studiomateriality redesigns old industrial building in athens into the HQ of a fashion distributor

studiomateriality has developed cepolia, a renovation project created to host the facilities of phoenix distribution company. it is located in sepolia, a neighborhood north of the center of athens that is known for the increased industrial activity during the 1960s and later, specialized in clothing. during the last thirty years, this building has been the storage of the court of the audit.

a new backstory is written, highlighting the old industry activity of the area and re-connecting it with the new use of the building. studiomateriality unveils the raw character of this interesting shell. open plan design, gentle, minimum, only absolutely necessary interventions are being made following the simplest forms and combinations. old and new co-exists. wood and metal for the heavier structures, curtains, visual communication. all the details matter, all the materials being used are visible, even the electrical and ventilation network.

storage, a lounge with a garden, showrooms, and an administration office are spread through the floors, accompanied by ranks of clothes, shoes on top of cubes and various collections changing according to the SS and AW collection periods. two doors are marking the new-born building. the main one designed with a metal frame protrudes from the wall welcoming the visitors inside and the huge garage sliding door informs both visitors and passers-by about the definition of the word ‘door’. 

project info:

name: cepolia, headquarters of phoenix distribution company
location: monis philosophou 6, athens 10443
area: 712m2
status: completed, december 2018
architects: studiomateriality
lead designer: miltos kontogiannis
design team: nancy karagianni, sevastiana konstaki, dimitris siokis
photography: alina lefa

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: maria erman | designboom