The city is changing: One year since delivering URBAND

One year ago, EPIKYKLOS concluded the construction of the URBAND residential building, a model project based on our vision of how Athens could become a better city. With URBAND, we set new construction standards, introducing innovations, benefits, and privileges never before offered in the development and real estate sectors. Through this initiative, we aimed to kickstart a profound and inspiring change that would gradually spread across the city, transforming it forever.

The location we selected for this project was the corner of Kythnou and Pindou Streets in Kypseli, a district encompassing all the identifiers of a traditionally urban area. Before starting, we established the six pillars that would determine our model project’s success:

Architectural excellence

Having laid our foundation on an “aching” part of modern Athens, we wanted our architectural proposal to redefine construction and residential standards within the urban fabric. Our building should foster a dynamic relationship between the people and their homes, their neighborhood, and their city, adding real value to their daily lives.

Design-wise, we had to work with all the limitations expected of a corner plot. Nevertheless, we approached the project with an open mind, creative thinking, and emphasis on the actual needs of a modern residence.

So, we designed a building that stands out for its unique identity while blending harmoniously into its surroundings. We divided it into seven residencies of high quality, aesthetics, and functionality. And we ensured they would offer comfortable, fully-furnished spaces for an optimized living experience.

Resilient construction

High-quality construction and guaranteed durability were two of our main objectives for the project’s success and longevity.

We know very well that a building is as resilient as its load-bearing structure. So, we used waterproof concrete with Penetron Admix admixture for our frame. Subsequently, we made sure that every step of our process raised the bar for construction durability and life expectancy.

Energy efficiency

In a city like Athens and, especially, in a densely populated area like Kypseli, every new building potentially worsens the collective environmental footprint. We wanted URBAND to be an exception, functioning as a prime example of a green approach to construction on a national and European level.

To achieve this, we designed an A+ energy class building that offers maximum energy savings through modern technologies and materials.

Additionally, we established a pioneering collaboration with HERON to secure free coverage of each residence’s electric energy consumption with green energy for the first 20 years.

Flexible operational framework

Multilevel apartment buildings operate under a fixed set of regulations and interests that often generate operational challenges and gradually hurt the value of the building and the individual properties. Our goal was to establish a more adaptable and effective management process, so we took the initiative to rewrite the “Bible of building regulations” in the form of a flexible operational framework.

That happened in late 2019 when we partnered with university professors, notaries, and lawyers to develop an innovative model of residential building bylaws. Our study aimed to add value to the building by treating each residence as an investment asset.

The result was an operational framework that prevents any arbitrary intervention in the building’s exterior, upholding the city’s overall look and feel. At the same time, it provides complete independence to residence owners who may adjust the use of their property according to current needs or market conditions.

Warranty and benefits

Our trust in the quality of our constructions and our deep experience and know-how have led us to develop a unique grid of premium benefits for owners who have invested in our buildings. These benefits are our way of actively standing on their side long after developing and delivering their property.

Accordingly, every owner of an URBAND residence is also a member of the EPIKYKLOS “10-10-10” club, which provides them with a 10-year warranty, exceptional privileges, and advanced benefits for a whole decade.

Profitable outcome

We began project URBAND with a vision and enthusiasm for laying the foundation for a better future for our city. We also wanted to provide a clear answer to those wondering if a modern construction project can still be profitable while incorporating several innovative ideas that benefit the city and its people.

A whole year after the project’s completion, we can certify that since we managed to raise this building in this specific area under the given conditions and make a profit, there is no excuse for not trying.

Our city can change!