In Vilnius, Constitution Avenue, the new business center "Sąvaržėlė" is rapidly taking shape, the construction of which has already reached an important stage. It is a seven-story administrative building with a total area of more than 30 sq. m. The general contractor of the project "Conres" has already completed the first four floors of the building, and currently the work is going higher - both monolithic cores are almost finished and the installation of metal structural floors and prefabricated facades has begun.
The project by world-renowned British architecture studio RSHP stands out with its unique construction, which not only attracts the attention of the townspeople, but also reflects the extremely complex engineering required to implement such a facility. The facade of the building is manufactured to a special order. It is a one-of-a-kind solution that harmonizes with the unique design of the building, realistically resembling a functional paper clip.
The structures include 1500 tons of metal elements, which not only form the stability of the building, but also clearly determine its architectural image. Such structures are more common in Great Britain. They are chosen to lighten the building and are creatively displayed on the facades. This is the creative design of RSHP.
The project is being developed by the investment management company Lords LB Asset Management, a subsidiary of the investment real estate fund Right Bank Development Fund, Kvartalas.
The construction process is carried out quickly and precisely, aiming to complete the project within a very ambitious deadline.
"Vilnius residents and city guests can already notice the emerging contours of the new business center "Sąvaržėlė" on Konstitucijos Avenue. Construction here is gaining momentum - the building's floors are rising rapidly, and intensive facade installation work is underway nearby. By the end of the year, we will be able to see a uniquely designed, modern, sustainable business center," said Ieva Antanaitytė-Genevičienė, fund manager at Lords LB Asset Management.
Exceptional design and safety
The construction of the "Paperclip" is truly exceptional, as its 3rd and 4th floors and 6th and 7th floors are pushed out in different directions from the main volume, forming impressive cantilever structures. The 3rd and 4th floors protrude by more than 16 meters, and the 6th and 7th floors by more than 24 meters.
"To implement this complex architectural idea, metal spatial trusses connecting several floors were used to ensure the stability of the building, which act as the main load-bearing system. Due to the precision and complexity of these structures, the work is carried out using the most advanced technologies and the highest quality standards," comments Ernestas Šeženis, head of Conres.
Conres is carrying out the construction of this facility in two stages: first, the first four floors were assembled, which were held up by temporary supports. Only when they reached the required strength could the installation of the upper floors begin. This process ensures the stability of the building and the redistribution of loads. This method allows for precise control of the work progress and ensures maximum safety, especially in a densely built-up urban area.
"This project is unique for us not only because of the complex structures, but also because of the innovative construction solutions that we apply at each stage. Metal beams and suspended structures are a challenge, but also an opportunity to introduce innovations that will enrich modern construction practice. Our goal is to implement the architects' vision so that "Sąvaržėlė" would be not only an interesting, but also a highly functional object," says E. Šeženis.
This is the first administrative building in Lithuania to be built from prefabricated metal structures. All project work is carried out in a BIM (Building Information Modeling) environment, ensuring effective management and smooth execution of work from start to finish. This technology allows for purposeful planning of all construction stages and minimizing the likelihood of errors.
A realistic vision – from the construction site to the city skyline
Upon completion, the business center "Sąvaržėlė" will become not only a modern administrative facility, but also a significant architectural accent on the Vilnius skyline. The first administrative building in Lithuania built from prefabricated metal structures will aspire to become a leader in the sector, ensuring quality and sustainability.
The upper floors of the business center will be dedicated to offices, and the premises will feature modern solutions and 360-degree views of the city. panoramaThe roof space will become not only a landscaped green area, but also a symbolic step towards sustainability. In addition, the project includes a two-story underground parking lot, which will solve the parking problem, which is extremely important for those working in the city center.
The implementation of this project requires not only a rigorous engineering but also an organizational process, so Conres used its qualified team and the latest technologies.
BREEAM certification – the highest sustainability standards
Conres also aims to ensure that this project meets the highest sustainability standards. The innovative solutions applied to the business center will allow it to achieve BREEAM “Outstanding” sustainability certification in the new construction category.
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is a global building assessment standard that assesses the sustainability of a building across a range of criteria, such as energy efficiency, water consumption, indoor environment and user comfort. Achieving BREEAM Outstanding requires consistent work across all of these aspects and a commitment to optimising every stage of the construction process to achieve the highest possible level of sustainability.
"Not all buildings can meet BREEAM Outstanding standards. In order to achieve this level, it is necessary to ensure that the building not only meets environmental standards, but also exceeds them in many criteria, such as energy consumption, waste management and green space creation," explains the head of Conres.
