Leasure
The Fold
ATHENS, GREECE, 2021
JIC ARCHITECTS
DESIGN TEAM:
IOANNA FAKIRI, JULIE SPYROPOULOU, IASONAS VOVOS
The Fold
In the heart of the ever-transforming Metaxourgeio/Kerameikos district stands a city hotel building that defies convention. With its facade, it speaks volumes of contrasts, merging old Athenian elements with modern design. The external “skin” of metal cladding contrasts sharply with the internal “heart” of combed concrete, teasing a dialogue between past and present. Panels perforated theatrically invite the outside world in, blurring boundaries between interior and exterior. But it’s not just about the exterior; inside, a reimagined space inspired by Athens itself unfolds. A central “boulevard” and side “streets” lead to rooms, offering privacy amidst urban vibrancy. The interior, a dance of imperfection and refinement, blends raw concrete with elegant wood, metal, and earthy hues. As the facade frames fragments of the surrounding cityscape, so too does the interior capture the essence of Athenian architecture. This is more than just a building; it’s a story of contrasts, a symphony of old and new, waiting to be explored.
Located within the rich historical tapestry of the Metaxourgeio / Kerameikos district, our latest architectural endeavour stands as a testament to the area’s dynamic evolution. This innovative building boldly embraces the concept of contradiction enganging in a captivating dialogue between diverse architectural forms.
The façade design renders this contradiction, skillfully delineating the separation between the external “skin” and the internal “heart” of the structure. While the interior boasts exposed combed concrete and classical Athenian morphological elements, the exterior is adorned with a striking metal cladding system, creating a captivating interplay of tradition and modernity.
Distinctive material variations between the ground floor and subsequent levels enhance visual intrigue and layering, while strategically perforated metal panels theatrically frame views and movements, fostering an uninterrupted flow between interior and exterior realms. This seamless integration invites the outside environment into the building’s core, establishing a harmonious connection with the bustling cityscape.
Furthermore, meticulous attention to detail extends to the interior, which underwent a comprehensive redesign inspired by the vibrant spirit of Athens. Central “boulevards” and intimate “streets” guide occupants to private sanctuaries, ensuring both comfort and acoustic isolation. Here, the façade’s inward fold is echoed, with metal perforated panels adorning each room type. Curved elements disrupt the regularity of the existing structure, culminating in a mesmerizing circular staircase that spirals through the heart of the building like a ribbon.
In keeping with the theme of contrast, the interior design narrative unfolds as a captivating dialogue between the imperfect and the polished. Raw concrete structural elements coexist harmoniously with refined materials such as wood, metal, mosaic, and a palette of pastels and earthy tones, resulting in a vibrant interplay of textures and hues that pays homage to Athenian architecture while seamlessly integrating with the surrounding urban fabric.
The project stands as a testament to the transformative power of design, offering a coherent narrative that transcends time and tradition.
Design Team: Ioanna Fakiri, Julie Spyropoulou, Iason Vovos, Tryfon Dimitrakopoulos
Photographer: Christos Drazos
Location: Athens, Greece
Year: 2022
The project is located in Metaxourgeio, in the heart of a residential area with a completely diverse anthropography and an ever-changing architectural "vocabulary". In this context, the building must have a strong architectural identity, as the location and the wider area works as an undefined collage of architectural forms.
The design of the facade, renders clear the separation between the external "face" and the internal "heart" of the building, by using two opposite techniques to emphasize the different impressions they give: on the one hand, the interior is exposed to combed concrete and other morphological elements of the Athenian architecture and on the other hand the metal cladding on the façade of the building.
The aim is to strengthen and reinterpret the character of the area through an architectural language that can communicate with the area of Metaxourgeio. Using simple and clean materials, our desire is to create a quiet and discreet building that is harmonized with the urban environment, while meeting the need for modern and technologically efficient buildings in the area. To maintain the volumetric characteristics, the metal mesh is placed from the first floor to the roof at a distance from the main volume that equals the length of the balconies. The purpose of this gesture is to identify the entrance of the building through the revelation of the old volume. At the same time, the difference in materiality, between the ground floor and the other floors, adds a visual variety between the two levels and increases the effect of stratification. As far as the metal cladding, panels of the same material but different drilling frequencies are observed, creating an atmospheric impression in the interior spaces.
Finally, the metal suspension beams of the metal cladding participate in the morphological impression of the building structure by exposing the balconies and the windows. The interior of the building was completely stripped and designed from the beginning. The bearing structure and the openings created an original system of rooms and common areas, which maximizes the qualities of the building and minimizes its weaknesses. Our goal was to focus and maintain the remarkable and vital elements of the building. The central idea was inspired by the city of Athens, by creating a central "boulevard" and smaller side "streets", each of which leads to a room, ensuring privacy and sound insulation. The elements of wood, copper, mosaic, pastel but also earthy colors and furniture are key elements of the building structure which follows the architectural characteristics, the curves, and the repetitive patterns of the facade.