In Thessaloniki’s historic center, a conventional office building is reimagined to accommodate both residential and office functions. The project responds to shifting urban demands while maintaining a careful dialogue with its context.

The first two floors, exposed to street noise, remain as offices, while the upper levels are converted into apartments. This vertical zoning negotiates between public and private realms, enhancing comfort without expanding the building’s footprint.

The ground floor is reconfigured to improve accessibility and circulation. One retail unit was removed to create a larger entrance and back-of-house spaces, while the lift was relocated to street level, connecting seamlessly to the street.

A secondary façade system defines the building’s environmental and formal strategy. Sliding panels on the balconies provide shading, noise reduction, and privacy, while the northern façade conceals mechanical installations, integrating functional infrastructure into the architectural expression.

Material choices prioritize durability and resilience. Grey exterior surfaces act as a neutral backdrop for a “second skin” of Corten steel mesh panels, accented with subtle olive-green metallic elements. These layers transform the building’s identity, turning a conventional office block into a climate-responsive, mixed-use urban structure.