1. Home
  2. Award 2024
  3. Hospitality
  4. ERGON Bakehouse: a bakery, a retail store, a restaurant and a boutique hotel

ERGON Bakehouse: a bakery, a retail store, a restaurant and a boutique hotel

URBAN SOUL PROJECT

Hospitality  /  Completed
URBAN SOUL PROJECT

In today's era, particularly in Athens, Greece, which is experiencing α tourism growth beyond any expectation, hotels are increasingly engaging in the battle for differentiation. The goal is to offer alternative opportunities for multi-sensory stays. Ergon Bakehouse in Athens is a concept that embodies the fusion of artisanal baking with modern hospitality. Situated in a beautifully renovated neoclassical building in the heart of Athens, Ergon Bakehouse serves as both a bakery, a retail store, a restaurant and a boutique hotel. The concept is inspired by a deep appreciation for the art of dough and traditional baking techniques, which are married with contemporary design and culinary innovation.

Ergon Bakehouse is a multifaceted culinary and hospitality destination that celebrates the art of baking. It is located in the historic center of Athens near Syntagma Square, within a listed building designed by architect Vassilis Tsagris in the early 20th century. Previously, the building accommodated residential units and offices, while the ground floor was used for commercial purposes. This classic example of Athenian architecture, known for its vertical elements and sophisticated decor, has been impeccably preserved and adapted. Today’s visitors can appreciate details of the building's aesthetic and functional past, such as the plaster decorations, one of the original staircases, and the elevator.

Upon entering the ground floor, visitors encounter the 72H Artisanal Bakery, where bread and pastries are prepared and baked after resting for 72 hours. The bakery's eye-catching display case leads to three distinct areas: the retail space dedicated to home baking products, the baking area, and the 72H Lab— the preparation area.

Centrally located in the building is the original entrance and staircase, leading to three other access points: the hotel reception and the waiting area, the retail space and the 72H Eatery.

A New Perspective on Urban Accommodation

The hotel's concept offers a fresh take on metropolitan living: the sensory pleasure of aromatic scents complements the comfort of the 29 well-appointed rooms, while fostering cultural and social connections through its public spaces, inspiring days filled with creativity, warmth, and reflection.

Materiality of Comfort

The scent of fresh bakery goods permeates the entire building. The configuration of the rooms aligns with the architectural features of the heritage building. The "onda," a deep, recessed sofa, serves as both an additional bed and a lounge area, enhancing the room's functional and aesthetic appeal.

Each room is thoughtfully designed to reflect the elements of a bakery and a professional kitchen: dark firebrick, wall paneling, large stainless steel counters, and linen fabrics contribute to the decor. The design strategy ensures that every element contributes to an overarching sense of continuity.

"If you want a very concise and meaningful description, Ergon Bakehouse Athens is a bakery with rooms”, notes the owner, Thomas Douzis. "While you can come across a restaurant with few rooms in your travels, a bakery - hotel is something rare, if not unique. The ground floor is occupied by the very instagrammable storefront of 72H Artisanal Bakery, full of loaves, baguettes, sandwiches and viennoiserie. The rooms evoke the caring of a heartwarming breakfast."

Credits

 Athens
 Greece
 ERGON Foods
 Hospitality, Bakehouse, Eatery, Retail
 03/2024
 1580 sq. m
 Confidential
 Urban Soul Project
 Partner in charge: Maria Tsaftari, Ηotel Lead Architects: Dimitris Stefanidis, Artemis Papanikolaou, Maria Petsani, Hotel Design Team: Mary Vasilaki, Alexandros Pantelidis, Restaurants/ Retail Lead Architects: Ioanna Tzampazi, Margarita Vogiatzi, Cristiana Tsantali
 Mirto Iatropoulou / Mia Dorier

Curriculum

Urban Soul Project specializes in architectural design encompassing buildings, interior, and product design. With a membership of 100 in Greece, USP has established itself as a prominent entity in the industry.
The firm has garnered recognition from institutions such as the German Design Awards, the Grands Prix DU Design Awards, and the Architizer A+ Awards. Its portfolio has been showcased in numerous local and international publications. USP was honored with inclusion in the prestigious "40 under 40" list of the most innovative young European architects and designers in 2019.
Urban Soul Project actively engages in socially responsible initiatives. The firm has provided its expertise to organizations including the Iosifoglio Foundation, STEPS organization, Anatolia College, Center of Sign Language Education, and the Municipality of Athens. USP has been recognized by Aristotle University of Thessaloniki for its involvement in the Higher Education Internship program AUTH.

https://houses.ergonfoods.com/...

Tag

#Finalist #Greece  #Athens  #Brick  #Wood  #Commercial - Retail  #Hotels  #Restaurant  #Brick Structure  #Stainless steel  #URBAN SOUL PROJECT  #Kitchens 

© Maggioli SpA • THE PLAN • Via del Pratello 8 • 40122 Bologna, Italy • T +39 051 227634 • P. IVA 02066400405 • ISSN 2499-6602 • E-ISSN 2385-2054
ITC Avant Garde Gothic® is a trademark of Monotype ITC Inc. registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and which may be registered in certain other jurisdictions.