stefano boeri's 'blloku cube' in tirana will be clad with a pattern of aluminum triangles

stefano boeri has unveiled plans to build a multi-functional complex in tirana, the capital of albania. the ‘blloku cube’, which is boeri’s first building in the city, will contain a range of functions, with retail outlets at ground level, five storeys of offices, and a roof garden restaurant on the top floor. the project is defined by its cladding, which not only gives the building a sense of identity, but also helps with the structure’s thermal efficiency.

all images © stefano boeri architetti

the double skin system consists of a curtain wall, an uninterrupted glass façade that provides adequate insulation, and an outer skin made from anodized aluminum. this shielding system comprises 110 centimeter square modules, which only obscure the light for half of their surface owing to the presence of three dimensional triangles welded inside.

the project is defined by its distinctive cladding

‘the resulting effect is that of a vibrant and iridescent surface, a pattern of aluminum triangles playing with the sunlight to create reflections in different nuances of color,’ explains stefano boeri. each of the tiny metal sails making up the façade is oriented in a different direction in order to filter sunlight and provide an optimal natural lighting.

the aluminum triangles create constantly changing patterns and reflections

‘this particular cladding solution, specifically designed for our first albanian project, plays an essential role in defining the uniqueness of the building and contributes to underling its importance as a new landmark of this urban district,’ adds francesca cesa bianchi, project director for stefano boeri architetti.

a seating area is found at ground level

the project, which is already under construction, will be entirely managed by the tirana branch of stefano boeri architetti. the office has already put its name to ‘tirana 2030’, the new town planning scheme of the albanian capital, as well as the construction of three schools, destined to become the new hubs of social and cultural activities in the north western area of tirana.

the ground floor is populated with retail outlets

the ‘blloku cube’ illuminated at night

elevation and section detail

project info:

name: blloku cube
project by: stefano boeri architetti
location: tirana, albania
year: 2017 – on-going
client: invest society shpk – project manager: ermal hasa
consultants: SCE project, E.S.A. engineering, albana kocollari (ANK architects), engr. helidon kokona, engr. llambi karamani (xhenlux), engr. petrit hoxhaj.
services: concept design, preliminary project, final and executive project, art direction
type: architecture
program: mixed: shops, offices, car parks
data: project area: 1,116.80 sqm; GLA: 6,052 sqm
design group: stefano boeri (founding partner), francesca cesa bianchi (project director), with jona arkaxhiu, orjana balla, marco bernardini, agostino bucci, carlotta capobianco, moataz faisal farid, yulia filatova, shilong tan, andrea zucchi