Archello Awards · Winners Announced
Archello Awards 2024 · Winners Announced
Archello Awards 2024
Winners Announced
Alouminadiko
Alessandro kikinas

Alouminadiko Koffee

Kasawoo as Architects

Greek coffee houses have long been integral to social life and Alouminadiko Koffee, which roughly translates as ‘aluminium fabricator’, took inspiration from the owner’s family’s heritage of aluminium fabrication as well as the existing metal workshop on site.

Kasawoo was enlisted to devise innovative ways to expand the capacity of the existing coffee shop. Inspired by the functionality of small spaces in Japanese culture, the owner desired a fresh perspective from someone who could think creatively outside the box. Kasawoo aimed to provide a customised solution that aligned with the owner's vision of making Alouminadiko the leading craft coffee shop on the island.

photo_credit Kasawoo
Kasawoo
photo_credit Kasawoo
Kasawoo

Initially, Kasawoo was tasked with offering ideas and concept sketches for the expansion, while the owner would handle the detailing and construction. However, as the project progressed, their scope expanded to encompass all aspects of design and construction management. They even revamped the brand, from signage to pastry displays, custom shelving, bespoke furniture, and even the coffee cup designs.

Unlike many local businesses that operate seasonally, Alouminadiko Koffee aspires to serve both locals and tourists throughout the year. Kasawoo's design aimed to create a flexible space that could adapt to weather changes and customer patterns.

photo_credit Kasawoo
Kasawoo
photo_credit Kasawoo
Kasawoo

A crucial aspect of Kasawoo's approach was to treat each zone in a unified yet distinctive manner. Three floating canopies in the shape of 'O's were strategically attached to the existing building. These canopies provide essential shade during the hot summer months. The street-facing canopy remains open, connecting users to nature, while the side canopy features a glass skylight, creating an enclosed shelter with ample natural light for the rainy and cool winter months. Additionally, a unique umbrella-like canopy covered in sheer canvas was designed and placed at the front. Each canopy provides varying levels of shade and spatial conditions, along with new native plants, creating a microclimate within the coffee shop's premises.

The colour palette drew inspiration from the island's natural environment, utilising olive green and cypress green to achieve an earthy yet dynamic ambiance.

photo_credit Kasawoo
Kasawoo
photo_credit Kasawoo
Kasawoo

Kasawoo leveraged the owner's metalworking skills, showcasing the local craft by designing custom aluminium bi-fold doors that could easily open and close as needed. The canopies were adorned with angled aluminium panels that captured sunlight, introducing an elegant texture to the fascia. Tables, stools, and bar counters were handcrafted on-site. Exploring the integration of local plants, they created a large square table with perimeter seating, where nature becomes the focal point, fostering connections or providing privacy amidst the foliage.

While initial sketches were done on-site, the majority of the design work was conducted remotely through platforms like Whatsapp and Zoom. Thanks to the owner's involvement in construction, the project swiftly progressed from concept to realisation. Alouminadiko Koffee was built in phases by local craftsmen throughout the duration of nine months.

photo_credit Kasawoo
Kasawoo
photo_credit Kasawoo
Kasawoo

Team:
Architect: Kasawoo
Photography: Kasawoo 

photo_credit Kasawoo
Kasawoo
Project Credits
Architects
Product Spec Sheet

Project Spotlight
Product Spotlight
News
Fernanda Canales designs tranquil “House for the Elderly” in Sonora, Mexico
12 Dec 2024 News
Fernanda Canales designs tranquil “House for the Elderly” in Sonora, Mexico

Mexican architecture studio Fernanda Canales has designed a semi-open, circular community center for... More

Australia’s first solar-powered façade completed in Melbourne
12 Dec 2024 News
Australia’s first solar-powered façade completed in Melbourne

Located in Melbourne, 550 Spencer is the first building in Australia to generate its own electricity... More

SPPARC completes restoration of former Victorian-era Army & Navy Cooperative Society warehouse
11 Dec 2024 News
SPPARC completes restoration of former Victorian-era Army & Navy Cooperative Society warehouse

In the heart of Westminster, London, the London-based architectural studio SPPARC has restored and r... More

Green patination on Kyoto coffee stand is brought about using soy sauce and chemicals
10 Dec 2024 News
Green patination on Kyoto coffee stand is brought about using soy sauce and chemicals

Ryohei Tanaka of Japanese architectural firm G Architects Studio designed a bijou coffee stand in Ky... More

New building in Montreal by MU Architecture tells a tale of two facades
10 Dec 2024 News
New building in Montreal by MU Architecture tells a tale of two facades

In Montreal, Quebec, Le Petit Laurent is a newly constructed residential and commercial building tha... More

RAMSA completes Georgetown University's McCourt School of Policy, featuring unique installations by Maya Lin
10 Dec 2024 News
RAMSA completes Georgetown University's McCourt School of Policy, featuring unique installations by Maya Lin

Located on Georgetown University's downtown Capital Campus, the McCourt School of Policy by Robert A... More

MVRDV-designed clubhouse in shipping container supports refugees through the power of sport
9 Dec 2024 News
MVRDV-designed clubhouse in shipping container supports refugees through the power of sport

MVRDV has designed a modular and multi-functional sports club in a shipping container for Amsterdam-... More

Archello Awards 2025 expands with 'Unbuilt' awards categories
9 Dec 2024 Archello Awards
Archello Awards 2025 expands with 'Unbuilt' project awards categories

Archello is excited to introduce a new set of twelve 'Unbuilt' project awards for the Archello Award... More