement, interaction, and exploration, making the space part café, part gallery, part social hub. Zones for coffee, exhibition, and creative workshops are integrated within a single cohesive narrative. Flexible furniture and modular installations allow the space to adapt to different events and activities. The functional design ensures both day-to-day café operation and the potential to host curated events or art showcases.

 

 

Material Palette & Sustainability

Natural textures like wood, stone, and metal are layered with experimental finishes. Contrasts of raw and refined materials reflect the blend of commerce and creativity. Lighting plays a key role, highlighting architectural gestures while shaping intimate atmospheres. Finally, the modular display systems and flexible plant arrangements make the space adaptable to seasonal changes, events, and the natural rhythms of the plants. This method goes beyond traditional design, giving the space the ability to adjust and stay lively. It’s sustainable not only because it uses natural elements to save energy, but because the design allows commercial activities to blend with the space’s natural flow.

 

Framing the City

The space is comprised of continuous visual transitions, standing at the threshold between nature and culture.

 

Design Philosophy

“In the beginning, there was… the view,” echoing the words of Hesiod. A singular, breathtaking panorama unfolds -the urban tapestry of Thessaloniki merging with the Thermaic Gulf. In contrast, a landscape of dwarf conifers, blooming native shrubs, and natural stones composes a vivid, crafted natural scene. In medias res -in between- emerges a residence of simplicity, designed to frame the visual experience of these two (non)limits.

 

 

Spatial Organization

A central box-shaped piece of furniture defines the residence (entrance, living room, kitchen, utility room) without strict limits, guiding circulation and creating targeted ‘windows’ to view the (non)limits. In parallel, an interplay of absence and solid material, combined with a ‘non finito’ metal grid, forms a ‘memory wall’ in the living room. Here, travel memories are displayed, creating a sensory connection with the past. Finally, a desk with dual use -as workspace and seat- offers views of sunsets over Mount Olympus, enhancing the experience.

 

 

Material Palette

Contrasts of absence and materiality, along with the metal grid, create atmosphere. Mirror surfaces add shifting perspectives, making reflections vanish as users leave, returning the view as the final image. The design frames the duality of natural and urban landscapes, embedding the panoramic view as the essence of inhabitation.

 

Intermediate transparency

The two-story residence was designed for a four-member family, with the aim of creating a modern, minimal, and functional space that integrates harmoniously into the Mediterranean landscape. The composition is based on clean geometric volumes and horizontal lines, with a strong emphasis on transparency and continuity between interior and exterior spaces. The combination of white surfaces, wood, and metal creates an ensemble of understated elegance and tranquility.

 

Design Philosophy

The residence offers a contemporary way of living that focuses on functionality and continuous contact with the natural environment. The architectural approach combines simplicity with the quality of light and space, creating a residential whole that meets the family’s needs.

 

 

Spatial Organization

The ground floor is organized around a central living area, where the living room and dining room are directly connected to the large terraces and garden. The kitchen, in contact with the main space, is supported by utility areas and connects to a covered veranda that hosts an outdoor barbecue. The interior layout follows the logic of an open plan, allowing for visual continuity and the flow of natural light. On the upper floor, three bedrooms and their corresponding bathrooms ensure the necessary privacy for the family members.

 

 

Materials and Lighting

Inside, natural textures and earthy tones dominate. The wooden flooring, leather furniture, and metal details in the staircase highlight the minimalist aesthetic and convey a sense of warmth. The subtle integration of lighting enhances the simplicity of the form and accentuates the clarity of the lines.

 

Desert and city

Located on a three-quarter-acre parcel with views of the Las Vegas Strip to the east and Red Rock Canyon to the west, this site endures strong winds, cold, dry winters, and harsh, hot summers with monsoon rainstorms. Protection from the sun and wind, as well as durability and privacy were the simple constraints that shaped the formal direction and materiality of the house.

 

Design Philosophy

The residence repeats the spare behavior of the desert in material and form. A subtractive process left a wind-protected court to the east and provided an opportunity for an elevated basin of water that mirrors the dimensions of the living space. The distant view of the city calls out its ephemeral nature and delicate relationship with water. Entry to the house is gained via a narrow opening in the concrete mass. The threshold, at eye level with the water, leads to a closed and shaded passage that ramps up slightly to an entry court, open to the sky and inhabited by a vertical landscape of native plantings. The architecture represents a contextual conversation between the desert landscape and the city.

 

 

Materials & Ventilation

Locally sourced sand, gravel, and fly ash mix concrete floors and walls in the harsh desert light take on a buff hue that associates with the distant mountains, rising from below grade to build a habitable landscape. Over half of the built area is below grade, ventilated, and lit with openings in the structure to introduce sunlight, including several submerged under the basin’s water level.

