A rusted cave designed to harbour precious treasures in Athens, Greece
Marathianakis Jewellery has been creating timeless pieces for over 60 years. Known for the statement blend of antique and modern elements, the brand specialises in Ancient Greek and Byzantine inspired designs.
A nostalgic arcade, just off Syntagma Square right in the heart of the city of Athens, plays host to Marathianaki's new showroom. Traditionally this was the neighbourhood where the watchmaking and jewellery trades used to thrive. Drawing from the history of the arcade and the surrounding area, the architect proposes a distinctive brief, acknowledging the beauty of the limitations of designing a confined space, while at the same time reflecting on the jewellery collection.
The 45 square meter space is divided in 3 levels, lower ground, ground and first floor level. The lower ground and first floors serve as storage spaces. The showroom only takes up 15 square meters on the ground level and appears as if completely independent of the two other levels which remain accessible via concealed hatches on the floor and the ceiling.
The design of the showroom is mainly concerned with the coherence of the products and the space in which they are presented. Inspired by the ancient Greek and Byzantine influences of the collection, the architect imagines an archaeological site, he covers the entire room, wall-to-ceiling in oxidised metal and extends the use of the same material on all surfaces and furniture, creating a holistic environment that resembles a cave, an underground chamber, in which the jewellery is showcased reminiscing found treasures of a bygone era.
In the middle of the room, suspended from the ceiling, a handcrafted olive tree root made from the same oxidised metal, commands the visitor's attention. The fluid and organic form of this sculptural feature creates an interesting contradiction to the minimal lines and geometry of the rest of the space.
The resulting architectural impression is that of an eroded cocoon that encases precious jewels. The space evokes a sense of opulence and luxury, while at the same time alluding to a wistful yearning for past grandeur and glory.
