The GEK TERNA Group is housed in a self-owned building located in Athens, on 85 Mesogeion Avenue. The total above-area of the building amounts to 5,500 sq.m., while the underground garage covers an area of 5,000 sq.m.
This building emerged from the necessity of the GEK TERNA Group companies to work under the same roof, following the decision for their merger, under the reasoning "One Group - One Building - One Philosophy".
Given that our Group maintains a leading position in the broader construction sector, the building had to operate as a model building, as the owner is also the constructor.
We wanted a building that would be operational, but also friendly. Therefore its design was based on:
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22-01-2009Principles of Bio-climate Design and Sustainable Architectur
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Principles of Bio-climate Design and Sustainable Architecture
The principles of Bio-climate Design and Sustainable Architecture consist of selecting the materials and the honesty of featuring such. Local materials, environmentally friendly, were selected such as Greek marble, Greek ceramic plates, materials for which we here in Greece have particular experience and dexterity, such as visible concrete, lime-cast and steel and, finally, wood, natural or dyed, as the Group has its own carpentry plant with significant capabilities in wooden constructions.
The controlled pallet of materials used, despite the fact that such were displayed with a strict morphological discipline, eventually creates a home-like and human feeling for the user. -
22-01-2009Low Energy and Acoustic Design
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Low Energy and Acoustic Design
The adoption of low energy design measures consists of:- Use of presence detectors and temperature sensors in all the office spaces, therefore each area is handled separately as regards to brightness and temperature conditions, in relation to whether the area is occupied or unoccupied.
- The system is completed by temperature and brightness sensors in the exterior area.
The lighting in the building's common area (corridors, staircases) is handled by the use of brightness sensors, which signal the lights on in any case the brightness falls below the minimum allowed levels.
The building's external security and feature lighting is also handled by the same manner, however with the use of an external brightness level sensor. Use of Heat Pubs together with Heat Raisers:
The building is open on two sides with two faces, one East and one West. This, in combination with the fact that:- Greece is a country with great sunshine also during the winter, and
- There are significant opening on both sides of the building
At the same time, this solution also includes an environmental dimension, as the heating released to the environment is the minimum possible.
All the above is completed and controlled by the central building management system, which helps to optimize the energy management of the building, reassuring the best possible working conditions. -
22-01-2009Control of Environmental Conditions
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Control of Environmental Conditions
The control of environmental conditions took place with:
- The development of internal faces around the atrium-heart of the building.
Apart from the quietness, that is entirely opposite of the very noisy avenue, cool air is secured in the summer together with protection from powerful winds in the winter. The wooden blinds that become thicker towards the upper floors, constituted an additional element that protects from the sum.
From a social perspective, the organization of the building around the atrium with the crystal faces, together with the open bridge at all levels, creates a pleasant image of an active community that continuously works and is perceived as a moving graph.
- The creation of solid elements at the main façades, to limit the surface of the glass.
Such solid elements constitute "boxes" of concrete, covered by stainless steel, while corresponding built-in book shelves are created internally. A gap between the concrete of the element and its cover creates a thermal insulation for the façade.
- The creation of two-case roof shelters of the last level, with a curved top, to maintain the building within the perceived solid urban planning.
The first element of the shelter is a mixed construction, namely cement in a wavy steel sheet. The second shelter element consists of aluminum sheets on a wooden "panel" with interpolation of a wooden frame, air void and thermal insulation layer.
This two-case construction creates an excellent "climate" on the last floor, particularly in the summer, with natural cooling through the ceiling. As a matter of fact, a more narrow wing of the last floor operates as a "loft-studio" and constitutes an area full of atmosphere.
- The plants that were placed are pure Greek flora and emerged from a combination of selective material and water-efficient measures.
Our Group's continuous awareness for the largest as possible protection of the environment - as such is reflected overall by the Group's business activity and specifically by its leading position in the sector of energy production from Renewable Energy Sources - resulted in the construction of a building that respects the environment.
In was a great honor for us to be awarded the "Green Building Partner Award 2008" by the European Commission.
Our sensitivity to the concept of architecture led us to conduct an architectural contest for the design of the building. The proposal by the Michael Hopkins & Partners office won this contest. We selected the type of building that turns to its interior, the Italian Palazzo style. The neck - entrance leads to an interior garden, an atrium - yard, around which the offices are organized.
The building has the shape of a petal with two wings that are linked by the third surface with an open multi-storey bridge, a symbol of communication.
The exterior elevators contribute to the building's panoramic image.
The building opens up towards its atrium, which has been fitted with glass drapes, protected by wooden blinds, at different intervals by height, which thicken upwards.
The building of GEK TERNA Group was awarded in 2004 by the Royal Institute of British Architects, an honor of extreme privilege.
