LAMDA Development & Foster + Partners: A landmark partnership for architecture in Greece
LAMDA Development, a pioneering company with a vision for a better future, is leading the development of The Ellinikon, the most iconic urban regeneration project in Europe. A city within the city will be created at the site of the former Athens airport, aiming to set a global benchmark for sustainable development.
To bring this vision to life, LAMDA Development has partnered with world-renowned architecture firm Foster + Partners, which has been commissioned to design the masterplan of the entire project, as well as the Riviera Tower, the first green residential skyscraper in Greece. The firm is known for its unique ability to integrate aesthetics with cutting-edge innovation, creating projects that redefine the way people interact with the built environment.
Foster + Partners and the masterplan for The Ellinikon
The masterplan for The Ellinikon bears the hallmark of Foster + Partners, the leading architecture firm founded by Norman Foster, one of the most influential and visionary architects of our time. With a diverse and award-winning portfolio, which includes Apple Park in California and The Gherkin in London, the firm prioritizes sustainability, functionality and the integration of advanced technologies in its architectural approach. Since its establishment in 1967, the firm’s design philosophy has been based on bioclimatic design, both for buildings and entire cities.
In the case of The Ellinikon, Foster + Partners aimed at striking a perfect balance between urban regeneration and the natural landscape. The plan encompasses innovative bioclimatic buildings for working, living and leisure, all centered around The Ellinikon Park, with a total surface area of 2 million m2.
Riviera Tower: A symbol of green development
At the heart of The Ellinikon stands the Riviera Tower high-rise. The 200-meter-high 50-story skyscraper is the tallest seaside building in the Mediterranean and home to 170 luxury apartments with unobstructed panoramic views of the Saronic Gulf. Inspired by the Mediterranean landscape, its design integrates biophilic elements such as:
- Green rooftops and natural shading to save energy.
- Best use of daylight to improve the microclimate in the area.
- Renewable energy sources, such as solar and geothermal, to drastically reduce the environmental footprint.
- Advanced systems to collect water on balconies.
The building is projected to reduce energy consumption by 35% and achieve 60% water savings compared to similar buildings.
The Riviera Tower has already earned LEED Gold pre-certification, one of the most rigorous international standards for energy efficiency and ecological responsibility. This building is ushering in a new era in Greek architecture and confirms LAMDA Development’s commitment to sustainability, while ensuring exceptional quality of life for its residents.
Advanced architectural technology and state-of-the-art construction
The construction of the Riviera Tower is based on Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology, which allows the creation of highly detailed 3D models of the structure, including the materials and systems that will be used. This ensures maximum precision in both design and execution. BIM technology also enables forecasting of resource use and energy consumption, aiming at more efficient cost management and long-term building maintenance.
In terms of construction, the Riviera Tower foundations were laid with the largest continuous concrete pour ever in Greece, modeled on international standards, such as the ones used for Burj Khalifa in Dubai. 111 piles with a 1.5-meter diameter each were placed 50 meters deep in the ground, while the total materials used were:
- 7,500 m3 of concrete
- 1,760 tons of reinforced steel
New era in the Greek real estate market
The Riviera Tower is not just an architectural landmark. It is a catalyst for the transformation of the Greek real estate market. As a point of reference at The Ellinikon, the largest coastal development in Europe, this skyscraper firmly positions Greece on the global map of the most attractive premium real estate investments. Indeed, the keen interest of investors in the Riviera Tower is confirmed by the fact that 100% of apartments have been pre-sold, generating revenues over €600 million.
LAMDA Development's partnership with Foster + Partners signals a shift towards a new sustainable development era in Athens. The Ellinikon is transforming the urban landscape, redefining architecture in Greece and placing the Greek capital at the forefront of the global architectural scene.