In Greece’s mythic capital Athens, Europe’s largest urban regeneration project is taking shape. Covering 6 million square meters, the “modern, green city” of The Ellinikon is being built with Holcim’s end-to-end low-carbon solutions. With ECOPlanet cement, ECOPact and DYNAMax concretes, and more, Holcim is currently providing these for 90% of the project’s structures.
ECOPact, ECOPlanet, DYNAMax, SmartFlow and SmartTherm brands inside
Over 300,000 m3 of ECOPact low-carbon concrete used in the project
Europe’s largest urban redevelopment project at 6.2 million m2
The Riviera Tower is the highest skyscraper in The Mediterranean
World’s first EDP-certified ready-mix plant purpose-built onsite
Greece’s first 100% electric ready-mix trucks serve The Ellinikon
The vision
When people think of buildings in Athens they think about the icons of the past such as the Acropolis or the Ancient Agora. More recently for some, the striking 1960s concrete terminal building of Ellinikon International Airport, designed by Eero Saarinen, comes to mind.
Now, on the site of this old airport, a new Building Icon is taking off. The Ellinikon is built to last, with Holcim’s circular, resilient, low-carbon, energy-efficient and smart building solutions inside. And it's creating a buzz, as a lighthouse for sustainable construction.
Highlights of this project from Lamda Development include Greece’s tallest skyscraper, a park that is larger than Central Park in New York, a coastal front, shops, hotels, housing and leisure facilities. The Ellinkon is also a model for the 15-minute city, where residents can access everything they need in this time – by bike, on foot or using public transport.
“With a total surface of 6 million square meters, The Ellinikon is the largest urban regeneration project in Europe. The development encompasses a variety of uses – from residential to commercial, and from cultural to recreational – creating a dynamic urban environment.”
The solutions
Holcim is currently providing solutions for 90% of the structures at The Ellinikon, and our strong commitment to innovative, sustainable solutions – reflected in our comprehensive brand portfolio – is one of the reasons why we were chosen by our customers as the partner of choice.
“Holcim continuously invests in R&D and provides The Ellinikon with innovative and reduced carbon footprint solutions, thus making them fully harmonized with Lamda's ambitions in creating the new, modern, green city of The Ellinikon,” explains Andreas Kapsalis.
To shape the city of the future, Lamda Development worked with Foster + Partners to design The Ellinkon as a sustainable “smart city", focusing on achieving net-zero water and waste, while transitioning to net-zero emissions and building resilience to climate change.
This commitment extends to the choice of sustainable building solutions for the project, which include Holcim’s low-carbon ECOPact concrete and ECOPlanet low-carbon cement. Both reduce the carbon footprint of the project by at least 30% while providing 100% performance.
Greece’s tallest skyscraper
Alongside ECOPact and ECOPlanet, 7,000m3 of DYNAMax, Holcim’s ultra high-performance concrete, has been used so far in the structural core and reinforced beams of one of the ‘set piece’ buildings of The Ellinikon, The Riviera Tower.
Designed by Foster + Partners, the tower is divided into two halves unified by multiple platforms containing swimming pools. Once complete, it will be the highest residential skyscraper in The Mediterranean at 200m, and Greece’s first LEED Gold pre-certified building.
THE ELLINIKON PARK
At the heart of The Ellinikon is The Ellinikon Park, which at 2 million square meters will be one of the largest city parks in the world. With over 3 million native plants and 31,000 trees, it will double the green space available for each Athens resident, greatly improving their quality of life.
Building an advanced tunnel using ECOPact
To connect the park to the coastal front, one of Europe’s most advanced tunnels is being built. The 1.3 kilometer long Poseidonos Avenue Underpass will greatly relieve traffic congestion in Athens and make seaside access easier for people on foot.
AVAX Group is the main contractor for the underpass, and Executive Director Antonis Mitzalis explains why the company selected Holcim’s ECOPact concrete to build it.
“Putting a focus on sustainability is a necessity if you have a long-term plan as an organization,” he says. “Up to now we have received about 300,000m3 of low-carbon concrete from Holcim, and this number is increasing every day,” he says.
The world’s first EPD-certified ready mix plant
To ensure a reliable, high-quality supply of concrete for our customers in large volumes, and to meet their evolving needs, Holcim has built the world’s first EPD-certified ready mix plant on the site of The Ellinikon. EPDs, or Environmental Product Declarations, independently verify the environmental impact of our products – from carbon emissions to energy and waste.
This plant at The Ellinikon is complemented by four others in the region, and the first zero-emission electric mixer trucks in Greece serve the construction, as Holcim Greece transitions to using only 100% electric trucks.
Customer perspective
"Up to now, we have received about 300,000 m3 of low-carbon concrete from Holcim and this number is increasing every day."
Antonis Mitzalis, Executive Director AVAX
The icon
With the first phase of The Ellinikon set to be complete by the end of 2026, it is taking shape as a modern marvel of 21st century Greece, with 6,200 acres of urban living, dynamic shopping districts, thriving business centers and leisure facilities.
With 600 acres of green, open space, a 1km landscaped beach and 50km of scenic walkways, the project will have a positive impact on the lives of Athenians as well, and boost the city economy – creating EUR 14 billion in incremental state revenues and around 85,000 new jobs.
As render turns to reality, Andreas Kapsalis can reflect upon the realization of a futuristic vision that integrates modern living, green spaces and cutting-edge technology. By preserving heritage while embracing progress, The Ellinikon sets a new standard for sustainable urban development, offering a bright and prosperous future for residents and visitors alike.
“Holcim contributes to achieving our commitment to blend innovation, sustainability and culture to create a vibrant, forward-thinking community.”
Holcim expert view
“For the Riviera Tower raft foundation we achieved the largest ‘one shot’ concrete pour in the history of Greece. Using 120 concrete trucks and 15 pumps, over 300 people from Holcim and our partners worked on this 40-hour non-stop pour. This major logistical challenge required extremely precise coordination, and marked an outstanding collaboration with our customer.”
Vassilis Iakovou, Head of Concrete Line, Holcim Greece
