Boksto Skveras

BOŠKTO SKVERAS Studio Seilern Architects

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PROJECT INFO Location: Vilnius, Lithuania Scope: Mixed use: Spa, Offices, Residential, Chapel and Restaurant Budget: €25m Area: 13,265 m² Completion Date: 2022 Client: UAB OGVY TEAM Architect: Studio Seilern Architects Heritage and Local Architect: Archinova FF&E and SPA Architect: Akiko Tutly – ArchDesign General Contractor: PST Building Services Consultant: Elvora LT Structural Consultant: NIT Projektai Project Management Consultant: Contestus Lighting Consultant: Studio IBU

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okšto Skveras encompasses a 13,265sqm

mixed use project located at the heart of Lithuania’s capital city Vilnius. A location designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; it overlooks one of the oldest streets in the historic centre. The historical complex, originally the palace of Bishop Goniewski, has undergone transformation and adaptations spanning over 500 years.

With such a rich, varied, and protected history, the conservation and restoration approach became paramount. From the outset, we were captivated by the site’s historical narrative. As we revealed the layers of history, it became evident we wanted to retain as much fabric as possible. Any new build element should be a purposeful and carefully considered insertion into the existing fabric, and when feasible, the historic elements of the site should be revitalised and safeguarded.

Emerging from its dilapidated state, Bokšto Skveras is a restoration and urban regeneration project poised to usher in the next chapter of its illustrious and cherished legacy; it pays homage to its roots whilst envisioning a dynamic and forward looking future. We augmented its historical essence, transforming the site into a vibrant community complex, complete with office workspaces, residential accommodation, a health club, spa, as well as a restaurant and bar.

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Original Facade

Main Entrance THE MASTERPLAN Originating in the 15th century, the location remained unoccupied and in disrepair since 1999.

Encompassed by six structures, the assortment of asymmetrical courtyards played a pivotal role in the restoration efforts. The redesigned landscape and sunken restaurant now establish a new focal point in the city, encouraging a harmonious interplay between nature and architecture, thereby enhancing the vitality of the area and its inhabitants.

Restored Facade

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Restaurant Restaurant Terrace 3 Spa Entrance 4 Spa Lounge & Courtyard 5 Residential Units 1 2

Chapel 1D Lift 8 Offices 9 Public Courtyard 10 Private Courtyard 6

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Site plan - Ground Floor Studio Seilern Architects

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THE INSERTIONS Drawing

inspiration

from

the

seamless

integration of architecture and nature seen at the Alhambra, we proposed in our new build strategy that the façades of the new structures mirror the historical essence rather than mimic it. Wrapped in gleaming stainless steel, the modern electrical and plumbing systems

Alhambra: Reflection

employed a ‘box-in-box’ method, delicately interfacing with the original building fabric without altering the core structure. Similarly, a

CLASSICAL PERIOD

newly constructed sunken restaurant boasts a roof adorned with reflective polished steel.

Maintaining the visible signs of the building’s aging is just as crucial to the restoration process as restoring the Baroque essence to its

GOTHIC PERIOD

authentic form. These careful and considered additions act as a mediator and visually fuse the preserved, the restored and the inserted, seamlessly disappearing into a collective whole.

CONTEMPORARY

Site - Excavation

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Elevator Core Studio Seilern Architects

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Courtyard

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Main Entrance

Elevator Core Reflection

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THE ROOF STRATEGY One of the more radical architectural interventions across the site is the complete re-invention of the roofs.

The

resulting

roof

design

is

an

innovative assembly of vertical steel slats that subtly reveal areas of glazing beneath. The slats are covered with a

The Problem of Veluxes Illustrated

painted, oxidized copper roofing and punctuated with laser cut openings strategically positioned to admit light into the interior space. The tinted glass of the windows remains subtly recessed behind the textured copper, artfully emulating the undulating patterns of clay tiles.

Aluminium Roof Concealing the Skylights

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View from Restaurant Roof

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Roof Interior 16

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Roof detail Studio Seilern Architects

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Exterior of Chapel 18

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THE CHAPEL The St. Elizabeth Chapel, a cherished church in old Vilnius, had been obscured by later developments but has now been uncovered

and

meticulously

restored. It is transformed into a multifunctional space that can be adapted for conferences, concerts, or private events.

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Swimming Pool THE SPA Below

ground,

the

expansive

dormant

chambers, once Gothic and Renaissance cellars dating back to the 15th Century, have been re-imagined as a spa and health club, complete with a 25-meter swimming pool.

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135000

1650000

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Spa and Health Centre Studio Seilern Architects

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Hallway to Spa Facility

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Pool Entrance

Spa Entrance

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“Reflection is a form of homage to the buildings and captures the landscape too, emphasizing the importance of the courtyard in the original composition. “ Christina Seilern

The completion of Bokšto Skveras is the culmination of over a decade of dedicated design and development.

The outcome is a harmoniously integrated enclave within the city, meticulously crafted with thoughtful design principles. The development has resulted in an inviting urban destination for both the inhabitants of Vilnius and its visitors. It stands as testament to an exemplar organic urban regeneration of the area, becoming an essential part of the cityscape and unifying the neighbouring districts of Didžioji and Užurpis, to be cherished by generations of workers and visitors yet to come.

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24 Scrubs Lane London NW10 6RA T +44 (0)2089692567 press@studioseilern.com www.studioseilern.com Photography Rolan Halbe, Norbert Tukaj Copyright © 2023 Studio Seilern Architects All rights reserved 28

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