The MET Building in Tirana is a 12-storey mixed-use development that forms a distinctive architectural landmark within the city’s Central Business District along Boulevardi Zhan D’ark. Designed by Mario Cucinella Architects, the project translates tight urban constraints into a sculptural, high-performance building that integrates residential, office, and commercial functions within a single vertical structure.

With a total height of approximately 48.7 meters, the building is shaped through a carefully carved elliptical massing strategy. Rather than a conventional rectangular tower, the form is “excavated” to generate a continuous sequence of voids and recesses. These voids become spiraling terraces distributed across multiple levels, creating a layered relationship between interior spaces and outdoor environments. This design approach increases usable exterior areas while also improving daylight penetration deep into the floor plates.

The terraced configuration is not purely aesthetic; it directly influences environmental performance. Each setback reduces wind pressure at higher levels and introduces planted or open-air zones that act as transitional microclimates. These spaces contribute to passive cooling strategies and improve occupant comfort in a dense urban context where open space is limited.

The façade system is a defining technical and visual component of the MET Building. Developed with advanced glazing solutions provided by Guardian Glass, the envelope is organized into alternating opaque and transparent modules. This rhythm creates a controlled balance between openness and enclosure, responding to solar orientation and internal program needs. Full-height glazing is concentrated at the lower levels, enhancing visual continuity with the street and activating the ground-floor retail and public interfaces.

Above the base, the façade becomes more articulated and layered, incorporating sun-shading elements, ventilated panels, and energy-efficient glazing systems. This reduces heat gain while maintaining high levels of natural daylight, aligning with contemporary sustainable design standards.

Structurally, the building is organized around a reinforced concrete core that provides stability and supports vertical circulation, while perimeter structural elements allow for flexible floor plates adapted to different uses. The underground levels extend the building’s functionality, accommodating four basement floors dedicated to parking, mechanical systems, and service infrastructure.

Programmatically, the MET combines residential units, office floors, and commercial spaces in a vertically integrated model. This mix reinforces continuous activity throughout the day and strengthens its role as an urban anchor within Tirana’s evolving city fabric.

Project summary:

• Name: MET Building, Tirana, Albania
• Architect: Mario Cucinella Architects
• Location: Boulevardi Zhan D’ark, Tirana CBD
• Program: Mixed-use (residential, office, retail)
• Height / Levels: ~48.7 m, 12 storeys above ground (plus 4 underground)
• Design Features: Sculpted terraces, elliptical massing, green outdoor spaces, articulated façade with alternating opaque/transparent modules
• Façade Engineering: Global One – including glazing systems, ventilated panels, sun-shading, and technical supervision
• Status: Ongoing / under construction