Residential

Downtown One

AlbaniaContractors: Kastrati Construction

Albania Residential Downtown One - Gypsum International Trophy 2025

Project description

Downtown One is an innovative mixed-use development located in the heart of Tirana, Albania, designed by the renowned architectural firm MVRDV. Downtown One encompasses several key components, including residential apartments, office spaces, retail areas, and public amenities. The design focuses on creating a dynamic urban atmosphere that fosters community interaction and enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. The project features a striking architectural language characterized by bold forms, transparent façades, and lush green terraces, seamlessly integrating nature into the urban fabric.

Main information

Sustainability certification goal

Building size

60 000 m²

Building purpose / type

Luxury Residence and Offices

Building owner name

Kastrati Group

Architect name

MVDRV

Contractors

Kastrati Construction

Company name: Kastrati Construction

Main Representative: Viron Hamzai

Number of collaborators: 150

Specialties: Construction, Program management, Design-build services

Founded in: 2016

Biography: Kastrati Construction is an Albanian full-service construction company established in 2016, with the purpose to manage the construction services and portfolio of Kastrati Group.

Website: www.kastrati.al/construction

Key Challenges

MANAGING A HUGE JOBSITE
LOCATION RESULTING IS LIMITED SPACE TO MOOVE MACHINERIES
TIME FRAMEWORK SET FROM LOCAL AUTHORITIES ON TRUCKS MOVEMENT IN THE CITY CENTER (UNLOADING AFTER 20:00)
DIFFICULTIES TO UNLOAD FULL TRUCKS 24T
CHALLENGE TO DELIVER THE PRODUCTS IN THE UPPER FLOORS
COORDINATION BETWEEN GYPSUM WORKS, PLUMBING AND HVAC WORKS
CUSTOM MADE APARTMENTS BASED ON INDIVIDUAL CLIENTS REQUEST

Key Achievements

FIRST LEED CERTIFIED PROJECT IN ALBANIA
GYPSUM SOLUTIONS INSTEAD OF TRADITIONAL MASONRY WALLS
• Lighter and Faster construction, up to 4times faster than masonry walls
MULTIBRAND OFFER FROM SAINT-GOBAIN AS MAIN SUPPLIER WITH A
WIDE RANGE OF PRODUCTS AND SOLUTIONS
INTERNATIONAL EXPERTISE JOBSITE VISIT WITH SPECIALIZED EXPERTS FROM SISTER COMPANIES
• Support from SG Greece jobsite visit
• Reference Technical Documentation from SG Italy for partition walls systems
• Support from SG Glass division for the facade
REFERRAL OF SUBCONTRACTORS TRAINED WITH SG SYSTEMS AND PRODUCTS IN A VERY DYNAMIC AND CHANLLENGING LABOR MARKET
• Ernest Bregaj, Enternal, D-Contract, Aureli shpk, Parllaku Glass, Vakefi Glass

Sustainability in the project

Certified systems and products with Life Cycle Assessment
• Acoustic & Fire performance of partition walls improving life quality and safety of the inhabitants
• Energy efficiency form façade (Cool Lite SKN 176II + Glasroc X)
• Minimized Environmental Impact, Energy & Acoustic Efficiency (Isover Forte λ=0.034; Afr >15)
Resources management, circularity aiming LEED Gold, assisted also by Saint-Gobain SCH/EHS manager
Improved working conditions for application teams, such as lighter materials, custom made dimensions of boards and profiles, etc
Trained and supported local architectural team to achieve the required standards of certifications and performance of the project

Saint-Gobain products & systems

Isover Forte GW – 66K m²

All Partition Walls between apartments, apartment – hallway

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Duragyp Activ Air – 71K m²

All Partition walls

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RF Fire resistant boards and systems – 27K m²

Corridors / Shaft walls

Rigiprofil 0.6mm – 195K ml

All Partition Walls

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Isover SW insulation 13K m²

Façade Perimetral walls

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COOL LITE SKN 176 DGU – 12K m²

Façade windows

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PERFORMANCE PARTITION WALLS – 35K m²

Specify walls EI 90 & EI 120 ; 56db ->70db

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Benefits

Acoustic insulation

Isover Forte GW – 66K m²

Impact resistant

Duragyp Activ Air – 71K m²

Fire protection

RF Fire resistant boards and systems – 27K m² Corridors / Shaft walls

Exterior wall

GLASROC X – 16K m²

Stability

Rigiprofil 0.6mm – 195K ml

Energy efficiency

Isover SW insulation – 13K m² + COOL LITE SKN 176 DGU – 12K m²

Partition Walls

PERFORMANCE PARTITION WALLS – 35K m²

Contractor’s testimonial

KASTRATI GROUP – Ornela Bego

Downtown One is a 40-story landmark in the heart of Tirana, combining luxury living, modern offices, premium shops, and vibrant commercial spaces. The front of the building features the map of Albania, a symbol of national pride.As the first building in Albania to register under the LEED®️ green building program, Downtown One leads in sustainability. This project reflects Kastrati Group’s vision to elevate Albania’s global image by fostering innovation, cultural identity, and eco-friendly design.Our commitment extends beyond Tirana. By supporting iconic developments like Downtown One, Kastrati Group is dedicated to advancing tourism and showcasing Albania as a premier destination for visitors worldwide.

Architect’s testimonial

MVRDV

The most striking element of the tower is its relief of cantilevered houses and offices, which form a pixelated ‘map’ of Albania, each representing a town or city, turning this building into an icon in the heart of Tirana, Albania.

Saint-Gobain Team

Erisa Latifi, Product Manager;
Erens Mema, Project & Sales Manager

Photographer’s name

Foel Ajasllari ; Erisa Latifi

Website

COUNTRY WEBSITE