Banya Athens by PHOS Architects

A Contemporary Interpretation of Russian Spa Tradition: Opening in January 2025, BANYA Athens reinterprets the centuries-old Russian bathhouse through a contemporary architectural lens. Located in the city center, this multisensory retreat reframes traditional communal rituals – the oscillation between 70–100°C saunas and cold plunges – within a sophisticated, urban environment.

The project functions as a hybrid space, blending wellness rituals with the energy of a public bar. This duality is reflected in a choreographed, two-level layout where industrial materials like metal, glass, and concrete meet the warmth of wood. Inspired by Russian Constructivism, the design features clean lines, bold red and black accents, and functionalist bent-steel furniture. A sculptural staircase and a four-meter concrete mesh wall define the flow, maintaining a connection between the intimate spa and the social bar. BANYA Athens bridges tradition and modernity, offering a unique cultural journey for a new urban generation.