 

 

Sustainability Approach

The mass-heavy house sports a reflective roof, 45 KW photovoltaic array and high-efficiency glazing, mechanical, and lighting systems. Upper level sleeping rooms inhabit a screened framework sheathed in perforated weathering steel and elongated along the east/west axis to shield the pool from wind and sun. A south-side shaded deck screened with perforated mesh extends over the form to shade the structure and cars below. Open to the Red Rock Canyon to the west and the city lights of the east, the cantilevered form balances the sculptural weight of the basin and water. The earth-like ground form, fitted with its layer of weathered steel, is a nod to the geology of the Las Vegas Valley and Red Rock Canyon beyond.

 

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.

 

Past legacies

Forefathers is a contemporary food-and-beverage venture that celebrates ancestral ways of life through modern design. Conceived by a group of young entrepreneurs, the brand reinterprets traditional regional cuisine and architecture, pairing vernacular materials with current construction techniques to achieve a refined, sophisticated ambience.

 

Context Integration

Located on Road No. 45 in Jubilee Hills -Hyderabad’s premier destination for high-end restaurants and clubs -the project occupies a concrete–steel composite shell comprising a ground floor, two upper storeys, and a mezzanine inserted within a triple-height volume. Commercial buildings flank the plot on either side, while a community park with dense vegetation borders the rear.

Visitors enter between tall, angled walls that frame a 25-foot-high pitched-roof canopy. This volume tapers to a 12-foot flat-roofed reception zone before opening into a dramatic 40-foot-tall interior hall. The progression concludes beneath a 28-foot pitched roof in a semi-open backyard. The orchestrated sequence creates a seamless flow and clarifies the building’s composition.

 

 

Roof & Landscape Design

The structure comprises three generous gabled canopies clad in terracotta tiles. The front and rear canopies remain semi-open, their roofs supported by branching steel columns that evoke trees. Square glass inserts punctuate the terracotta, animating arrival zones with shifting patterns of light and shadow. The central canopy -soaring to 40 feet- melds steel and concrete to hold a multi-level dining hall, performance area, and glimpses into the first-floor kitchen. A mezzanine with a bar project through glass walls toward the backyard, visually stitching indoor and outdoor realms.

The project’s landscape strategy elevates freestanding seating pods at varied heights in the rear yard, fostering privacy without walls. Water features and planted pockets weave between these platforms, while a live kitchen and composite glass-and-tile roofs generate dappled daylight that evolves throughout the day.

 

 

Material Palette & Lighting

Handmade bricks, terracotta tiles, and fly-ash blocks anchor the project in local craft and low-embodied-energy materials, whereas contemporary concrete and steel framing provide precision and stability. A restrained palette -primarily terracotta- yields a timeless minimalism; nuanced brick patterns supply texture and complexity within that uniformity.

At the heart of the lighting scheme, Baaya Design Studio suspends sculptural fabric cubes that showcase Telangana’s traditional crafts -Kalamkari, Pochampally ikat, and leather puppetry. The installation bridges heritage and modernity, echoing Forefathers’ mission to resonate with today’s audiences while honoring the past.

Through this integrated approach, the bar-restaurant manifests a dialogue between old and new, crafting an atmosphere where culinary and architectural narratives alike celebrate the legacy of forebears in a contemporary context.

 

Natural retreat

The residence embodies a young couple’s desire for a welcoming, functional home that is deeply connected to nature. Originally designed for phased expansion, the decision to complete the entire project from the outset enhanced construction efficiency and ensured greater comfort for future residents. The metal structure and steel deck system were chosen not only for their speed and precision in construction but also for their aesthetic impact, bringing lightness to the architectural composition.

 

Functional Organization

The residence is laid out in an “H” shape, a solution that allows all spaces to open onto the garden, fostering a continuous relationship between indoor and outdoor areas. The kitchen, one of the home’s central spaces, reflects the clients’ lifestyle: it directly connects to the living and dining areas, the barbecue space, and the garden, which includes a vegetable patch. The staircase leading to the upper floor doubles as a translucent wine cellar, maintaining visual permeability throughout the space. This fluid, integrated environment was designed to enhance social interactions and accommodate gatherings with friends and family -one of the homeowners’ top priorities.

In parallel, the spaces were designed to ensure functionality while maintaining a sense of retreat. The four suites are located on the upper floor, including a bedroom planned for the couple’s first child. Circulation areas were optimized to create dynamic communal spaces, such as the upstairs office, which makes use of an otherwise underutilized area. The bathrooms follow the same logic of integration and efficiency, with features like frosted glass shower enclosures that provide privacy without compromising the sense of spaciousness.

 

 

Material Palette

Materiality plays a crucial role in shaping the project’s identity. A concise, natural palette was chosen, with wood as a standout element. The continuous Tauari wood ceiling enhances spatial fluidity and warmth. On the ground floor, a pigmented concrete wall and microcement flooring create a unified aesthetic, reinforcing the home’s contemporary language. Meanwhile, Cumaru wood lattice screens contrast with the metal structure, filtering light and balancing privacy with visual openness. Finally, the outdoor pergolas feature sections covered with glass and straw, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow.

