Office building „Merchants‘ club“ in Vilnius, Lithuania

This time I will leave all the lovely mid-century buildings aside for a little while and tell you a story about a contemporary office building in Vilnius, Lithuania which has been built in 2012. Designed by Hackel-Kaape architekten office Hamburg-Vilnius with mainly Lithuanians on the team. This project also includes restoration of  1913 secession style merchant’s house originally designed by an architect M. Prozorov. New glass addition plays a contrast role in overall composition.

View to the new addition to the “Merchants’ club” from Lukiškių square

This building is just next to the most important Gedimino boulevard in the center of Vilnius. Due to the importance of location choosing the right project was by the means of a closed competition, what was held in 2008. Other competition entries can be seen here.

The sunny weather photos are taken in summer 2012, and in the beginning of this year I came back for more. The building looks much more cheerful in a sunny weather conditions, than in the middle of winter. In the competition entry of the architects the building was presented as a bit more pale, whiter glass would be used, however in reality it is even brownish. Even thought the construction is claimed to be finished in 2012, the office spaces are still not rented out – exactly the same add half a year latter is still there on the front window. I also assume, that within the deeper side of the building the construction is not over yet, as the courtyard is still not accessible for anyone and the construction fence is still there instead of a gate.

Bank building in Konstitucijos st. Vilnius, Lithuania

Some architecture from Vilnius, Lithuania: the headquarters of a bank designed by Ambrasas architects bureau. The building was completed in 2009, the architects for the building were selected in an architectural competition. Now this building is a part of Vilnius “down town”: an architectural hill formed by group of high-rise buildings. Out of all of them (exception modernist hotel), I believe only this bank is worth to be written about as a successful architectural object.

This building features expressive form-what is a very strong dominant and visible from plenty of different views in the town, as well as pleasant and well executed landscaping. Even thought this building was built a while ago, it was the first time I went to look for a closer look at it. The “sharp” metal façade and “soft” wooden terraces create an unexpected contrast.

The static electricity in the metal façade hit me when I tried to feel the texture. (Warning: do not touch) The variation in colour of the plates is created by directional sanding.

I was very much impressed by the way the landscaping was done on top of the terrace. It is spacious, but not windy (a common problem for any roof-top garden/public space). This public garden was a requirement for the architects by the city municipality.

Apartment house in Ciurlionio st., Vilnius, Lithuania

Some interesting architecture from Vilnius.

Apartment building in Ciurlionio street, Vilnius, Lithuania. Unusual, very Dutch-like approach. Namely: overall shape of the building; roof shingles are used for façade and the roof , what is usual sight in Benelux countries for side façades, firewalls to be protected from the rain. Also a bit like the famous MVRDV variations (Ypenburg, etc.). This apartment building was designed in 2007 by architect Palekas, one of my ex-professors.

Definitely different from the typical Vilnius or Lithuanian architecture of the last decade.

Click image to enlarge

Belveder Mansion in Lithuania

A run down romanticism style palace in Jurbarkas region, Lithuania, on a right side of river Nemunas (here). Originally built in the mid 19th century. Falling apart, but still full of amazing details.

click to enlarge

This building is in private hands since 2005 and hopefully something will be (is) done with this haunted mansion. There is hope, as nearby castle was being renovated at the moment I was visiting the area.
Belveder means “beautiful to see” – a popular name for houses in picturesque areas around the world.

Wooden church in Marcinkonys, Lithuania

Marcinkonys Roman Catholic church:

click to enlarge

Lovely wooden Neo-Gothic church located in south of Lithuania, surrounded by pine forests in the centre of Dzukija national park.
Interesting detail: on top of the hexagonal tower windows are just painted on.