Citadel Within the City

Set within the Matosinhos Sul Urbanization Plan by Álvaro Siza, the former Brandão & Companhia canning factory occupies a privileged position near the coastline, retaining a strong connection to the industrial past and maritime identity of the area. The intervention reinterprets this legacy through a mixed-use development that consolidates healthcare, commercial, office, and residential functions within a unified architectural system, restoring the original envelope and chimney while introducing a contemporary layer.

 

Urban Integration

The proposal addresses the fragmentation of the existing structure by re-establishing continuity within the urban fabric. While the original volumetry occupied almost the entire plot, the project introduces permeable and green voids that allow natural light and circulation to penetrate the block. These interstitial spaces generate visual and physical connections between programs, enhancing accessibility to upper levels and fostering interaction within a dense, multifunctional urban environment. The ground floor accommodates commercial and service functions, offices are positioned on the first level, and residential units are organized in elevated volumes.

 

 

Programmatic Organization

At the entrance to the residential areas, a reception space opens onto a patio that operates as the central node of circulation, linking communal zones and distributing movement across the complex. The spatial hierarchy is structured to balance privacy and collectivity, ensuring fluid transitions between different uses. The distribution of the building mass into distinct volumes creates a dynamic composition that responds both to the scale of the plot and to the surrounding urban context.

 

 

Material Palette

The architectural language is articulated through a juxtaposition of materials with varying densities, notably pigmented concrete and aluminum stretched mesh. This contrast reflects the dialogue between past and present, emphasizing both the solidity of the existing structure and the lightness of the newly inserted volumes. Suspended above the courtyard, these elements introduce a sense of elevation and permeability, with a material palette inspired by the proximity to the sea. The intervention ultimately establishes a balanced relationship with adjacent buildings and the public realm, contributing to the revitalization of the block and supporting a broader strategy of sustainable urban development.

 

Restructuring an Urban Fragment

The building, a formerly monofunctional and structurally fragmented commercial zone at Salzburg’s Lieferinger Spitz is reimagined as a vibrant, urban microcosm. Located at a key traffic junction along the Münchner Bundesstraße, the site -once defined by noise, vehicular dominance, and anonymity- is transformed through a bold architectural gesture into a place of social interaction, ecological awareness, and spatial clarity.

 

Design Philosophy

The L-shaped building anchors the site, mediates between scales, and introduces a carefully choreographed volumetry that responds to environmental stressors while defining new urban edges. Terraced floors, setbacks, and volumetric articulations provide noise protection and introduce rhythm and identity. What was once a lot hosting six units now accommodates 47 hybrid residential and commercial units, merging density with livability.

The core of the architectural concept lies in smart densification without additional land consumption. Parking is decoupled from lease agreements, creating flexibility and liberating surface area for green and communal spaces. By prioritizing bike infrastructure, car -and cargo-bike sharing, and non-motorized mobility, the building responds to the needs of a shifting urban demographic. Roof gardens, vertical green systems, and open-air terraces introduce biodiversity, moderate heat islands, and create meaningful social interfaces.

 

 

Urban Design

Confronted with a narrow, traffic-exposed plot, the design asserts a new logic: it creates a public plaza with a fountain, integrates a new bike lane, and elevates community life with a rooftop playground. This project redefines the rules of residual spaces, demonstrating how architecture can reclaim forgotten zones and turn them into hubs of urban vitality. Despite constraints, the site now hosts more green space than before, proving that density and ecology can not only coexist, but amplify each other.

The project goes beyond architecture: it delivers measurable public and ecological value. Residents benefit from improved air quality, reduced noise, and diversified urban amenities. The surrounding district profits from new public green areas, improved microclimate, and an upgraded mobility infrastructure. In the broader urban ecology, MB110 contributes to reducing soil sealing, supporting biodiversity, and encouraging low-impact lifestyles.

 

 

Innovative Approach & Sustainability

What distinguishes MB110 is its ability to create more open, green space through densification -an apparent contradiction turned design strategy. It demonstrates how unbuildable or overlooked urban plots can be reprogrammed through architecture into meaningful, livable, and ecologically sound urban fragments. It offers a blueprint for resilient urban transformation, balancing pragmatic solutions with visionary thinking.

 

Ethnic influences

The 120m² café in Maroussi is thoughtfully designed to cater to diverse needs, offering a versatile space that transitions seamlessly from a relaxed café setting to a welcoming environment for work. Its aesthetic harmoniously blends European sophistication with vibrant ethnic accents.

 

Design Philosophy

The café’s name, inspired by the dragon plant native to Africa, sets the tone for its interior design, where African-inspired decorations and motifs take center stage. A vibrant green theme is prominently featured in the ceiling, window frames, and various elements, including metal hanging structures, shelving, and stands that frame the perimeter of the columns.

 

Plan Layout

The space features two large, wood-paneled monastic tables designed to accommodate both groups and work teams, along with smaller tables paired with a sofa lining the wall. The coffee counter spans the entire width of the floor plan and is adorned with a perforated white pattern, while the wall behind it, along with the supporting structures, is finished with matching white tiles.

 

Decoration, Materials & Vegetation

A standout feature preserved from the site’s original state is the mosaic floor, which adds a distinctive charm to the design and evokes elements of Greek domestic architecture. The exposed roof with prominent installations introduces an urban aesthetic, contrasting beautifully with the lush greenery, planted accents, and bamboo pendant lights. Strategically placed perimeter openings blur the lines between interior and exterior spaces, while a highly-photographed mural of a female portrait serves as the café’s focal point. This artwork not only decorates the wall but also symbolizes a vibrant and passionate female spirit.

Horizontal gatherings

Located in Sharq, Kuwait, this project represents the idea of a multifunctional canopy, that simultaneously acts as an urban installation for the heart of the city center.

 

Building Program

The mixed-use building stands as a new landmark and a prominent place for gathering, hosting several communal events throughout the day, while at the same time, acting as a drive-in restaurant and outdoor esplanade. The roof is a playful contemplation area that features a playground and dining area with breathtaking views of the city, through series of carefully curated architectural elements such as stands and slides. In parallel, the space is also used as an outdoor theatre or cinema. Finally, the first floor includes an indoor restaurant and all the service areas.

 

 

Construction Philosophy

The most prominent element is a red spiral staircase that connects the three floors as well as all interior and exterior spaces. The construction philosophy is based on using raw, natural materials combined with intricate assembly techniques in order to create spaces as well as furniture that are both functional as well as optimally constructed.

Material Palette

The canopy-façade is made of a metallic mesh painted white, while the roof, floors and interior ceilings are painted in red, thus creating a horizontal contrast. In parallel, glossy ceramic tiles are used to clad specific parts of the interior walls. Finally, an array of strategically placed openings offers cross ventilation, natural light and accessibility to the overall space.

 

Mediterranean atmosphere

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

 

Project Vision

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

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

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

 

Program Development

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

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

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

 

Recreational Facilities

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

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

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

 

Construction Progress

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

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