“Seismic resilience is worked into every element”. That’s what the engineers say about Riviera Tower. This residential skyscraper is currently under construction here in Athens. It will soon be Greece’s tallest building.
The Riviera Tower is also known as Marina Tower or Hellinikon Marina Residential Tower. This name reflects its location in the coastal district of Elliniko. Upon its expected completion in 2026, the Riviera Tower will stand 200 meters tall. That is 660 feet.
Designed by Foster + Partners, the Riviera Tower will house 200 apartments. These apartments will be spread across 50 floors. The developers are aiming for LEED Gold certification. This reflects the Riviera Tower’s green building characteristics.
The Riviera Tower is part of the Hellenikon Metropolitan Park. This ambitious regeneration scheme is transforming Athens’ former airport site. The 8 billion Euro masterplan includes a world-class Metropolitan Park. This park covers an area of 2 million square meters. The plan enhances the coastal front significantly.
The Riviera Tower showcases this emphasis on green regeneration. It features distinctive hanging gardens. These gardens incorporate dominant green spaces and water features. Natural light and unobstructed sea views are also key elements.
Buro Happold is working with Foster + Partners on this project. They are ensuring the building’s green design translates into sustainability. The Riviera Tower will be the tallest green beachfront high-rise in the Mediterranean.
But designing such a tall structure comes with challenges. Experts are paying close attention to the seismic resilience of the 200-meter tower. This is especially important considering Greece’s history of earthquakes. It will be Greece’s first high-rise building taller than 100 meters.
Athens’ planning laws dictate that nothing overshadows the Acropolis. So, 200 meters is the maximum height allowed. This means the Riviera Tower will remain Athens’ tallest building.
The design connects two towers with a spine. This spine features high-rise gardens and infinity swimming pools. These alternate on each floor. The key design characteristic is a slim silhouette. This helps the building blend with the natural environment. The green and water elements enhance the building’s bioclimatic nature. They also play a key role in the emotional well-being of residents.
The structural design follows international standards. This ensures a highly efficient and robust building. It meets seismic design requirements. It also respects the need for sustainability. This is achieved through clever use of materials. These materials lower the building’s embodied carbon footprint.
The highly energy-efficient Riviera Tower aims for LEED Gold accreditation. It will be 30% more energy-efficient than the average new build in Greece. Sustainability is factored into the irrigation of the green spaces. A system recycles water to hydrate the plants. This reduces irrigation water demand by at least 50%. Drought-hardy native species further reduce irrigation needs.
Low carbon emission materials reduce the building’s Life Cycle Impact by a minimum of 10%. The design reduces the urban heat island effect. It uses low emissivity reflective materials. It omits large surface parking areas. Residents park in an underground garage. Each apartment has an electric vehicle charging point. Full SMART home controls help residents control their carbon footprint.
The building’s biophilic design enhances the well-being of residents. They have enhanced access to daylight and air quality. They maintain a connection to outdoor living. They enjoy uninterrupted views of the natural environment. The spine of green spaces maintains airflow around the apartments. This creates a cooling microclimate.
Riviera Tower sets a benchmark for seismic and fire safety design in the region. It creates a safe and enriching environment for residents. It provides the infrastructure needed to lead low-carbon lives. This is all within a stunning setting, making the Riviera Tower a true landmark of modern Athens.