saint of athens revives century-old cycladic building as sunlit bar-restaurant in syros

Saint of Athens renovates 1900s building On syros island, greece

Saint of Athens breathes new life into a 1900s Cycladic building with LIAKO, a bar–restaurant in the heart of Syros that celebrates light and history. Set next to the Town Hall of Hermoupolis, LIAKO takes its name from the traditional ‘liakoto’—enclosed sunrooms designed to capture the Aegean light. 

Designed in collaboration with ICD Designers, the renovation respects the fabric of the century-old structure, ensuring that its defining elements remain intact. The characteristic open courtyard, bathed in Cycladic sunlight, and the architectural simplicity of the building serve as the foundation for the design. White surfaces reflect and amplify natural light, while artificial lighting orchestrates an ambient transformation in the evening, setting the stage for an intimate dining experience.

all images by George Kaplanidis

bespoke furnishings enhance the story of the place in liako

Athens-based Saint of Athens combines custom furnishings and contemporary artworks for LIAKO to bridge past and present, integrating them into the space without overwhelming its historic character. The design narrative unfolds through a refined palette and subtle interventions, ensuring that the renovation enhances the story of the place.

LIAKO emerges as an homage to Cycladic heritage—its name, its light, and its enduring spirit. Saint of Athens and ICD Designers compose a setting to preserve memories of the past and craft a sophisticated experience for the present.

Saint of Athens breathes new life into a 1900s Cycladic building

LIAKO is a bar-restaurant in the heart of Syros

the restaurant takes its name from the traditional enclosed sunrooms designed to capture the Aegean light

preserving the essence of the original structure while infusing it with a fresh atmosphere

LIAKO’s renovation respects the fabric of the century-old structure

the characteristic open courtyard is bathed in Cycladic sunlight

custom furnishings and contemporary artworks bridge past and present

lighting design orchestrates an ambient transformation in the evening

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the design narrative unfolds through a refined palette

the renovation enhances the story of the place

LIAKO emerges as an homage to Cycladic heritage

Saint of Athens and ICD Designers compose a setting to preserve memories of the past

set next to the Town Hall of Hermoupolis,

sculptural details in the building

white curtains complete the interiors

warm lighting creates a welcoming atmosphere

project info:

name: LIAKO 
designer: Saint of Athens | @saintofathens, ICD Designers | @icd.designers

architectural works: ICD Designers
concept & branding: Saint of Athens   
lighting design: Ioannidis Lighting
custom works: Studio Obscoura, Nitsolas, 12 concept, Enka Moisiadis, Mexil, Ioannidis Lighting

photography: George Kaplanidis | @kaplanidis

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom