Glazing the tallest tower in Europe
The Lakhta Center will be a showcase for projects integrating working and living, when it is finished in 2018. Combining business and residential needs, it will feature a mighty glazed tower that required nearly 45,000 square metres of specially imported glass. By helping to conserve energy, the glazing is a vital part of making the project sustainable, while giving it an attractive contemporary appearance.
The 462 metre tower and its accompanying buildings is a prototype that will be built on the outskirts of Saint Petersburg, and it is expected to be a significant addition to Russia’s former imperial capital. It is hoped the Lakhta Center will conform to international criteria in the building and design of a development, and that it will encourage business in Saint Petersburg and the northwestern area of Russia.
Public and business areas
The project will include sports facilities, a health centre, offices, shops, a theatre space, a bank and cafes, all wrapped in glass that will allow maximum use of light in conjunction with energy efficiency. Outside, the plans include landscaped gardens with benches, paths and fountains. An amphitheatre with 2,000 seats is also part of the blueprint.
A balance was sought between the public and office areas. The theme of the development was to present a spire in a landscape of horizontal buildings. The heart of the project will comprise the headquarters of two large Russian companies, Gazprom Group and Gazprom Neft.
Role of glass
Glazing the tower required giving the facade two layers, formed by putting together units of double glazing. This report from the BBC describes how new buildings can use technology and the right kind of glazing to become more sustainable and energy efficient.
If looking for double glazing in Dublin, it is a good move to consult experts to source the best windows and doors in Dublin, and to explain how double glazing can boost the comfort and efficiency of your home.
Sophisticated and innovative glass can fulfill a number of functions, including insulation to maintain the temperature inside a construction, being a source of ventilation, and allowing as much light as possible to illuminate the interior. In the years to come, it is expected that high-performance glazing will become an even more fundamental part of greener building.