Situated at the intersection of Olympou and Peloponnisou streets in central Thessaloniki, Karate is a compact bar designed by Foil-S. The project occupies a ground-floor space with an unusual geometry, shaped by the angle of the street corner. The irregular footprint informed the layout of the bar. The counter is positioned along a diagonal axis that follows the geometry of the site. This move improves circulation and allows both staff and guests to move comfortably through the compact venue. Fully opening façades blur the boundary between inside and outside. When open, the bar engages directly with the street and the surrounding neighborhood. The material palette references the aesthetics of another era. Rough cast plaster walls, a wood-wool ceiling and the original terrazzo floor create a textured base. Stainless steel details and warm wooden surfaces add contrast and tactility. Lighting plays an important role in shaping the atmosphere. Two oversized paper pendants hover above the bar, acting as soft focal points. Adjustable lighting allows the mood to shift easily from lively afternoons to more intimate evenings. The concept draws on the intimacy of a small urban taproom, where music is a defining presence rather than background sound. Through its materials, layout and lighting, the space aims to feel both grounded and vibrantly contemporary.
Foil-S designs Karate bar in Thessaloniki, pairing retro materials with a diagonal layout
