S30

Kaunas, Lithuania

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S30

Kaunas, Lithuania

Firm

Ugnius + architects

Type

Commercial › Office

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2024

SIZE

5000 sqft - 10,000 sqft

Situated at the intersection of a bustling traffic and commercial street (Savanorių pr. 30, Kaunas) while bordering an attractive natural slope, this project bridges the vibrancy of urban life with the natural beauty of its surroundings. The site offers a unique combination of dynamic city energy and natural tranquility, characterized by a sloping terrain with mature trees and exceptional panoramic views of Kaunas. This dual character forms the essence of the site, inspiring a design of the building that connects these contrasting elements, emphasizing the integration of commercial potential with the inherent natural beauty, even within a compact site.

Great attention was devoted to seamlessly connecting the building with its surroundings. To achieve this, the ground floor was designed as an open and inviting space, featuring subtly curved glass façade. This transparent design creates a dynamic and welcoming atmosphere, allowing people to engage visually with the building’s interior while maintaining a strong connection to the urban streetscape. Enhancing the pedestrian-friendly design, parking is discreetly tucked beneath the first floor in the courtyard, ensuring the frontage remains accessible and visually appealing.

A roof terrace, a spacious balcony, and expansive windows on the upper floors provide breathtaking panoramic views of Kaunas, enhancing the site's character and amplifying the sense of openness within the compact interior spaces. In the evening, the building comes alive with a thoughtfully designed lighting scheme, where the interplay of light and semi-open brick textures transforms it into a luminous urban landmark.

Architectural details and materiality contribute to the building's aesthetic character. The façades are designed with a square-patterned composition of windows and brick textures. Semi-open brick patterns add depth and complexity, offering partial views through the windows and offering a dynamic interaction between light and shadow. The material palette—glass, brick, concrete, and zinc plates framing the windows—consists entirely of natural materials, chosen to balance modern aesthetics with a sustainable approach to the building’s materiality.

This project reflects a careful balance of functionality, aesthetics, and sensitivity to its site, making it a striking addition to the urban fabric of Kaunas.

Photo credits: Aiste Rakauskaite Photography