Illy Logistics Center and Offices

The client, illy KAFEA S.A., (the Greek branch of the renowned Italian coffee brand illy) commissioned the design of an imposing and recognizable building. The site is located on a 12.000m² plot of strategic importance in Peania, Attica. The key elements of the design feature simplicity in the composition, comfort in use, technology, relaxation, and brand representation.

The main objective of the new structure was to integrate the building to its environment, to apply sustainable architecture strategies during the design, construction and operation of the project and achieve cost efficiency. A31 created a building that meets the needs of the end-user and the high aesthetic standards which are associated with the Italian coffee brand illy.

The company’s offices, cover a surface of 800m² and the vast logistics area totals 1.500m². These two spaces are directly connected and composed in one single and compact volume of a prefabricated shell steel structure. Corten steel cladding interlocking panels are incorporated in the office building’s façades, which fully integrate with the field of olive trees in front of the site. The brown steel panels were selected to resemble the colour of the roasted coffee beans which is the main product stored in the building. Solar movement was studied thoroughly, and glazed surfaces were protected accordingly by laser cut Corten shading screens.