Location: Athens, Greece

Architect: Urban Soul Project

Interior Designer: Urban Soul Project

Photography: Mirto Iatropoulou/ Mia Dorier

Urban Soul Project masterfully reimagines ERGON Bakehouse in Athens, transforming a 1920s building into a dynamic blend of hospitality and tradition. Located on historic Mitropoleos Street, the building—a preserved architectural gem by esteemed architect Vasilis Tsagris—has been sensitively repurposed into a 29-room boutique hotel that embodies “life inside a bakery.”

The ground floor serves as a multifunctional hub, seamlessly integrating a bakery, restaurant, retail store, and hotel reception. Urban Soul Project skillfully orchestrates this layered experience, immersing visitors in the inviting aromas of dough preparation upon entry. A brass sink, positioned centrally, symbolises cleansing and transition while enhancing the space’s unique character.

The design emphasises natural materials like wood, dark oak, marble, and cotton, harmoniously paired with brass, stainless steel, and ribbed glass. This thoughtful juxtaposition modernises tradition, evoking the essence of a Greek bakery while offering a luxurious retreat. Firebricks and rustic textures add warmth, complementing the historic features such as a stone wall, plaster ceiling, and an old metal elevator.

Custom-designed furniture reflects the simplicity of traditional bakeries while honouring the building’s classic charm. Hidden lighting, ambient music, and enticing aromas elevate the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal space for social gatherings or culinary exploration. Urban Soul Project’s design preserves the spirit of the past while crafting a sensory-rich, contemporary experience that seamlessly merges tradition with modernity.