Located in the Naafi district of Limassol, Cyprus, Marinos Marinou Architects’ office space is a study in modernist restoration and adaptive reuse. The neighborhood, a 1960s experiment in urban planning, remains home to significant modernist structures, a legacy reflected in the firm’s careful restoration. Once a traditional coffeehouse, later used for storage, the building remained abandoned until its 2019 transformation. The 80-square-meter open-plan ground floor, paired with a 40-square-meter mezzanine, provided a strong foundation for reinvention. The renovation carefully balanced old and new, maintaining the original façade and restoring its marble cladding. Minimal changes kept the structure’s integrity intact while redesigned black metal frames with double-glazed glass subtly referenced modernist design. Inside, skilled craftsmanship highlights original details—restored mosaic tiles, railings, moldings, and wooden elements connect the past with the present. The office layout follows modernist principles of function and clarity, with a central core housing a kitchen-dining area, library, and server room. Surrounding this hub, storage, printing, and sanitary facilities blend seamlessly into the design. Iroko wood cladding defines the core, while pastel hues—mint in service areas and pink in circulation zones—add warmth and movement. Exposed electrical and mechanical systems reflect modernist honesty in construction. Natural light streams through the mezzanine’s restored openings and glass bricks, while lush plants soften the industrial feel. The result is a workspace that feels open, balanced, and calm—a modern take on a historic landmark.
Marinos Marinou Architects transform a historic space into a contemporary studio in Limassol
