Located in the historic center of Ioannina and surrounded by a number of architecturally significant buildings—such as the Oasis, designed by Aris Konstantinidis, and Ilion Palace—the Acropole was one of the city’s most prestigious luxury hotels from the 1930s to the 1950s. Built in 1936 by the Kalogeridis family at the corner of 28th October and Dodoni Streets, across from the central square, it was among the first buildings in Ioannina to be constructed with reinforced concrete and equipped with an elevator. However, in 1990, the building was repurposed as a bank branch, resulting in significant interior and exterior modifications that altered its original identity.

As an iconic landmark of Ioannina, the Acropole plays a vital role in preserving the city’s historical continuity. The building’s recent retrofit and rooftop addition respect its original character while seamlessly integrating it into the evolving urban landscape.

The extension draws inspiration from the building’s original form, orientation, and connection to the city’s panoramic views. The vertical extrusions of the lower floors are reinterpreted in a sculptural, contemporary way into the upper level, which features an open-plan interior, enclosed by curved structural elements that provide uninterrupted views of the city, lake and surrounding mountains.

A defining feature of the extension is the floating canopy, which serves a dual purpose. On one hand, it acts as a unifying element, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces while casting dynamic patterns of light and shadow throughout the interior. On the other hand, it significantly enhances the apartment’s energy efficiency by regulating heat gain and shielding the interior from excessive sunlight.