At a busy intersection in Marousi, a northern suburb of Athens, Greece, A&M Architects has reimagined a signature office building to align with contemporary standards, placing sustainability and flexibility at its core. Originally built in 2002, the building is a defining feature of this established business district. The redesign enhances its energy performance while reconfiguring interior layouts, revitalizing the facade, and rethinking the surrounding landscape.
The intervention sought to improve environmental performance, workplace flexibility, and user experience while preserving the building’s role within the area's business district. Rather than replacing the existing structure, the project adopted a refurbishment strategy that extends the building’s service life and reduces the environmental impacts associated with new construction.
Adaptive reuse of an existing structure
The project builds upon the original design by architect Kyriakos Kyriakidis, retaining the primary structural framework while introducing significant spatial and environmental upgrades. The decision to refurbish rather than demolish the building supports the conservation of embodied carbon by preserving existing structural components and reducing demand for new construction materials.
One of the most notable architectural interventions involved the removal of the original diagonal steel trusses that spanned the recessed corner between the two building wings. This modification opened the space to increased natural daylight and enabled the creation of a landscaped courtyard that strengthens the connection between the building and its surroundings.
Flexible workplace planning
The four office floors were reorganized around an open-plan layout designed to accommodate changing workplace requirements over time. Existing partitions were removed to create adaptable floorplates capable of supporting multiple occupancy models and future reconfiguration without major structural intervention.
Additional workplace amenities include accessible sanitary facilities, kitchen areas, storage rooms, technical spaces, printing facilities, and a new reception area. These upgrades improve long-term functionality while supporting a broader range of user needs.
The flexible planning strategy contributes to the building’s longevity by allowing future tenants and owners to modify interior arrangements without extensive demolition or reconstruction.
Energy performance and building systems
A key objective of the refurbishment was improving operational efficiency. The project introduced upgraded mechanical and electrical systems throughout the building alongside energy-efficient LED lighting.
The roof now accommodates photovoltaic panels that contribute to renewable electricity generation on site. Improvements to the building envelope enhance daylight penetration and support natural ventilation, reducing dependence on artificial lighting and mechanical conditioning systems.
Parking facilities were upgraded with electric vehicle charging infrastructure and bicycle storage, supporting lower-carbon commuting options for occupants.
Facade renewal and materials
The renewed facade serves both architectural and environmental functions. Trespa Meteon high-pressure laminate panels form the primary cladding system, selected for durability, weather resistance, and long service life. This durability reduces maintenance requirements and contributes to lifecycle performance objectives established through the project's sustainability framework.
The facade redesign reinforces the building’s original horizontal composition while improving environmental performance through enhanced daylight access and ventilation opportunities. Linear lighting elements further articulate the building’s geometry while using energy-efficient lighting technology.
Landscape and ecological improvements
The extensive outdoor area has been redesigned as a Mediterranean garden, offering both functional and ecological upgrades. A curved geometric layout introduces a central pathway alongside a secondary gravel trail, with newly planted zones arranged between them. The design incorporates gathering spaces with built-in seating, shaded pergolas, and outdoor rest areas.
The refurbishment extends beyond the building envelope to include a comprehensive redesign of the outdoor environment, replacing previously underutilized exterior areas, supporting biodiversity, and improving ecological value across the site. The landscape intervention contributed to the project’s strong BREEAM performance in the Land Use and Ecology category.
The original design by Kyriakos Kyriakidis
Designed in 2000, the building featured simple yet imposing forms. It consisted of two interconnected structures forming a "Γ" shape, with two distinct material and structural lines. The geometry was emphasized by 45-degree extensions at the edges, enhancing its architectural form. These design principles were further developed by A&M, reinforcing the building’s horizontal movement through material variations on the facades and a linear lighting scheme.
A distinctive feature of the original structure was the metal trusses that diagonally connected the acute-angled ends of each wing. Spanning 20 meters across three levels — roof, second floor, and first floor — without vertical support, these trusses posed a significant structural challenge while adding sculptural interest to the building’s exterior. As part of the comprehensive upgrade, A&M proposed their removal, opening up the recessed corner to introduce more natural light and integrate a Mediterranean garden into the surrounding landscape.
