The Albanian property developer Midha commissioned Arup to design Guri Tower, a 25-storey mixed-use tower located in the vibrant District 5 of Tirana, the country’s capital. Its façade, composed of layers of stone, defines the building’s identity and provides high-quality residential and commercial spaces for the neighbourhood.

Our specialists began this project by analysing the site, its location within a growing neighbourhood, its urban dynamics and its environmental constraints. These factors guided the design of a building that carefully balances functionality and architectural expression, resulting in a coherent design that is sensitive to its surroundings.

The building offers one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, all with private outdoor spaces from which to enjoy panoramic views of the city. In addition to the residential units, the project incorporates amenities and retail spaces that make daily life easier and contribute to the neighbourhood’s vibrancy.

Architecture defined by context and identity

Arup’s architecture team went beyond the functional requirements to create a building with a clear and enduring identity. Materials play a key role in the design. The texture, colour and durability of the stone lend character to the tower. Through this materiality, the Guri Tower bridges past and present, integrating local heritage into a distinctly modern expression.

Large stone walls structure the tower and shield the homes and terraces from direct solar radiation from the east and west, helping to regulate the internal temperature and reduce heat gain. The highly energy-efficient design also incorporates vegetation to provide natural shade and reduce the need for cooling.

A façade optimised using local solutions

Our façade specialists carried out studies to identify the most effective solutions available locally. This work included a technical analysis of constructability and performance, as well as an assessment of potential suppliers. By prioritising locally sourced solutions, the team reduced supply distances and costs, whilst minimising environmental impact, ensuring that the building envelope combines technical excellence with genuine sustainability.

Structural engineering for a resilient tower in seismic zones

The structural design team optimised the tower’s performance, safety and material efficiency through advanced studies and analyses, drawing on our extensive experience in designing high-rise buildings in seismic zones.

The result is a robust and resilient structural system that is cost-effective, compliant with local regulations and carefully adapted to the specific site conditions.

A building with columns.

Thick stone walls form the structure of the tower and shield the apartments and terraces from direct sunlight from the east and west.

A tall tower in a city.

The building offers apartments with private outdoor spaces from which to enjoy panoramic views of the city.

A person standing in a large stone archway.

The texture, colour and durability of the stone lend character to the tower.

A building with trees and people walking around.

The development includes shops and commercial premises that make everyday life easier and help to boost the neighbourhood’s vitality.

A building with a large archway.

The tower bridges the past and the present, incorporating local heritage into a distinctly modern design.