Developed by Rönesans Construction, the Lakhta Center was granted the Emporis Skyscraper Award. The award, which recognizes high-rise buildings and architectural excellence, went to a project in Russia for the first time in its 20-year history.
Built in Saint Petersburg, Russia, the 462-meter-tall Lakhta Center is the tallest skyscraper in Russia and Europe, and the 14th tallest building in the world.
The project impressed the jurors with its unusual form that consists of five wings that twist 90 degrees along its height, as well as its use of eco-friendly and energy-efficient that went into its making. As the northernmost skyscraper in world, the Lakhta Center stands out with its façade that makes ample use of thermal insulation to protect against the low temperature, reducing heat loss and energy efficiency.
Record breaking project: The Lakhta Center
The concrete pouring of the Lakhta Center was certified by Guinness World Records as the largest continuous concrete pour with 19,624 cubic meters. Weighing around 670,000 tonnes, the building is supported by pile foundation with an approximate pile diameter of two meters, another world record. Piles reach a depth of 82 meters.
Elevators rivaling the speed of Usain Bolt!
The Lakhta Center is also among the most cutting-edge architectural projects in the world. The tower section of the project features 34 high-speed elevators that reach speeds of up to 8 meters per second.
Energy-efficient and green technologies
The Lakhta Center was pre-certified for “LEED for Core & Shell Gold” for ecologic efficiency during construction. The green technologies utilized in the project reduce energy consumption by up to 40%. According to expert projections, the green technologies are expected to pay for themselves in a span of 20 years. Furthermore, the project’s smart façade design, next-gen fire safety system and the suspended ceiling strategy enhance safety and energy efficiency across the building while also offering a top-notch acoustic insulation.
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