Construction has broken ground on The Grid, a new office development in Athens, Greece, undertaken by Foster + Partners. Located in the established business hub that is Marousi, the project will take up an entire block and will have an integrated public park. Additionally, the development features modern, adaptable workspaces, along with 6,400 square-meters of landscaped green areas.
Also Read: Meton Energy to construct solar projects with over 200MW in Greece
The large public park on the east side encourages interaction with the development while providing a calm environment for staff members to relax and socialize. Native olive trees have been carefully preserved or replanted to help create a verdant, shaded oasis in the middle of the city.
Scope of the project
The 16,000 square-meter building’s has modular components that enclose the central courtyard which serves as the property’s social hub. It will feature four, five-story buildings which will have office spaces and commercial spaces. Furthermore, it has a strong emphasis on ease of access, having entrances easily accessible from each of the four nearby roads. In-between spaces within the modular components enhance the visual links between the street and the center courtyard, drawing outsiders’ attention.
Also Read: UK’s Foster and Partners Wins Design For World’s Tallest Building
Moreover, the two major entrance lobbies are positioned strategically to facilitate tourist mapping. The design of the building progressively slopes down towards the courtyard, guaranteeing a comfortable and interactive outside space.
Project Cost
The project, located on 1.6 hectares of land has been estimated to cost US$114 million. It was financed by both Noval Property, Greece’s second largest Real Estate Investment Company and Brook Lane, a private equity firm. The project developers have aimed to achieve a minimum LEED Gold certification and a rank at the highest energy efficiency category available from the Greek Regulation for Buildings Energy Efficiency (KENAK A+). The building also has 3 basement levels with a total 600 parking spaces.
Also Read: US$1 billion new design unveiled for The Star office tower in Hollywood
The Project Details
The Foster + Partners The Grid in Athens complex face of the buildings maximizes daylight and views. All this is done while integrating solar protection, facade lighting, and natural ventilation. Dark grey metallic fins on the façade protect internal rooms from excessive solar exposure. Hidden LED lighting enhances the building’s nighttime appearance. Additionally, the habitable roof goes round the building and houses double-height office spaces. It is a distinctive element of the façade. Every modular component of the development has a green roof equipped with photovoltaic panels, which allow solar energy to be directly converted into electricity to power the building.
Also Read: Construction begins on new Saint Alphonsus medical office, Idaho
Darron Haylock, a partner in Foster, said: “We are delighted to see building work starting on site. The Grid will play an important role in Marousi’s regeneration, activating its surroundings and drawing new business to the district. We are providing a rich mix of flexible workspaces and amenities, including green spaces that will revive the area.”
