A range of steel types and grades is providing unique functionality while creating a striking visual identity to a large-scale, mixed-use development going up in the Albanian capital of Tirana.

The “Serre Design Project,” designed by the Rome architectural firm, Atenastudio, comfortably integrates residential, civic, commercial and leisure facilities in a high-density urban setting. It balances differing urban textures of homogeneous housing blocks that increase density with individual structures that foster public zones. Planning and design began in late 2004 and the first phase of construction has been underway since November 2006. The project will be complete in 2020.

The north face of the complex comprises a system of rectilinear buildings of differing dimensions that, in total, give the appearance of single letters in a sort of architectural calligraphy. Although the primary structure is reinforced concrete, six of the “letters” are inverted “L”s that rely on full-wall, rectilinear, cantilevered steel beams for their short legs. The open space under the “L”s creates an airiness that carries throughout the remainder of the project.

The stunning nine-to-12-meter long cantilevers on the seventh and eighth floors of the “L”-shaped buildings are the first such examples in Albanian housing construction. The beams join the roof on sliding tracks that absorb horizontal seismic forces.

Another key application of steel is in three, 24-meter long bridges connecting the north elevation with the buildings behind. Other applications include beams and sheet in the floors and roofs, and steel stairways.

The Serre Design Project is a specific outcome of the city of Tirana’s massive campaign, begun in 2000, to integrate new housing with commercial and leisure facilities, while redeeming green space for public use.

Instead of applying a deterministic zoning approach, the Altenastudio team sought to link public and private areas by leveraging its concept of “emptiness.” This concept comes to fruition through design of a new urban park and as a functional connection point: an intersection for public and private space, day- and night-time activities, and interior and exterior flows, achieved by eliminating thresholds between inside and outside.

A sum of matrixes—typologies, elevations, roof systems, distributions and connection areas—fulfill the building design, while a sum of systems—row and tower buildings, horizontal and vertical connections, platform and bridges—achieve the urban design goals.

In addition to residential housing and underground parking, the Serre Design Project includes an Olympic swimming pool, primary school, hotel, cinema, spa, shopping centre, offices and retail shops.