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1 / 250 A timeless landmark reinvented. The city welcomes its first luxury lifestyle residences. ONE ATHENS
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CONTENTS 13. The History 19. The Concept 27. The Lifestyle 33. The Location 41. The Space 52. Facilities 54. The Team 8 TIMELESS EXISTENCE ONE ATHENS 9
ONE ATHENS ONE ATHENS is a revolutionary new concept for living in downtown Athens. Housed in an iconic landmark in Kolonaki, with an unrivalled location and view, this boutique development is like no other in this sought-after neighbourhood. With just 25 individually designed residences to suit every lifestyle, ranging from loft apartments to penthouses and townhouses, ONE ATHENS raises the standard of luxury living in the heart of the city. Residents have exclusive access to a full spectrum of five-star facilities from a roof garden to underground parking, private cinema to a fully equipped gym with a pool and personal training. Classic but cutting edge, this world-class property will create a new elite community overlooking the city and will redefine urban living in Athens. A refuge for those who refuse to compromise, where every detail is designed to enhance the quality of life. ONE ATHENS. A timeless landmark reinvented. The city welcomes its first luxury lifestyle residences 10 TIMELESS EXISTENCE ONE ATHENS 11
THE HISTORY 12 TIMELESS EXISTENCE TIMELESS EXISTENCE ONE ATHENS 13
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Constantinos Doxiadis in his top-floor office, designed to be eye-level with the Parthenon. THE HISTORY In the late 1950s, Constantinos Doxiadis, one of the leading figures of modern Greek architecture, was looking for a site to build his new company s Athens offices. Doxiadis chose the location with the combination of insight and foresight that earned him global recognition as a visionary urban planner. He selected a plot in the pine-clad foothills of Mount Lycabettus, a vantage point that afforded sweeping views of the city as far as the sea. Doxiadis, who first demonstrated the mathematical precision with which ancient Greek cities were laid out to ensure the best possible sight lines had calculated that his top-floor office would be 150 metres above sea level, exactly the same height as the Parthenon. So the view would be not only be phenomenal it would be unique. Doxiadis Associates expanded rapidly. Before long, the company had 400 staff, offices on five continents, and projects in 40 countries. Doxiadis was responsible for drawing up the Modernist master plans of cities ranging from Rio de Janeiro to Islamabad, Riyadh to Baghdad, Dhaka to Detroit. energy, and confusion his goal was to ensure that man and his movements are always the measure. The courtyard garden was modelled on the traditional Greek village square to instil a sense of community among staff and students. A fountain marked the ancient source of the Iridanos River. Beyond it was an emblem of the future: the first computer in Greece installed behind a glass screen. Athenians would come to marvel at this new-fangled machine, its lights blinking and spools spinning day and night. A pioneer of information technology, Doxiadis understood the importance of networks to urban settlements, effectively predicting the inter-connectivity that defines the 21st century. Initially, many of the offices and classrooms were unified - an open space philosophy to accommodate collaborative work and encourage flexibility. Windows ran across all floors of the building so it could absorb the light and energy of the surrounding landscape. Bioclimatic design, allowing natural ventilation in summer and fuel efficiency in winter, kept energy consumption to a minimum. Doxiadis coined the term Entopia, an ideal city where communities could flourish. Doxiadis expressed his theories of urban interconnectivity through a grid system. Doxiadis Associates headquarters in Athens extended as the practice grew. The complex eventually consisted of four wings built around a central atrium. One wing was devoted to the Athens Technological Institute, the first schools of design in Greece, founded by Doxiadis in 1958. Another wing housed the Graduate School of Ekistics, or the science of human settlement, developed by Doxiadis as an interdisciplinary approach to the study of cities and their cultural context. Over 25.000 draftsmen, graphic designers, interior decorators, art conservators, structural engineers, electricians and programmers graduated from here between 1958 and the closure of the school in 1976, the year after Doxiadis death. Conscious of the inevitable loss of human scale in the modern metropolis - which Doxiadis described as a great explosion of knowledge, population, economy, Transparent, open, and engaging, the building was designed to integrate with the urban fabric. Originally, the exterior was painted in earth tones that blended in with the surrounding landscape; the colours were chosen by the celebrated Greek painter Yannis Tsarouchis. Poets and painters such as Nikos Engonopoulos and Andreas Embirikos presented their work in a spectacular lecture hall on the ground floor, which hosted a lively programme of exhibitions, lectures, and events. The building was a hub of creativity, a hotbed of ideas, a place where new theories took shape. Constantinos Doxiadis was a man of astonishing energy and extraordinary vision who changed the face of many 20th century cities. Regrettably, his ambitious urban planning designs for his native country were never implemented. But his spirit lives on in this iconic landmark in central Athens. 16 TIMELESS EXISTENCE ONE ATHENS 17
