Sleeping giant awakens Piraeus Tower, Athens (GR)
For decades, the Piraeus Tower in western Athens stood unfinished and abandoned. Now, a joint venture has breathed new life into it with a “greenovation“. The 88-metre-high building, which features public open spaces and workspaces, has been awarded LEED Platinum certification, underlining its sustainable construction.
Expectations for the Piraeus Tower were high when construction began in 1972. It was to be the counterpart to the Athens Tower, a skyscraper on the other side of the city, and house an important commercial centre at the port. But once the shell was completed, the project fell dormant.
The economic situation had changed and there was no money to complete it. Of the 22 floors, only the lower three were opened and used. Nothing changed for decades. The Athenians affectionately nicknamed the Piraeus Tower the “sleeping giant“.
In 2019, the local authorities began looking for investors who would finally breathe new life into the tower.
A façade as an experience
A joint venture with various investors stepped into the breach and completed the tower. Architecturally, the focus was primarily on the glass façade. The result was a dynamic pattern “that appears different from different directions, creating a rich visual experience that constantly changes depending on where you stand,“ as the studio responsible, PILA, writes.
LEED Platinum certification
The client describes the entire project as a “greenovation“ – a renovation with a focus on sustainability. Numerous measures contribute to this. For example, the glass façade of the old building was recycled and parts of it were reused in the new one. Rainwater is collected to irrigate the 1,000 square metre garden. The project received LEED Platinum certification for these and many other measures – making it the first “green“ high-rise building in Greece.
Geberit products also supported the planners in their sustainability efforts, particularly in the area of drainage. Thanks to a highly efficient vacuum system, the Pluvia roof drainage system requires significantly fewer downpipes than conventional systems. And Geberit SuperTube not only makes parallel vent pipes obsolete in building drainage, but can also be installed in smaller dimensions.
Both systems save a significant amount of piping material.
Cafés, shops, offices
The Piraeus Tower is now in operation and is used for both offices and public purposes. The first three floors house a number of shops, cafés and restaurants. Various start-ups and larger companies have already moved into the upper floors. The sleeping giant has awakened.
Facts
Geberit Know-how
Geberit products used in the project
- Geberit SuperTube drainage system
- Geberit Pluvia roof drainage
- Geberit iCon WCs
- Geberit iCon washbasins
- Geberit Piave fittings
- Selnova barrier-free WCs
Geberit SuperTube technology
Our pioneering SuperTube technology saves space in building drainage, makes planning easier than with conventional drainage systems, and creates more residential and floor space.
Geberit Pluvia
The syphonic roof drainage system ensures efficient and reliable performance even during heavy rainfall. Geberit Pluvia impresses with its design flexibility during planning and its cost-effectiveness in both installation and operation.
Geberit iCon
The Geberit iCon bathroom series is as multifaceted as people and their personal preferences. An extensive range of ceramic appliances and bathroom furniture in a clear and modern design language offers maximum design flexibility.
Toilets & toilet seats
Geberit offers everything for your WC from a single source. From rimless WCs and flush plates in various designs through to cisterns and toilet seats.
Washbasin taps
Designed for both private and public use, Geberit washbasin taps combine timeless aesthetics with outstanding functionality.
Bathroom sinks
Geberit washbasins are available in a variety of shapes and designs. So whether you prefer round, square, oval or a mini handrinse basin for the guest WC, we’ve got it covered.
Geberit Selnova
With its timeless, classic lines, the Geberit Selnova bathroom series can be incorporated into any bathroom.
Architects
Architects
- Client: Piraeus Tower S.A.
- Architecture: PILA
- Completion: 2024