Ministry of National Defence unveils new bioclimatic façade following €10M Piraeus Bank donation

The project was implemented through a €10 million donation from Piraeus Bank and forms part of the broader architectural renovation of the Ministry’s headquarters.

The design was created by sculptor and Professor at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Konstantinos Varotsos. The new façade combines architectural enhancement with improved energy efficiency, as its bioclimatic design also aims to reduce the building’s energy consumption.

External Renovation of the Building Completed

With the unveiling of the North Façade, the external architectural renovation of the Ministry of National Defence’s main building has been completed.

The project complements Konstantinos Varotsos’ sculpture, “Ark of National Memory”, the redevelopment of the surrounding grounds and the bioclimatic façade of the main entrance.

Improvements to the surrounding area include the landscaping of green spaces and the installation of new architectural lighting. The lighting design was developed through a collaboration between Konstantinos Varotsos and Eleftheria Deko.

Meanwhile, renovation works are continuing inside the main building. The objective is to improve working conditions and transform the Ministry into a modern, functional and architecturally upgraded environment.

Dendias: €10 Million Donation Made the Project Possible

In his address, Nikos Dendias linked the building’s transformation to the broader modernisation of the Hellenic Armed Forces under the “Agenda 2030” initiative.

He noted that the Ministry’s renovation forms part of the wider reform programme and highlighted the longstanding contribution of private-sector sponsorship to projects serving the public interest.

The Minister expressed his gratitude to Piraeus Bank, its shareholders and employees, as well as personally to Christos Megalou, for the €10 million donation that made the construction of the new façade, based on Konstantinos Varotsos’ designs, possible.

For his part, Piraeus Bank’s CEO stressed that the completion of the project reflects the bank’s commitment to supporting initiatives with a meaningful social impact and lasting value.

As Christos Megalou noted, the renovation of the Ministry’s main building highlights the standing of an institution entrusted with safeguarding the country’s security and stability, while also reflecting the dynamism of a modern Greece.

He added that supporting projects which strengthen institutions and create value for society has long been a priority and a responsibility for Piraeus Bank.

The ceremony also featured an address by the project’s creator, Konstantinos Varotsos.

Among those attending were Speaker of Parliament Nikitas Kaklamanis, former President of the Hellenic Republic Prokopios Pavlopoulos, a representative of the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, government ministers and deputy ministers, members of parliament, the leadership of the Hellenic Armed Forces, and representatives of institutional and diplomatic organisations.