THE CONCEPT 18 TIMELESS EXISTENCE TIMELESS EXISTENCE ONE ATHENS 19
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The future is a continuation of the past. Constantinos A. Doxiadis THE CONCEPT Constantinos Doxiadis strongly believed in adapting ancient inspiration to contemporary design practices. True to this vision, Divercity architects were inspired by Doxiadis philosophy in converting his former headquarters into 21st century residences. The new design is faithful to the legacy of this landmark, but forward-looking in its cutting-edge design, innovative use of materials, and ability to respond to the needs of the modern lifestyle. Maintaining the elegant simplicity of the structure, the architects imagined the building as an old but perfectly designed computer, whose machinery needs upgrading and updating. Doxiadis thoughts and designs were expressed through a grid system, which in today s technologically advanced world would consist of a matrix. Just as pixels are more sensitive, fluid, and responsive than the post-it notes Doxiadis used to organise his ideas, converting offices into homes calls for more versatile, private, and composite spaces. Using the façade as a canvas, the architects replaced the original modular grid with three different materials to distinguish the interior spaces. Private areas are covered in opaque panels of printed concrete a snapshot of the landscape analysed through pixels and imprinted on the surface of the building. Translucent concrete that both reveals and conceals is used for the mid-zones an interactive shadow theatre created by the movement of both inhabitants and passers-by. Glass is used extensively to let in the light and maximise the fabulous views a window into an exclusive world. The building is transformed by day and by night, thanks to the subtle interplay of light and shadow and the changing choreography of movement within and without. The design concept was also shaped by the urban context. Unlike most metropolises, Athens is not composed of city blocks with unified facades. As the only coherent residential block downtown, ONE ATHENS is the ideal embodiment of Doxiadis theory that an architect cannot be simply a designer of objects: he must produce buildings that meet human needs and consequently create human communities. He imagined an idealised metropolis, or Entopia, that would provide for small communities within big cities. In this spirit, the entire ground floor is dedicated to communal spaces and amenities leading off the marble-clad atrium. Networking opportunities abound in these five-star facilities where residents can have a massage, hold a meeting, or get to know their neighbour s children in the playroom. Since individuality is as important as a sense of community, each of the 25 apartments is unique. Thanks to its grand scale, ONE ATHENS can accommodate a variety of homes to suit different lifestyles: lofts, apartments, duplexes, penthouses, and townhouses. While capitalising on the flexible, interconnected spaces of the original structure, the interiors have been adapted to the hightech, high-spec demands of today s world citizens. Wherever possible, spaces are open-plan to make the most of the showstopping views in every direction. 22 TIMELESS EXISTENCE ONE ATHENS 23
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THE LIFESTYLE 26 TIMELESS EXISTENCE TIMELESS EXISTENCE ONE ATHENS 27
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In order to create a better architecture that is, a better habitat we have to assist in the creation of a better way of living. Constantinos A. Doxiadis THE LIFESTYLE ONE ATHENS is not just another apartment block. It will redefine the concept of urban living in downtown Athens. Now, you can enjoy the luxury of space in the city centre, as well as the luxury of having everything you could possibly need either within your living space or on your doorstep. Combining 24-hour security with freedom of choice, ONE ATHENS benefits from proximity to the best Athens has to offer, whether that means business or boutiques. With its unsurpassed location, world class facilities, and exceptional design, ONE ATHENS is destined to become an elite urban community. Residents will have access to an unprecedented level of services and amenities not available anywhere else in Athens. From a state-ofthe-art spa to concierge services, private parking to babysitting, membership of this select club will guarantee privileges comparable to living in a five-star hotel. ONE ATHENS represents a new residential model for a globalised world, designed to make even the most sophisticated and cosmopolitan citizens feel at home. Within its walls is an apartment made to measure for every lifestyle: young professionals, businesspeople in need of a pied à terre, jet-setting couples, or parents enjoying a new lease of life now that their children have left home. Each resident will imprint their own personality onto their living space. But all those fortunate enough to live here will share a passion for design and an appreciation of premium service. Constantinos Doxiadis defined Ekistics as the urban planner and architect s responsibility to create a better environment, a better quality of life. He argued that: The result will give man both the advantages of life at a human scale and life within a huge city. This combination of intimacy and urbanity, a sense of community in a dynamic metropolis, is what ONE ATHENS aspires to achieve. Our home transforms our standard of life and our sense of identity. ONE ATHENS is more than a home it is an experience. This is the art of living in the heart of the city. 30 TIMELESS EXISTENCE ONE ATHENS 31