 

 

Exterior Design & Furniture

The outdoor area is a natural extension of the architecture. The lush landscaping complements the striking presence of the swimming pool, which was positioned laterally to offer views from multiple points within the house. The terrace acts as an extension of the social area, reinforcing the seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Furniture selection followed an organic approach, allowing the residents to curate pieces that reflect their personalities. The architecture dictated the layout, lighting, and finishes, ensuring the interiors embodied the essence of the project without excess.

 

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.

The results of the ECCA Coated Metal Awards 2024, honoring the best applications of painted metal elements in contemporary buildings in Greece and Cyprus, were announced on April 30th. Organized by the European Coil Coating Association based in Brussels, the competition received 45 entries, marking great success in showcasing innovation and sustainability in solutions with painted metal in architecture and design.

The selection of projects occurred in two phases, with the shortlisted projects presented by their architects to the jury at a special session held on April 23rd at The K Project venue in Kifissia. The jury comprised Yvonne Barcelona, Managing Director of ECCA; Christophe Perin, VP Global Marketing of Beckers; Alexandros Zomas, Board Member of the Hellenic Institute of Architecture; Pavlos Feraios, Member of the Cyprus Architects Association; and Nikos Patsavos, President of the Department of Architecture at the University of Ioannina. The jury awarded three prizes and one commendation across three categories based on project size.

In the S category, for projects up to 500m², the Bioaroma Museum and Experience Store in Agios Nikolaos, Crete, designed by KAAF Architects, received the award. The building integrates natural materials, predominantly local stone, with painted metal elements such as the double door entrance, showcases, canopy, and outdoor furniture. The choice of colors blends the project with its environment, referencing the ground and local flora.

In the M category, for projects between 500-2,000m², the Residences 316 housing complex in Engomi, Nicosia, by Constanti Architects, was awarded. The building, balancing between the urban development pace of Engomi and the desire for privacy, features a combination of solid and perforated metal panels in different colors on its façade, expressing the unique, dual character with a continuous, flexible surface.

In the L category, for projects larger than 2,000m², the renovated Piraeus Tower, designed by PILA, received the award. The project is characterized by design innovation and practical implementation, achieving not only aesthetic superiority but also sustainability. Challenges arising from the existing structure were skillfully addressed, combining the design requirements of a multi-story building with architectural creativity, resulting in a new, iconic landmark.

In the same category, an honorable mention was awarded to The Orbit office building in Athens, by LC Architects, for the refined application of its metal elements, appropriately adapted to redefine an existing building, setting new standards for urban architecture, and enhancing the aesthetics and environment of the city.

The awards were held under the auspices of the Hellenic Institute of Architecture, the Association of Greek Architects, the Cyprus Architects Association, with Elval Colour sponsoring the awards. The coordination, supervision, and design of the event’s visual identity were undertaken by ek magazine.

The ECCA Coated Metal Awards 2024, targeting professionals in architecture and design from Greece and Cyprus, are an initiative of the European Coil Coating Association. The awards aim to highlight the best-executed applications of coated metal elements in architecture, raising awareness about their significant environmental and aesthetic advantages.

Open Call for Entries

ECCA extends an open invitation to architects and designers to submit proposals of completed projects showcasing creative applications of coated metal, without any participation fee. Projects, encompassing architecture, interior design, or art installations, can be submitted under three categories: Small projects up to 500m², medium-sized projects from 500-2000m², and large projects exceeding 2000m².

Prizes and Recognition

For each category, a cash prize of €2000 will be awarded, with the possibility of additional Honorable Mentions without monetary rewards. Submissions are accepted digitally on the ecca-awards.com website, with a deadline of March 31.

Evaluation Criteria and Jury

The evaluation committee, comprising representatives from ECCA and architects, will assess projects based on their aesthetic dimension, design methodology, application innovation, and project sustainability. The jury members include:

– Yvonne Barcelona, Managing Director, ECCA
– Christophe Perin, VP Global Marketing, Beckers
– Panagiotis Tournikiotis, Vice President EIA
– Pavlos Feraeos, Cyprus Architects Association
– Nikos Patsavos, Assistant Professor, University of Ioannina

Announcement and Ceremony

Results will be announced on April 30, with the award ceremony taking place during the ECCA Conference scheduled in Athens from May 22-24. The awards are supported by the Hellenic Institute of Architecture, SADAS-PEA, and the Cyprus Architects Association.

For detailed information regarding the awards and submission guidelines, interested parties can visit www.ecca-awards.com.

About ECCA

Based in Brussels, ECCA is the European Coil Coating Association dedicated to promoting the recognition of coated metal. Its mission is to advocate for the environmental, economic, quality, and design advantages of coated metal.

ECCA conducts activities to develop the market, applications, products, and metal coating processes. Additionally, it establishes quality performance standards and develops testing methods for coated metal, granting quality and sustainability marks based on ECCA Premium® Label handbook guidelines, verified by independent third-party checks. ECCA also represents the industry in engagements with public officials, authorities, professional associations, and stakeholders.