Kula Belgrade, towering above the city’s historic Savamala district, is more than just a new addition to Serbia’s skyline, it’s a technological milestone for the glass and construction industries in Southeast Europe. Completed in 2024, the 42-story skyscraper blends striking design with advanced façade engineering, making it one of the most innovative structures in the region. At its core, the project reflects a growing trend in architecture: using glass not only for visual impact, but for environmental protection, energy efficiency, and safety, especially for wildlife.
Designed by Icons of Global Architecture
The tower was envisioned by the world-renowned architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the minds behind the Burj Khalifa and the Willis Tower. True to SOM’s reputation for innovation, the tower includes a dramatic 90-degree twist between the 14th and 24th floors, a symbolic nod to the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, which define the geography of Belgrade.
Advanced Glass Technology and Façade Design
The facade is a key technical achievement, composed of nearly 14,000 glass panels. It incorporates spectrally selective glazing to optimize natural light while minimizing heat loss and energy consumption. These features align with contemporary energy efficiency standards and contribute to the building’s sustainability credentials.
Bird-Friendly Glass Innovation: Bird1st UV
What truly sets Kula Belgrade apart is its application of Bird1st UV glass by Guardian Glass, making it one of the first European towers to adopt this technology. This innovative glazing features UV-reflective stripes that are nearly invisible to humans but easily detected by birds, thereby reducing collision risks. The solution combines bird safety with high solar performance, supporting green building standards without compromising aesthetics.
With spring migration underway as of May 10, 2025, the use of bird-friendly glazing is more than symbolic, it’s essential. Kula Belgrade stands as a regional benchmark for integrating architectural ambition with ecological responsibility.
Source: Guardian Glass with additional information added by Glass Balkan