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Of all peoples, Greeks have dreamt the dream of life best. Goethe THE LOCATION Man is by nature destined to live in cities, Aristotle wrote back in 350 BC. The Greek word for citizen, politis, literally means a city-dweller. Of all the cities in the world, Athens has perhaps the richest and most colourful history, attracting legions of fans and Philhellenes through the ages. Some come for the magnificent monuments, others simply to soak up the city s sunshine and exuberant spirit. Henry Miller fell for the extraordinary Attic light, which penetrates directly to the soul, opens the doors and windows of the heart. In 1810, Lord Byron confided to his mother that Athens is: A place which I think on the whole I prefer to any I have seen. Since its foundation thousands of years ago, Athens has undergone countless revolutions and reincarnations. Most recently, the Athens 2004 Olympic Games brought a flurry of far-reaching improvements to the city s infrastructure, from improved transport links to a revamp of the coastal Riviera. The new pedestrian zone surrounding the Parthenon has transformed the centre into an archaeological park that allows the glorious achievements of the ancient Athenians to sing. Closer still are the designer boutiques and cosmopolitan restaurants of Kolonaki, just a short walk downhill. The stylish cafes of Kolonaki Square are only 400 metres away. On sultry summer nights, stroll up through the pine forests to catch a concert at the open-air theatre of Lycabettus. The Athens Festival of the arts has put the capital on the cultural map, along with world-class museums and contemporary art galleries. Coming soon, Bernard Tschumi s New Acropolis Museum and Renzo Piano s Athens Opera House will confirm Athens as a destination for cutting-edge culture. After several decades during which those who could escaped to the suburbs, downtown Athens is enjoying a Renaissance. Vibrant, seductive, spontaneous Athens may have an ancient monument as its centrepiece, but it is a very modern metropolis. When I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the problems of the modern city, I go to the Acropolis, Constantinos Doxiadis wrote in 1964. Doxiadis kept the Acropolis in his sights by building both his offices and his home on a quiet street in the foothills of Mount Lycabettus with dazzling views of the Parthenon. A serene oasis in the densely populated centre, the site is surrounded by greenery a rare luxury in any capital, but especially in Athens. The positioning of the building was deliberately designed to maximise the open-ended views, so you can see the whole of Athens at a glance. From the roof garden, the seaside and Saronic islands glimmer tantalisingly on the horizon all within easy reach. 36 TIMELESS EXISTENCE ONE ATHENS 37
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The inhabitants of a building must be the real judge of it. Constantinos A. Doxiadis THE SPACE Covering a total land area of some 1700 square metres, the ONE ATHENS complex consists of 4 multi-storey buildings, ranging up to 8 stories (ground floor + 7 floors) surrounding an atrium. Like the lobby of a five-star hotel, the marble atrium with its soothing water feature is designed as a welcoming transition between the clamour of the city and the serenity of your home. Step inside and you enter a world where everything is accessible. The internal walls echo the grid pattern of the façade, with movable boxes that open and close to expose or conceal the various amenities connected to the atrium, depending on their use. As well as a reception with a concierge and security guard, the ground-floor facilities include a 100 square-metre playroom specially designed for child safety, a private cinema, a fully equipped meeting room that can accommodate 20 people, and a luxurious wellness centre containing a 4x16 metre lap pool, sauna, hamam, and two treatment rooms, with personal trainers and massage therapists upon request. Each apartment has a distinct personality, but every room has been thought through to maximise the views and to enhance the way people live today. Every detail is designed to make life simple, comfortable, and relaxing, ensuring maximum pleasure with minimum effort. Decorated with simple sophistication so that residents can stamp their own personality on their property, all the interiors are customfitted to the most exacting standards. Iroko hardwood floors are carried through from the living areas to the kitchen and bathroom to create a unified space. Fitted kitchens and bathrooms are equipped with high-end appliances and elegant, contemporary finishing. All residents have exclusive access to the garden atrium and stunning roof deck. The four uppermost apartments (from the 6th floor up) all benefit from spacious garden terraces and a private pool. The most outstanding feature is on the top floor - probably the most spectacular penthouse the city has ever seen, with a total surface area of 800 square metres. The basement contains underground parking and additional storage space. ONE ATHENS contains a total of 25 apartments, divided into: 4 Penthouses with rooftop terraces and swimming pools 4 Townhouses with direct access to the street 17 Apartments with unique but versatile layouts 44 TIMELESS EXISTENCE ONE ATHENS 45
