The development created the opportunity, due to its prominent location and the Clients’ high aspirations, to provide contemporary, flexible office space, with the quality, elegance and sophistication afforded to European landmark buildings.
The scheme consists of a single retail unit fronting onto Griva Digheni, five storeys, of office accommodation, a main office reception lobby accessed from the mezzanine level and parking over three levels located to the rear of the site and accessed through controlled access points from north and south.
The office floor plate is arranged around a central atrium with an expressed vertical circulation core located on the eastern side that is clad in a different material. This juxtaposition creates an interesting architectural play between served and servant elements. Vertical curtain wall slots on either side of the core, which are illuminated at night, emphasise the separation.
The office space itself is generated largely by the irregular geometry of the site. Thus, the building is rotated so that it is parallel to the western boundary. Five strands of regular and flexible office accommodation are created whose leading edges notionally respond to the main frontage. The resultant vertical emphasis is further accentuated by the elevational treatment. Each strand incorporates two solid panels and a glazed element that wraps round the corner, giving each office a corner window. This also creates a rhythm along the buildings’ length. A feature metal channel at floor level runs through both the curtain wall and the precast concrete panels creating a unified appearance.
The atrium is the beating heart of the building. The horizontal circulation space is accommodated around it. It employs floor-floor glazing, and will create a vibrant space animated by movement.
At the base of the atrium is a water pool and internal garden. The water feature at this level is also the centerpiece of the office lobby, which accommodates reception, waiting areas and other supporting functions.
The retail unit, which is double height along the south and west facades is clad in structural glazing which sits in front of the structure. The overall effect is that the office accommodation seems to float above the level of the city street.
The building utilizes new technologies, some hidden and some very evident, which along with a strong design statement we believe will make this building a landmark on the Limassol skyline.
