Foster + Partners has revealed design for a new green-infilled tower in the Agios Kosmas marina area, which will be the first green high-rise building in Greece.

Called Marina Tower, the 200-metre-tall building will be the tallest building in Greece and located in the Agios Kosmas marina area - transforming the former airport site "The Ellinikon" into a vibrant area.

Set to be built as "the tallest green beachfront high-rise building" in the Mediterranean, the tower will dominantly feature green and water features, natural light and unobstructed sea views, the building aims to bring an innovative design approach and sustainable living to the region.

"Ellinikon masterplan gives new direction to urban development in Athens, bringing together new ways of living, working and playing, centred on a metropolitan park – a generous amenity for local communities and the city of Athens," said Antoinette Nassopoulos-Erickson, Senior Partner at Foster + Partners. 

"Our proposals for Marina Residential Tower build on these sustainable principles to generate a new paradigm for high-rise living and a green beacon in the landscape."

Foster + Partners is working with Lambda Development to develop the project, which is part of the 300-hectare Ellinikon masterplan. The masterplan will feature several diverse neighbourhoods that bring together residential, shopping, working, leisure, entertainment and cultural activities around the largest coastal park in Europe.

Rising to 200 meters above sea level, Marina Tower will contain 200 apartments on 45 floors. Once complete – within the next five years – Marina Tower will be one of the six tall buildings to be developed at the Ellinikon. 

The key characteristic of the tower is to form a slim silhouette, that harmonically blends with the natural environment and the special character of the Mediterranean landscape. The green and water elements are added to enhance the building’s bioclimatic nature.

"The Marina Tower is one of the greenest high-rise buildings in the world and is a model of sustainable design, incorporating best environmental practices and cutting-edge international safety protocols," said Foster + Partners. 

All apartment units will have pioneering services and amenities, excellent construction materials that are environmentally friendly and specifications of a smart building.

In design, Foster + Partners takes cues from the ecological and cultural elements of the Mediterranean landscape and from Athens’ vernacular architecture to create an innovative design approach. 

The tower’s massing has been designed from the inside out to celebrate its unique location, immersed in nature. All apartments have dual aspect and enjoy unobstructed panoramic views of the coastline and incorporate naturally ventilated interiors.

"The design introduces a new standard of sustainable living, integrated with nature. The metropolitan park will increase the allocation of open space per Athenian resident by 44%, playing an integral role in the greening the city," added Foster + Partners. 

"The design is optimised in terms of views and orientation, transport links, environmental and social impact, and integration with local communities. The masterplan also seeks to reconnect the city with the sea by creating subterranean connections tunnelling under the main avenue that currently traverses the site." 

"The masterplan is enabled for smart applications, aiming at delivering an innovative and future-proof framework for the future growth of Athens."

Marina Tower is expected to be completed in 2026. 

Foster + Partners recently restored LA’s historic movie theatre for new Apple store. The firm also completed a new office building for PGA Tour in Florida. In addition, the firm is working on the Dogpatch Power Station in San Francisco and a new residential-led masterplan in Bangkok. 

All images courtesy of Foster + Partners.

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