Piräus-Tower

Wettbewerb mit a3Lab - Asterios Aghatidis

This proposal aims to achieve a bipolar equilibrium between optimal energetic building performance and landmark aesthetics.

Horizontal ribbons, which are the main design element, appear to float in a sinuous movement in front of the façade and entwine the building spirally.

The ribbons embrace the tower volume as a second, protective skin. They adjust their angles towards the different sun directions, achieving optimal shading conditions throughout the seasons:  45 degrees to the south, 70 degrees to the east and west and 90 degrees to the north. The offset distance between the tower and the spiral differs according to the functional needs of the spaces behind it. Thus, it embeds possible balconies, escape routes and the third fire escape staircase. The form is defined by functional needs.

The proposed design integrates the typical horizontal patterns of the Piraeus urban landscape, as well as the formal language of the harbour. Horizontality is deformed and lifted vertically around the building, allowing the tower to rise with a new face, in a contemporary, modern aesthetic.

The new functional programme of the tower corresponds to the needs of a contemporary metropolis. It includes offices, gastronomy and retail spaces, combined with newly proposed luxury-housing facilities, to achieve a 24h functional flow. The proposed green roofs provide vivid out door activities, while improving the towers microclimate.

Technical Description

The façade consists of two complementary layers to optimise the energetic building performance. The high-performance glass façade represents the climate-skin and the curtain type ribbons act as blinds responding to outdoor light conditions. The blinds are made of highly flexible Corian panels allowing joint less, double curved surfaces. A supportive sub-structure secures the montage of the Corian panels on the tower parapets in different angles.
This proposal additionally utilises base-relief Corian panels as material innovation. By using CNC milling technology, an irregular circular pattern will be inscribed on the panel’s surface, transforming its thickness. This partial translucency creates a lighting/shadow effect, thus generating atmospheric spatial qualities.
Further more, the blinds on the building’s top embed photovoltaic panels, providing part of the building’s energetic demands. Thus, the building’s roof remains free to be transformed into a green-roof. Balconies and fire escape staircase or corridors can be realized as light steel constructions.