Ergon Bakehouse: Living in a Bakery A place for making and baking pastries, a retail space, an eatery, and finally a hotel, all in the heart of Athens. Ergon Bakehouse is a hospitality project, unified by the enticing aroma and colours of dough—a semiotic symbol of care. From the entrance to the rooms, the design of Urban Soul Project revolves around the life cycle of the dough and the ambiance of a traditional Bakery. 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, 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. The Architecture of Fragrances and Sociability 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. The entire process is visible to guests, as the historic window frames provide a picturesque view of this open-plan workshop—typically hidden in conventional bakeries. 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.
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. Constraints on altering the structure mean that rooms are spacious, with many offering separate living areas. The “deep”, recessed sofa, serves as both an additional bed and a lounge area, enhancing the room’s functional and aesthetic appeal. The light scheme in the rooms is limited to linear stripes carefully positioned to highlight wall surfaces.
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. Internal shading devices, integral to the original windows, adjust the light to create a calm, inviting atmosphere. The hotel corridors and rooms are adorned with artwork by Stratis Tavlaridis, Nikos Handolias and Marika Kyriakidou, inspired by the craft of baking and the innovative 72H Artisanal Bakery, further enriching the guest experience.
