Sweet Garden
Pastry Shop
Arachova, Greece 2017
Architecture
ADD Architecture Studio
Interior & Light Design
ADD Architecture Studio
ADD Architecture Studio Design Team
Dionysis Koutsioumaris, Argyris Chronopoulos
Photography
Mirror Studio
The design of this pastry, bakery, coffee, and ice cream shop aimed to create a cozy atmosphere suitable for Arachova’s cold winters and hot summers.
The façade was redesigned with new frames to showcase tempting views of freshly made sweets, hot coffee, and cold ice cream, enticing passers-by. Inside, the rock masonry was preserved and subtly lit to serve as a characteristic backdrop.
The wooden roof beams were restored to their original color, while the rest of the roof’s planks were desaturated to highlight the contrast between the static structure and the roof. The cross-sectional alignment of the beams adds a sense of depth, making the shop appear larger.
A natural height difference of 0.5m divides the space longitudinally, separating the preparation area from the seating area. A floating white-painted steel staircase connects the two spaces, integrated into a larger furniture piece that includes a plant pot for a small olive tree and a sitting bench. The seating area revolves around the concept of “estia,” symbolizing the ancient Greek hearth, with the olive tree as its focal point, referencing Delphi’s landscape.
White horizontal shelves are divided by vertical wooden pseudo-columns that align with the roof beams, creating visual unity between the shop’s areas. Green marble with subtle watermarks clads the base of the showcases, creating harmony with the olive tree at the shop’s center.
Subtle LED lighting highlights key design elements, while strategically placed light beams provide extra illumination. The “estia” is emphasized with hanging bronze lights arranged in a triangular formation, further drawing attention to the shop’s central gathering point.
