Mikos | R.C.TECH

The redesign of the four-store neoclassical building at downtown Athens, is differentiated in every floor according to the store’s use. Modern interior design elements cancel the building’s austere look.

The building’ facades date back to the end of the 19th century while the interior has been remodeled many times over the last couple of decades. Its last use was a café while the new tenants turned it into a textiles store.

The interior design employs the vertical axis that crosses all levels in order to intrigue the visitors to explore the whole store.  The building shell is preserved and remodeled in the original coloring scheme of the previous century while the interiors are modeled around a contemporary architectural vocabulary.

Every floor accommodates a different programmatic aspect of the company. The basement houses the retail sales, the ground floor and the mezzanine house the reception and the more private areas for sampling while the last floor is mainly dedicated to contract clients.

Entering the building, the circular layout arrangement opens to the guests the various sampling stations while a centrally located custom made light feature enhances the rounding effect. Through the main staircase that is located directly in front of the entrance, one can view the dramatically lit basement with its glossy epoxy floors or wonder to the balconies of the mezzanine area. The last floor sits directly under a glass skylight and is painted in a dark blue color in stark contrast to a white spiraling staircase and the glass partitions of the office spaces.

Architectural Design: R.C.TECH – www.rctech.gr

Giannis Douridas, Architect
Nassos Chamilothoris, Architect
Christina Kontou, Architect
Dimitra Stathopoulou, Architect
Elias Kyriazis, Architect

MEP Design:
Vassilis Lykoskoufis, Mechanical Engineer

Construction:
R.C.TECH
Nassos Androutsopoulos, Civil Engineer
Christina Tzevelekou, Architect

Photos:
Athina Souli: www.athinasouli.com