HEV•Flooring around by Fluo, Architecture and design studio; Greece

“Evripides” hotel is located in the heart of Athens and housed in a 70’s building with references in the modernist era. The bonds between ancient and modern are there prominent by default – like in the rest of Athens. The direct view to the Sacred Rock of the Acropolis is a testimony of the past being present to our future.

Fluo’s goal was to redesign the upper floor of the building in order to have a dual use: bar and breakfast room. Marble that has been perpetually connected with the long history of the city was one of the main architectural materials. Combined with other elements, such as extravagant tiles and wooden planks, the floor creates a patchwork of materials that segment the area in diverse triangular shapes.

The metal arches painted in gold make a reference to the neoclassical patterns and come in complete antithesis with the sharp edges of the floor. The vibrant colors in the seating areas were embraced to fade out the neutrality of the gray buildings around the hotel. The warm ‘terra cotta’ of the ceiling is trying to imitate the intense light of the restless sun standing above the city.

The water fountain created in the middle of the space makes reference to the ancient Greek fonts and at the same time it excludes the existence of plastic bottles.

The glass partition across the terrace creates a sun room that seems to be floating on air.

The whole synthesis of the space is a patchwork of shapes and materials. This patchwork reflects the urban environment, as described from the windows around the space. Ancient, old and new are all amalgamated in one shape that forms today’s aesthetic of modern Athens.

About the authors

Fluo architecture & design studio was established in 2010 by Maniati Fei, Michail Thalia and Serrou Christina specializing in the fields of architecture and interior design. Our wide-ranging portfolio of projects includes private residences, hotels as well as commercial and public spaces. With offices in Athens and Thessaloniki, Fluo can undertake in a variety of locations and contexts, from concept to design and from construction to completion.

We treat every client as an individual and perceive every project as unique. Our approach to the clients comes by listening to their concerns; our understanding of their needs comes by translating their vision into form.

Branding & architecture
Branding and brand awareness have become inescapable parts of our daily visual lives. Fluo believes that it is an architect’s responsibility to incorporate client’s brand in the design process and do not maintain a critical distance. Having a proactive approach, architecture is used to reflect the brand in the consistency of the design and visual appearance.

Sustainability
The balance between economic, social and ecological ambitions is considered from the initial stages of each project. Each design derives from, in depth, analytical research of intelligent concepts for better and smarter buildings and urban environments which will improve the everyday lives of the residents and the users.

New technologies
New design techniques led us to develop new working strategies. Parametric design and digital fabrication are fields of our interest for further research and exploration. We strongly believe that innovative technology and materials are fundamental forces for architectural evolution towards a sustainable and intelligent build environment.

Text provided by the authors of the project.