This year’s edition of Open House Athens placed the Open House Europe annual theme, Future Heritage, at the heart of its programme. Across 77 buildings, the festival explored how Athens’s architectural landscape continues to evolve while maintaining a dialogue with its historic identity.

Future Heritage examined the relationship between architectural heritage and the future of the built environment, highlighting works that preserved authentic spaces, repurposed existing structures, or integrated sustainable design principles. The programme was structured into four thematic sections: Preserved Heritage, Transformation, Sustainable Design, and Innovation Cluster.

Preserved Heritage showcased buildings of historical or architectural value that have maintained their original form, even after restoration. This category emphasised the importance of safeguarding architectural heritage in the contemporary city.

Transformation presented buildings restored or redesigned to meet new uses, promoting the sustainable utilisation of the existing built environment and demonstrating how repurposing can respect the past while adapting to present and future needs.

Sustainable Design included contemporary buildings that harmonise with the environment through new technologies, smart materials, and sustainable architectural practices.

The Innovation Cluster focused on modern workspaces that integrate innovative design, sustainable solutions, and digital technologies, exploring how the workspace continues to redefine architectural heritage.

Here are three examples from this year’s programme that illustrate this year’s theme.

The VEIL

Listed in the transformation category, VEIL involved the renovation and extension of a 1951 corner duplex by Arid. The project balances respect for the urban fabric with contemporary design solutions, adding a new volume that maintains visual lightness while enhancing sustainability and functionality.

The architectural approach preserved the site’s memory, used high-quality materials, and adapted the building to modern living needs. Shared coworking and coliving spaces foster a sense of community. During the festival, 119 guided tours welcomed 1,195 visitors.

Old (Small) Stock Market

The Old (Small) Stock Market, part of the preserved heritage category, offered a direct encounter with Athenian architectural history. The Athens Stock Market operated here from 1891 to 1934, and the building was restored in 1997 by architect Giannis Kizis.

Its imposing decoration—especially the eclectic interior—continues to stand out. Over the weekend, 39 guided tours attracted 783 visitors, highlighting the enduring value of preservation.

Offices in “The Orbit”

Representing sustainable design, “The Orbit” is a nine-storey office building owned by Noval Property and comprehensively redesigned. The façade study was undertaken by Lianou Chalvatzis Architects, with wider collaboration from I & A Vikelas & Associates Architects.

Certified at the highest LEED Platinum level and holding a WiredScore Gold rating, the building demonstrates advanced sustainability and digital performance. Ticketmaster Hellas’s offices—renovated by Kokosalaki Architecture—combine flexibility with spaces supporting privacy and collaboration. A total of 35 guided tours introduced 351 visitors to these solutions.

By presenting preserved landmarks, reimagined structures, sustainability-driven projects, and innovative workplaces, Open House Athens offered a thoughtful reflection on Future Heritage. Its 2025 programme encouraged the public to consider which practices of today will become the heritage of tomorrow—and how architecture can evolve with long-term vision and care.