Redesign and restoration of the 5* hotel

ESPERIA

in the historical center of Athens

First Prize in a restricted Architectural Competition with invitation to tender

Esperia 5* hotel is one of the most emblematic and historical buildings in the center of Athens. The discontinuation of its operation since 2010 halted cohesion and liveliness of the city as it is an inseparable part of Stadiou street, one of the most important axis of the historical center with buildings of particular beauty and architecture. The building’s restoration and the creation of a new façade centered around the harmonious integration into the urban fabric is deemed necessary as it is very important not to alter the building’ personality.

In our proposal we seek to restore the unification of the façade and the intent that was present in the original drawings of the building. Using the elements of the existing façade, namely the canvas of the balconies and the unification of the roofs through horizontal elements, we propose to create a 'filter' that highlights the particular architectural elements of the building. The vertical elements have the following peculiarity: on the lower floors they are denser in order to protect the visitor from the disturbance of the city and the busy street, while as we go up to the higher levels, they become more and more sparse, allowing an unobstructed view of the city.

Project details

Architectural design: Tsolakis Architects

Project Architects: Eleni Lagari, Angelos Palaskas

Design Team: Ioanna Papamattheou, Christina Krystallinou,

Miguel Munoz Ayllon, Gianna Papapavlou

Michalis Fountouklis, Fotini Liakou, Ariadni Androulaki,

Christos Siakallis, Katerina Petrochilou, Semeli Mesolongiti

Structural design: Christoforos Kolyvas

E/M design: Manos Agapakis

Interior design: Tatiana Violari

Construction: ETHNOKAT

Text: Tsolakis Architects

Photos: George Messaritakis