The project at Aguonų St. 26 in Vilnius represents the transformation of an existing administrative building, aiming to craft a contemporary, contextual, and functionally effective architectural expression. Nestled within the sensitive environment of Vilnius Old Town, the building, while not a designated cultural heritage site, demands a responsible approach to its scale, materiality, and volumetric composition.
While preserving the existing rectangular perimeter of the building, its volume is subtly reconfigured, elevating it to six stories with an additional, discreet technical superstructure. This design decision allows for a more optimal utilization of the site's potential, while maintaining a respectful dialogue with the surrounding historical fabric and ensuring it does not overshadow the Old Town's panoramas or silhouette. The newly formed mansard floor and the concise superstructure are seamlessly integrated into the building's overall composition, striving for a sense of unity and a harmonious entirety.
The building's exterior architecture is conceived with a restrained yet refined aesthetic. Following the dismantling of the existing expanded clay concrete panels, the facades are insulated and finished with high-quality grey plaster. This monochromatic, textured surface lends the building an air of solidity and modernity, while allowing it to subtly integrate into the variegated fabric of the Old Town.
The primary architectural feature of the facades is a rhythmic system of clearly defined, dark grey (RAL 7021) aluminum-profiled windows and curtain walling. This "facade system" not only ensures optimal penetration of natural light into the interior spaces but also creates a sense of visual lightness, transparency, and a dynamic interplay of reflections. The proportions and arrangement of the windows emphasize the building's horizontality and the articulation of its floors, lending the facades a sense of order and contemporary elegance.
The pitched roof, clad in dark 'Ruukki Classic' profiled metal sheeting (anthracite color), defines a clear and aesthetically complete silhouette for the building. The materiality and color of the roof harmonize with the window frames, creating a cohesive and harmonious building aesthetic. Skylights are subtly integrated into the roof planes, providing additional natural light to the uppermost floor spaces.
Following the capital renovation, the building will adopt a contemporary, minimalist architectural expression, featuring a clear facade structure highlighted by the rhythmic placement of its windows. The dark color of the roof and window frames will contrast sharply with the light grey plaster of the facades. Internally, the spaces will be replanned and adapted to meet modern office requirements, incorporating additional amenities such as a swimming pool and a canteen. A strong emphasis is placed on enhancing energy efficiency and ensuring the building's accessibility for people with disabilities.