In Athens, Georgios Apostolopoulos Architects converts an old tiny corner shop into fresh & vibrant Ugly Rolls Bakery

Ugly Rolls is a small scale intervention in the center of Athens, by Georgios Apostolopoulos Architects, that aims to reshape an existing corner shop into a calm and inviting space. The project prioritizes openness and visual clarity, allowing the interior to be seen from the street.

A new glazed metal façade is paired with solid lower metal panels that conceal the working counters from view. All functional elements are arranged along the perimeter, freeing up the interior and maximizing the usable space.

The shop is organized into two connected zones. At the corner, a vertically opening window serves rolls and coffee directly to the street, enabling a direct relationship with the customers and the public. Behind the glazed façade, the second area accommodates the production, where the preparation of the cinnamon rolls is fully visible from outside.

By balancing transparency and enclosure, the project establishes a quiet dialogue between the interior activity and the surrounding streetscape.

Facts & Credits:

Project title: Ugly Rolls, Typology: Retail Store | Redesign, Location: Athens – Greece, Client: Ugly Rolls Architectural and Interior Design + Construction: Georgios Apostolopoulos Architects, Graphic Design and Branding: Ogust, Text description: Georgios Apostolopoulos Architects, Photography: Sarah Rainer