The project involves the design of the offices of Three Cents, a globally recognized artisanal beverage brand, located on the fourth floor of a characteristic Athenian building overlooking the district of Kolonaki. The central design concept draws inspiration from the bar, the place where drinks are prepared and served and the very setting where the idea behind the brand was first conceived by its four co-founders. Reflecting this origin story, a bar is introduced at the centre of the floor plan and acts as the primary organising element of the office, while the typical workspaces unfold around it along the perimeter. Together with the reception area, the bar forms the core of the company’s daily life. It is the most vibrant and multifunctional point within the office: a place where visitors are welcomed, an informal lounge for employees to relax and interact, and a setting for company events and presentations. The remaining spaces are organised around this central nucleus, adapting to the structure of the existing floor plan. Offices are primarily arranged as enclosed rooms accommodating small teams, ensuring conditions for focus and efficient daily operation. The atmosphere of the interior draws inspiration from the era of Prohibition, a historical reference closely linked to the identity and name of the brand. Within this narrative framework, lighting plays a key role. At an architectural level it highlights the volumes and textures of the surfaces, while within the interior it introduces character and contributes to a subtly theatrical atmosphere. Walls are finished in a deep dark green tone that envelops the interior surfaces. Under different lighting scenarios the colour shifts visually, creating a variety of spatial moods throughout the office. A series of bespoke elements were designed to address the specific needs of the space, including wooden wall claddings and custom-made furniture. A distinctive design motif recurring throughout the project is that of vertical pleating. This element appears in different materials and textures—fabric, wood and glass—alternating between transparent and solid surfaces to create a layered composition of depth, shadow and material contrast. At ceiling level, gypsum board constructions incorporate concealed lighting, while the heating and cooling systems are integrated through concealed ceiling-mounted air-conditioning units combined with linear slot diffusers, allowing the mechanical equipment to remain discreetly embedded within the architectural composition. The original wooden floor was preserved in its herringbone pattern, an unexpected discovery revealed during construction works that was ultimately integrated harmoniously into the overall aesthetic of the project.
