The fitting of a bar-restaurant in Kolonaki, gave us the opportunity to create a space that levitates between memories of the past of this neighbourhood and the future we envision for it. The strong theatrical character of the interior, high rise, through and through space, as well as its use as a bar-restaurant, lead us to a move of strategic importance. The creation of a galleria that passes as well as cuts through the space. Its through and through quality unifies the paved space at the front with the open space created by the surrounding buildings and the garden at the back. Horizontally, it intervenes as a vertical stage between the bar and the dining area. The arrangement of the bar in rising levels strengthens the theatricality of the space by amplifying this game of glances on either side. The bar spreads vertically throughout the galleria linking the front (pavement) to the back (garden - glazing). The existing shell is composed of pounded exposed concrete and covered in timber slats, forming a box within a box. The pool of materials is concluded by the use of black metal sheets ( stairs, shelves ) as well as marble from Tinos with strong veins used to cover the floor and lower part of the bar. The pieces of marble used were cut from the same block and their placement ensures optimum continuity and fluidity in its appearance. The essence of the space is a result of a collage of the style of the old stores of the area with the promotion of a similar space in the future. The blend of classical materials (marble and wood) that characterised the shops of this region with new materials and techniques (pounded exposed concrete, black metal sheets, black tiles), create a sense of tranquility and promotes past recollection as well as investment in the future.
Architectural design: Kokkinou - Kourkoulas Architects & Associates
Project Architect: Giorgos Nikopoulos Architect
Design Team : Nicholas Paplomatas, Margarita Lempidaki
Acoustic Engineer : Theodoros Timagenis Architect
Architectural Lighting : L4A Petros Kaisaris/ Okapi Light
Construction : SOLID
Photos: Mariana Bisti
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