GREEN LIVING
Anthology of Athens was established through the renovation of an existing building, with the primary goal from the outset to achieve environmental certification under the international LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) system at the Gold level.
The strategy implemented can be summarized as follows:
✓ Anthology of Athens, true to its environmental policy, is the first urban hotel in Greece to implement a Grey Water system (reusable non-potable water for toilets and irrigation).
The implementation of the Grey Water system required the installation of a double water supply and drainage network, which saves 4-5 cubic meters of water daily out of the total 7 cubic meters required at Anthology of Athens.
The Grey Water system collects and treats water from showers and sinks, which, after necessary biological purification, is used exclusively for WC operation. Specifically, a 30 sq.m. pumping station has been installed in basement B of the building, forming the core of the system.
The double network allows for the separate collection of water from showers and sinks, which is directed to the pumping station. After passing through five tanks, it is purified from foam, odours, and other elements. The clean water then, via the network, supplies only the WC cisterns, contributing to a daily saving of 4-5 cubic meters of water.
✓ Installation of efficient sanitary ware and low-flow faucets to reduce water consumption.
✓ Placement of water meters to monitor consumption in key uses (domestic hot water, irrigation, cold sanitary water, etc.).
✓ Selection of endemic plants suitable for the local climate, with limited irrigation needs.
To protect and enhance the local microclimate, both for the building users and the urban environment, green building policies were adopted.
“Vertical Gardens” (or green walls) allow planting on vertical surfaces, offering unlimited architectural possibilities and aesthetic interventions, enhancing ecological sensitivity within the space.
Anthology of Athens created the tallest vertical garden in Athens, covering the entire atrium of the building, with a height of 25 meters and an area of 100 sq.m., featuring dense vegetation of real climbing plants.
The vertical garden contributes to:
✓ Planted Roofs: The outdoor area was designed with sustainable specifications, with planting on the roofs and balconies covering 25% of the plot’s area.
✓ The above practices contribute to reducing the urban heat island effect, creating a positive microclimate in the area. Materials with high solar reflectivity were selected, and effective shading of surfaces with high solar absorption was applied.
✓ To reduce light pollution, external lighting was designed in accordance with LEED requirements to minimize light spill and calculate uplight.
At Anthology of Athens, cutting-edge technologies were implemented, following global developments. The management of all building systems is automated through KNX systems, ensuring maximum energy savings and unique hospitality experiences.
Additionally, the following have been installed:
✓ A network of energy meters for continuous monitoring and consumption analysis, to identify energy inefficiencies and implement corrective measures.
✓ Optimization of the building’s shape and orientation, as well as efficient air conditioning and lighting systems.
✓ Passive design using high-specification and energy-efficient building materials (thermal facade).
✓ VRV air conditioning units with partial room autonomy.
✓ Use of high energy efficiency LED lighting fixtures, with exterior lighting design conforming to ASHRAE 90.1.2010 standard.
✓ Production of domestic hot water with natural gas and alternative sources.
✓ Energy-efficient frames and glazing.
Based on sustainability principles, natural, non-toxic materials were chosen for design and construction. In the same context, the recycling program and proper waste management have been supported both during construction and during the building’s operation.
The building is located in an easily accessible area near the city’s main road axes, facilitating visitors. Additionally, bicycle transportation to and from the building is available.
For guests’ comfort, the following are implemented:
✓ High-quality LED lighting fixtures with a Colour Rendering Index (CRI) ≥90, allowing brightness adjustment. Additionally, materials and highly reflective furniture were chosen for better light diffusion.
✓ Sufficient natural lighting through the atrium in main areas and rooms.
✓ Large-sized glazing in primary use areas facilitating direct views of the natural outdoor environment.
✓ Reduction of noise, reverberation, and sound transmission between spaces.
✓ Measures for maintaining indoor air quality and preventing the spread of pollutants.
Aiming for a high-specification building, specialized, innovative, and unconventional methods were adopted:
✓ Integration of biophilia elements in the building’s design to contribute to the creation of a built environment that promotes the health and well-being of users.
✓ Installation of indoor air quality monitoring systems, to check performance and timely adjust mechanical settings, ensuring maximum comfort.