Zurbaran Athens | Bar-Restaurant in Kolonaki

Theatrical character

The design of a bar-restaurant in Kolonaki offers an opportunity to craft a space that bridges the memories and history of the neighborhood with the forward-looking vision its residents hold for the future.

Design Philosophy

The space’s intensely theatrical character, with its high ceilings and bright atmosphere, combined with its dual function as a bar and restaurant, inspired a strategic design choice: the creation of an arcade that not only traverses but also divides the space. This elongated arcade seamlessly connects the front pedestrian area with the rear zones, including the acrylic section and the garden. Simultaneously, it acts as a longitudinal stage, mediating between the bar and dining areas. The restaurant’s elevated levels amplify the sense of theatricality, enhancing the interplay of glances between different sides. The elongated bar runs the full length of the arcade, forming a continuous link between the front sidewalk and the rear glazed garden.

Material Palette

The existing concrete shell has been deconstructed and layered with timber, creating a new structure within the original framework. The material palette is enriched with black sheet metal, featured prominently in the staircase and the bar, while the floors and the bar mirror are adorned with the characteristic Tinos marble. More specifically, marble slabs, meticulously cut from a single block, were arranged to achieve seamless continuity and an impression of grandeur.

Spatial Atmosphere

The ambiance of the space emerges from a thoughtful collage that blends two elements: the nostalgic charm of Kolonaki’s old shops and a vision of how such a space might evolve in the future. Classic materials like marble and wood, once hallmarks of the area’s shops, are seamlessly combined with modern materials and techniques, including crushed concrete, black sheet metal, and black mosaic. This fusion creates a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, evoking a sense of memory while simultaneously embracing forward-looking innovation.