Piraeús Gate, an ambitious and forward-thinking project conceived by DKG Development in partnership with Tsolakis Architects, aims to redefine the urban landscape at the threshold of Piraeus.
This transformative initiative seeks to repurpose a once-neglected industrial area, situated at the critical juncture of the main thoroughfares connecting Piraeus with Athens’ vibrant city center and the scenic Athenian Riviera, into a dynamic, multifunctional urban fabric. The project aspires to harmonize modernity with the storied past of Piraeus, forging a model neighborhood that champions sustainability, entrepreneurship, cultural inclusivity, and aesthetic coherence.
At the heart of Piraeús Gate lies a vision to foster a sustainable green neighborhood that serves as an emblem of Piraeus’ renaissance. The development plan incorporates a series of architecturally innovative buildings, all designed to uphold the LEED certification standards, making Piraeús Gate the first LEED-certified neighborhood in Greece. These structures will not only embody cutting-edge architectural practices but will also pay homage to the historical and cultural tapestry of the area, creating a symbiotic relationship between the old and the new.
The architectural narrative, meticulously crafted by Tsolakis Architects, aims to establish a unified yet versatile aesthetic language, accommodating diverse building functions while preserving a design ethos inspired by the historical and cultural identity of Piraeus. Central to this master plan are the high-rise mixed-use edifices, SkyWay and BlueSky, which will offer a blend of serviced apartments, boutique hotel accommodations, retail spaces, parking, and warehousing. Further, the Gateway Business Hub will emerge as a twelve-story beacon of modern commerce, catering to the evolving dynamics of the contemporary labor market. The Urban GL will introduce an eight-story paradigm of serviced apartments, aligning with the increasing influx of nomads, international travelers, executives, and business visitors to Piraeus.
Acknowledging the burgeoning demographic of students and young professionals, the S&S Nexus Center is envisioned as a state-of-the-art residence, incorporating serviced apartments and student housing. This facility will offer an array of amenities, including a library, swimming pool, gym, and communal areas for cultural and recreational activities such as film screenings and yoga sessions, fostering a holistic and vibrant living environment.
All buildings within Piraeús Gate will conform to the prevailing urban architectural principles, featuring transparent retail facades on the ground level, with offices and residences occupying the upper stories, and basements dedicated to auxiliary and parking spaces. The architectural design strategically incorporates green roofs, terraces, and patios, transforming these spaces into verdant public areas accessible to all. This concept of mixed-use development extends to the “Urban Oasis Piraeus,” revitalizing the erstwhile AZEL industrial complex, merging residential and commercial spaces with a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor communal environments.
Konstantinos Petridis, CEO of DKG Development, articulates a profound vision for Piraeús Gate, one that not only revitalizes an underutilized urban expanse but also intertwines the historical essence of Piraeus with the exigencies of modern living. “Our goal is to honor each region not merely as a geographic entity but as a vibrant mosaic of human experience,” Petridis remarks. “Through endeavors like Piraeús Gate, we delve into the soul of the city, transforming dormant spaces into thriving hubs of activity that resonate with both historical significance and contemporary relevance. We are dedicated to reinstating green and public spaces, offering a sustainable and enriched urban life for both residents and visitors.“
Architect George Tsolakis shares this visionary outlook, aspiring to enhance urban living through the thoughtful rehabilitation of abandoned spaces, thereby uplifting the quality of life for city dwellers. Together, DKG Development and Tsolakis Architects are poised to transform Piraeus into a pulsating business nucleus, affirming its status as a dynamic and inclusive urban center that reveres its historical legacy while boldly embracing the future.
Images from top and clockwise: SKYBLUE: One of the high-rise mixed-use buildings at the Piraeús Gate. Konstantinos Petridis, Founder and CEO of DKG Development. NEXUS: A complex of 170 serviced apartments with indoor pool and lounge space, fitness studio, Co-working spaces, shared kitchen, cinema, and other facilities. Konstantinos Petridis, CEO & Angela Michalopoulou, Business Development Director, at DKG Development and George Tsolakis, TSOLAKIS ARCHITECTS at the old factory of AZEL.
