BNP Paribas at The Orbit in Athens

Kugelgarn® for high-end office spaces in the financial sector

Owner: BNP Paribas Greece, GR-Athens
Architecture: Space Matters Architects, GR-Athen
Flooring: Kugelgarn Graffiti® playa 353
Delivery form: Modules
Total area: 520 m2
Photographer: Space Matters Architects, GR-Athen

In the heart of Athens, a new workplace for BNP Paribas has been created, one that goes far beyond a conventional office. Spanning approximately 600 m², it forms a spatial ecosystem for around 50 employees, defined by light, calm, and a clear architectural vision. Embedded within a LEED-certified building, the project stands as a model for a sustainable and forward-looking work culture.  

A Workspace with Clear Structure  

The elongated floor plan led to the division of the open space into two distinct zones defined by the centrally located meeting rooms. Designed as an autonomous internal volume and wrapped in glazed ceramic louver columns, this core acts as an anchor element for the surrounding workspace.  

Workstations are arranged around this central  element, creating clear circulation paths, a coherent layout, and a harmonious sense of space. Transparent, gently curved surfaces and  textile partitions balance openness and retreat. Daylight is softly filtered and distributed evenly across the entire floor, generating a calm, rhythmic flow of light that supports focused work.  

Materiality, Acoustics, and Atmosphere  

Materials play a key role in the design concept, both visually and functionally shaping a balanced spatial experience. Kugelgarn®  is used in the Graffiti Playa quality as a durable, acoustically effective textile covering. It contributes noticeably to the calm atmosphere and, with its textile depth, harmonizes perfectly with the restrained palette of colours and forms.  

The interplay of sound-absorbing surfaces, open ceiling areas, and deliberately placed retreat zones creates a pleasant acoustic balance which is essential for modern team and project work. Flexible meeting zones and acoustically shielded pods offer varying degrees of privacy and support a wide range of working modes.  

Timeless, Functional, Durable  

The interior design is intentionally understated, complemented by warm, residential accents that emphasize a human scale. The result is a work environment that avoids fleeting effects or trends, focusing instead on longevity, well-being, and functionality.  

Kugelgarn® integrates seamlessly into the overall concept—as a sustainable and  high-performance floor covering that meets the demands of modern LEED-certified workspaces while contributing to atmosphere, comfort, and identity.  

Sustainability as a Foundation  

LEED certification sets demanding standards for energy efficiency, material  selection, and indoor environmental quality. Accordingly, great importance was placed on sustainable solutions, not only in technical installations but also in the choice of materials. Kugelgarn® plays a significant role in this context:  

This textile flooring stands out for its durability and low-emission properties, supporting key LEED criteria. Thanks to its robust structure, Kugelgarn® retains both its functionality and  visual quality over many years. This is an essential factor for conserving resources and reducing lifecycle costs. At the same time, its ease of maintenance helps minimize the use of cleaning agents and water.  

The new BNP Paribas headquarters demonstrates how  architectural clarity, sustainable material choices, and carefully orchestrated daylight can create an environment that fosters  concentration, collaboration, and balance.  

General materials supplier: Progetto, GR – Chalandri 

Lighting design: IFI Architectural Lighting 

Building services engineering: Giannis Skiadas Engineers 

PM-Construction : Pyrna Co IKE 

... further references

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