klab architecture completes pharmacy with triangular perforated façade in piraeus, greece

klab architecture has designed mole pharmacy with a large, triangular perforated structure on its top as a reference to its location: piraeus, the largest port of greece, which connects the mainland with the islands. situated on a site formerly occupied by an old warehouse-turn-night club, the project sees the existing building completely transformed, while existing stone walls have been reinforced with a new concrete structure and a new façade has been introduced to the city.

all images by mariana bisti

one of the largest pharmacies in the country, klab architecture‘s mole pharmacy is designed to resemble naval formal language on both its exterior and interior façades. inside, a series of mezzanines connected to each other in different ways divide the large, open volume of the former warehouse, while a curved ramp creates a dynamic line and connects the store’s two levels. a meeting room and office, as well as storage and a unique multi-purpose space used for parties, yoga lessons, seminars, or even theatrical plays, are located on the upper levels, while the ground floor is reserved for the retail area and a small lab.

circulation inside the large retail space is guided by the arrangement of furniture and areas of interest, while the store takes the form of a museum-like experience where products become the exhibit. where possible, the old stone walls were retrieved to reveal the existing structure of the ground floor, while other materials used in the project include the steel and aluminum perforated façade, the wood floors on the mezzanine, the epoxy floor of the ground level, and the gypsum boards, used extensively for false ceilings and walls. a path has been created on the exterior that leads to the terrace where a botanical garden will be developed in the future.

project info:

name: mole pharmacy

architect: klab architecture (konstantinos labrinopoulos)

team: veronika vasileiou

structural engineer: ypslinon ltd.

project manager: future constructions

location: piraeus, greece

area: 600 m²