Originally completed in 1975 but left largely unoccupied for decades, Piraeus Tower stood as a symbol of unfinished ambition at the port of Piraeus. Rising 88 meters, the building's concrete shell was long known as the "sleeping giant" of the port. Its recent transformation into a contemporary mixed-use tower marks a major shift in both architectural and urban terms. Led by PILA, the project reactivates the structure through a comprehensive facade retrofit and reprogramming of common spaces, aligning it with the broader regeneration of Piraeus as a dynamic, livable district.

Responsive facade and solar performance

At the heart of the retrofit is a new facade system designed to reduce energy use and enhance environmental comfort. A network of vertical and horizontal overhangs—forming a dynamic shading structure—wraps the volume of the building. The vertical fins shift in position from floor to floor, generating a spring-like pattern across the facade. These fins are also gradually rotated to optimize shading and improve panoramic visibility, providing each elevation with tailored environmental performance.

Solar studies informed the precise placement of these louvers, resulting in a reduction of solar heat gain by 50%. This translates into a 20% decrease in overall building energy demand. The design is calibrated not only for shading but also to contribute to a distinctive architectural identity that evolves with the viewer’s perspective.

Energy systems and operational efficiency

Energy-conscious systems are embedded throughout the building. The rooftop features 500 square meters of photovoltaic panels contributing to the tower’s energy supply. A Building Management System (BMS) allows floor-by-floor control of HVAC and lighting, optimizing operational efficiency. The project also includes high-performance heating and cooling systems and six basement water tanks that collect and reuse greywater.

To reduce nighttime energy use and avoid light pollution, the facade lighting system uses low-consumption LEDs and a warm white baseline tone. The energy required to illuminate the tower is equivalent to just two standard residential air conditioning units. On special occasions, color sequences animate the fins, transforming the building into a civic beacon visible across the harbor.

Material recovery and circular processes

The renovation process incorporated sustainable demolition techniques. All pre-existing glazing was removed separately and recycled, resulting in 126 tonnes of reclaimed glass. This material-focused approach demonstrates how legacy structures can be upgraded using low-impact methods, prioritizing reuse wherever possible.

Environmental certification and recognition

Piraeus Tower is targeting LEED Platinum certification. It is also enrolled in the WELL Core™ program, integrating health and well-being benchmarks into its design and operation. In 2024, the project achieved an A++ EPC rating, exceeding the highest energy performance classification available under the Greek system.