urban soul project’s ergon bakehouse in athens references traditional bakeries

the project by usp – urban soul project blends a bakery, retail space, dining area, and hotel accommodation.

USP edited by christina vergopoulou March 31, 2025 3 min

Heritage and Craft Form Ergon Bakehouse’s Hospitality Concept

Ergon Bakehouse is a hospitality project located in a restored early 20th-century building in central Athens, designed by architect Vasilis Tsagris and adapted by USP – Urban Soul Project. The space integrates a bakery, retail area, dining space, and hotel accommodation, maintaining original architectural elements such as plasterwork, staircases, and an elevator. The design approach incorporates materials and forms that reference the baking process, creating a cohesive spatial identity.

urban soul project's ergon bakehouse in athens references traditional bakeries - 1 — all images by Mirto Iatropoulou

Urban Soul Project combines bakery, retail, and hotel spaces

At the core of the project by Greek architectural practice USP – Urban Soul Project is the 72H Artisanal Bakery, where bread and pastries undergo a 72-hour preparation cycle. The bakery, led by head creative baker Nikos Chandolias and pastry chef Martin Kitan, is designed with visibility in mind, allowing guests to observe the baking process through preserved historic window frames. The adjacent retail and dining spaces extend the experience, integrating the production and consumption of baked goods.

The hotel section consists of 29 rooms designed with references to professional kitchens and traditional bakeries. The material palette includes dark firebrick, stainless steel counters, and linen textiles, contributing to a functional yet warm interior. A defining element in the rooms is the ‘onda,’ a recessed sofa that serves both as a lounge area and an extra sleeping space. Artwork by Stratis Tavlaridis and Nikos Handolias further connects the interiors to the themes of craftsmanship and baking.

urban soul project's ergon bakehouse in athens references traditional bakeries - 2 — Ergon Bakehouse occupies a restored early 20th-century building in central Athens

urban soul project's ergon bakehouse in athens references traditional bakeries - 3 — the project blends a bakery, retail space, dining area, and hotel accommodation

urban soul project's ergon bakehouse in athens references traditional bakeries - 4 — Urban Soul Project adapts the space with materials referencing the baking process

urban soul project's ergon bakehouse in athens references traditional bakeries - 5 — the retail and dining spaces extend the bakery experience into the hospitality setting

ergon-bakehouse-urban-soul-project-athens-greece-designboom-1800-2 — the bakery’s open design fosters interaction between guests and the baking process

urban soul project's ergon bakehouse in athens references traditional bakeries - 6 — the hotel consists of 29 rooms inspired by professional kitchens and traditional bakeries

urban soul project's ergon bakehouse in athens references traditional bakeries - 7 — the material palette includes dark firebrick, stainless steel, and linen textiles

ergon-bakehouse-urban-soul-project-athens-greece-designboom-1800-3 — the use of raw materials echoes the transformation of ingredients into finished goods

urban soul project's ergon bakehouse in athens references traditional bakeries - 8 — Ergon Bakehouse reinterprets the spatial experience of a traditional bakery within a contemporary hospitality setting

urban soul project's ergon bakehouse in athens references traditional bakeries - 9 — the hotel interiors connect hospitality with themes of food and craftsmanship

project info:

name: ERGON Bakehouse

architect: USP Architects – Urban Soul Project | @urban.soul.project

location: Athens, Greece

partners in charge: Maria Tsaftari

hotel lead architects: Artemis Papanikolaou, Maria Petsani, Dimitris Stefanidis

hotel design team: Alexandros Pantelidis, Mary Vasilaki, Mina Chatzimanoli

restaurant, retail lead architects: Ioanna Tzampazi, Margarita Vogiatzi, Christiana Tsantali

MEP: Emmanouil M. Papadogiannis Mechanical Engineer, REV

facade lighting: BARISLIGHT

construction: Orange Partners Α.Τ.Κ.Π.Υ. Α.Ε.

set stylist: Sissy Rousaki

supervision: Polyscape

photographer: Mirto Iatropoulou | @mirtoiatropoulou, Mia Dorier | @miadorier

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