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FACILITIES 1. 24-hour Security 2. Reception 3. On-site Concierge Babysitting Catering Dry cleaning Maid service Massage / personal training Travel arrangements Wake-up service Shopping and other services on request 4. Underground Parking Assigned spaces vary according to apartment size Fully serviced garage 6. Playroom 7. Cinema 8. Conference / Meeting room 9. Roof Deck / Garden 10. Atrium 11. Storage Space 12. On-site Maintenance Service 13. High-speed Wireless Internet 14. Satellite TV 5. Fitness Centre and Spa Fully equipped gym Lap pool 2 massage suites Sauna Steam room Relaxation area 52 TIMELESS EXISTENCE ONE ATHENS 53
THE TEAM The Architect Divercity With offices in Athens, London, and Patras, Divercity has successfully completed a wide-ranging portfolio of projects, from private residences and housing complexes to hotels and commercial spaces. Founded in 2004 and acknowledged as one of the leading emerging architectural practices in Greece, Divercity opened a London office in 2007 in response to an increasingly diversified workload. With a proven ability to handle challenging briefs in a variety of locations and contexts, Divercity can offer turn-key solutions from initial concept to customfurnished interiors. Divercity s work has won awards in various international competitions. Mykonos Grace won the prestigious European Hotel Design Award in 2007 and together with Santorini Grace has featured in Condé Nast Traveller s Hot List of the world s best new hotels. In 2008, 360 apartments was selected as a candidate for the Mies Van der Rohe European Prize for Contemporary Architecture. In 2009, Divercity will be included in the Wallpaper* Architects Directory of the world s top young architecture practices. www.divercityarchitects.com The Developer Cyclamino Cyclamino S.A. is a partnership between the Joannou family and Miltos Kambourides. The Joannou family s core business is construction and concessions through J&P (Overseas) and J&P-AVAX, where Dakis Joannou is Chairman and his son Christos is an Executive Director. The family is also active in shipping, quick service restaurants, real estate, and hotels, including the Semiramis (designed by Karim Rashid), YES! Athens (opening in late 2010 and designed by the Campana brothers) and the Athenaeum Intercontinental. Dakis Joannou is also one of the world s foremost collectors of contemporary art. Miltos Kambourides is the Founder and Managing Partner of Dolphin Capital Partners (DCP), an independent private equity firm specialising in real estate investments. DCP s main investment vehicle is Dolphin Capital Investors (DCI), currently the largest real estate investment company listed on AIM, having raised almost 1 billion since its inception in 2005. DCI invests in earlystage, leisure-integrated residential resorts in 6 countries, and its portfolio comprises 65 million m2 of development land and several resorts under development in partnership with world-class designers and operators www.dolphinci.com The Contractor J&P AVAX With an unrivalled track record ranging from large-scale public works to highend real estate projects, J&P AVAX has established a reputation as one of the leading construction companies in South Eastern Europe with a turnover of 1 billion euros in 2008. From Olympic stadiums to airports, highways to hospitals, corporate headquarters to luxury hotels, the J&P-AVAX group of companies boasts substantial expertise in the delivery of projects across a wide range of budgets and technical specifications. J&P-AVAX is one of the largest concession owners and operators in the region, owning significant stakes in Attiki Odos and the Rion-Antirrion bridge. Several of Athens top hotels, including Semiramis, 21, Periscope, Pendelikon, Intercontinental and Ledra Marriott were built by J&P-AVAX. J&P-AVAX is part of the J&P group, one of the largest construction groups in the Middle East, responsible for building the Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh, the Al Bustan Palace Muscat and the Doha Intercontinental. www.jp-avax.gr All computer renderings and specifications reflect the planned scale and spirit of the building and interiors. All measurements are approximate. The sponsor reserves the right to substitute equipment or materials. Colours will vary. Additional fees may apply. Design by Company www.company-london.com Photos by Vangelis Paterakis 54 TIMELESS EXISTENCE ONE ATHENS 55
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