Alchemio Bar-restaurant, Athens, Greece
The material palette balances sensuality and precision. Velvet textures, brushed brass frames and marble tabletops evoke the indulgent glamour of 1950s European salons, while exposed stone surfaces and structured wall paneling introduce a raw, almost laboratory-like honesty. Teal ceramic tiles and oxidized finishes reference chemical compounds and mineral surfaces, grounding the atmosphere in subtle scientific undertones.
Lighting plays a central narrative role. Custom neon interventions trace historic portraits, symbolically “activating” them — as if energy were flowing through matter. Warm copper pendants descend like suspended instruments, directing light with intention and intimacy. The contrast between the deep teal backdrop and the warm amber glow creates a theatrical tension between control and emotion — science and romance.
Lighting plays a central narrative role. Custom neon interventions trace historic portraits, symbolically “activating” them — as if energy were flowing through matter. Warm copper pendants descend like suspended instruments, directing light with intention and intimacy. The contrast between the deep teal backdrop and the warm amber glow creates a theatrical tension between control and emotion — science and romance.
Location:
Athens, Greece
Year:
2019
Type:
Interior design
Status:
Built
Size:
180 sqm
Photographer:
Giorgos Sfakianakis
Athens, Greece
Year:
2019
Type:
Interior design
Status:
Built
Size:
180 sqm
Photographer:
Giorgos Sfakianakis
The walls are punctuated by portraits of renowned chemists — Marie Curie, Alfred Nobel, Louis Pasteur and John Dalton — figures who redefined the understanding of matter and its transformative potential.
Each portrait is subtly animated by a continuous neon light cord that weaves across the surfaces, binding them into a single luminous narrative.
Each portrait is subtly animated by a continuous neon light cord that weaves across the surfaces, binding them into a single luminous narrative.
Historically, alchemists sought the philosopher’s stone — the mythical catalyst capable of producing the elixir of immortality and transmuting base materials into gold.
At ALchemio, this quest is reinterpreted architecturally. The transformation of raw ingredients into crafted cocktails and refined dishes mirrors the alchemical process itself. Matter changes state. Flavours evolve. Interaction generates new chemistry.
At ALchemio, this quest is reinterpreted architecturally. The transformation of raw ingredients into crafted cocktails and refined dishes mirrors the alchemical process itself. Matter changes state. Flavours evolve. Interaction generates new chemistry.
