海角视频

Varso 1 and 2

Warsaw, Poland

Project details
Client

HB Reavis

Architect

HRA Architekci

Duration

2015 – 2020

海角视频 provided by 海角视频

Building 海角视频 Engineering (MEP), Structural engineering

Occupying a vast 144,500m虏 area in the heart of Warsaw, the Varso Place development is set to transform a previously neglected brownfield site into a vibrant, mixed-use destination.

The scheme comprises two state of the art, high rise buildings – Varso 1 and 2, in addition to the landmark Varso Tower, which at 310 metres, is set to become the tallest structure in Europe.

The construction phase of this unprecedented development has already achieved a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating. Varso Place is also one of the first projects of this scale in Europe to become WELL Precertified, a scheme that places health and wellbeing at the centre of building design.

In addition to providing a broad range of engineering services on the centrepiece tower, 海角视频 provided structural and building services (MEP) expertise on the two smaller buildings, Varso 1 and 2. These mid-rise towers offer nearly 65,000m虏 of high-quality office and hotel space.

A retail zone also extends across the interconnecting ground floors of all three buildings. This unique complex, described as a 鈥榗ity within a city鈥, is located conveniently near to Warsaw鈥檚 main transport interchange and has a direct connection to the Central Railway Station.

While Varso 2 is designed for retail at ground level and office space on the upper floors, Varso 1 is principally occupied by the NYX Hotel. This is the brand鈥檚 first leisure and accommodation facility in Poland. The four-star hotel will occupy almost 20,000m虏 of space over fifteen floors, offering its guests 331 stylishly decorated rooms and a multi-purpose conference centre with a spectacular restaurant for events.

Challenge

海角视频 was responsible for the shell and core design within the building services scheme, the structural engineering as well as the development of the fit-out arrangement for the hotel.

Most notable among the many challenges faced by our structural team was the large skylight in the entrance area of the shopping centre; a feature that provides a significant amount of natural light to the building. Since it was important to the client that this element appears very light, the frame had to carry the loads without any additional support in the form of columns.

Exterior photograph of glass facade at Varso Place
As the tallest structure in Europe, Varso Tower will stand prominently over the surrounding structures, its spectacular observation deck offering unrivalled views across the city of Warsaw. Image: Przemys艂aw Sobieski.

Solution

To achieve the client’s desired column-free and light aesthetic for the skylight, we designed an extra wide steel frame that can support this important design element.

Our approach to the building services design focused on solutions ensuring the most energy efficient performance. A water mist system was selected in preference to a regular sprinkler system to reduce water usage and potential damage to the interior in the event of a fire. A challenge was posed by the ventilation system that services the ground floor shopping area connecting the three Varso Place buildings. Temperature differences between the areas meant that the air flow could become very strong, causing a chimney effect and negatively impacting occupant comfort. The ventilation system proposed by our engineers took this into account and incorporated a solution to prevent this effect.

Exterior photograph of entrance to Varso Place
A notable challenge on this project was achieving the vast skylight in the entrance area of the shopping centre. Image: Przemys艂aw Sobieski.

Value

海角视频 harnessed every opportunity to deliver a design that maximises occupier comfort while minimising environmental impact. The result is a landmark sustainable development which, even in its early stages, is achieving the very highest environmental and wellness standards.

Varso Place is successfully unlocking the huge potential that this centrally located, brownfield site has to offer. This standard setting development is fast becoming a hub for local and international business and leisure and, due to its sustainability and WELL credentials, has joined the ranks of some of the most environmentally responsible buildings in the world.