Pilates studio in Athens by Theo Poulakos & Manos Botsaris

Located in the northern suburbs of Athens, this calming pilates studio is designed by architect Theo Poulakos and civil engineer Manos Botsaris, divided by distinctive materials such as a curtain and a metal grid into two areas – one for instructor-led group lessons (reformer room) and one for the reception and a space for individual exercise. When entering the studio, one meets a clean, wide, and welcoming space that includes a reception desk and an entryway shoe-changing bench on the left, while on the right side there is a white metal grid with arched openings breaking its strict form and a green curtain that defines the boundaries of the reformer room. At the end of the main room, the shape of the existing wall was rearranged by creating symmetrical access to the back office of the studio, while avoiding the use of doors. The electrical system was repositioned aiming to remove the suspended ceiling that was placed under the perimetrical beams, which increase the amount of light flooding the space. The concrete was exposed to celebrate the original structure, free from any electrical and plumbing lines. The wall that separates the main room from the back office was now fully covered by mirrors, increasing the perception of the windows in the perimeter and the overall size of the room. All floor areas were covered with light-purple epoxide, creating a calm and unified atmosphere. Behind the mirrored wall everything turns white as an in-between space, enclosing three distinct monochromatic rooms, namely the green kitchen, the lime-yellow changing room, and the light-blue WC. The creative duo has created a pleasant and safe environment for exercise and relaxation.