Hora Vertikale, a 140-metre mixed-use tower designed by Portuguese architecture studio OODA, is currently under construction in Tirana. Scheduled for completion in 2028, the project is set to become one of the most recognisable additions to the Albanian capital’s rapidly evolving skyline.

The tower is composed of 13 stacked cube-like volumes, arranged in a staggered formation that creates terraces, overhangs and shifting geometries along its height. Each cube measures 22.5 × 22.5 metres and rises seven storeys, reflecting the typical height of surrounding buildings in Tirana.

According to OODA, this proportional strategy reinterprets the scale of the city’s existing neighbourhoods in vertical form. Rather than functioning as a monolithic skyscraper, Hora Vertikale is conceived as a “vertical village”, a layered composition that echoes the rhythm and density of the capital’s urban blocks.

Architectural Variation and Façade Identity

The 13 cubes are developed in seven architectural variations. Some volumes feature gridded façades with regular window openings, while others incorporate protruding elements and rounded forms that break the rigidity of the grid.

OODA explains that each cube reflects a distinct conceptual identity inspired by art and local vernacular references. This approach introduces visual diversity across the elevation, reinforcing the building’s fragmented yet cohesive character.

Mixed-Use Programme and Urban Impact

As a mixed-use development, Hora Vertikale is expected to combine residential, commercial and community-oriented functions. The staggered configuration generates terraces and outdoor spaces, enhancing interaction between interior and exterior environments while contributing to the building’s sculptural profile.

The project aligns with Tirana’s broader transformation, as the city continues to position itself as a regional hub for contemporary architecture and high-rise development.

OODA plans to prioritise locally sourced Albanian materials during construction. This strategy is intended to reduce transport-related carbon emissions while supporting domestic industries.