GASPROM HEADQUARTERS
A modular ceiling structure for the 4th floor of the Lakhta Center was designed and manufactured. The structure measures 830 m². The structure’s surface changes along its 155-meter length; there is no single straight stretch. Along with being an attractive feature, the ceiling houses many building systems, such as lighting, ventilation, soundproofing, and fire suppression, all of which must remain accessible for upkeep
About the Project
LAKHTA CENTER
GASPROM HEADQUARTERS
2024
GASPROM HEADQUARTERS
2024
Modular ceiling
system
system
115 frame
modules were
created
modules were
created
LAKHTA CENTER
8 types of templates
were developed
were developed
120,000 unique
parts were
manufactured
parts were
manufactured
8K mirror stainless steel
Aluminum expanded metal mesh
Aquapanel
Aluminum expanded metal mesh
Aquapanel
Address:
AUTHOR
Francesco Belvedere
materials:
St. Petersburg
1 Vysotnaya Street
Engineering solutions
Aligning the grid pattern
To ensure precise cell-to-cell transition between panels, we developed a positioning system with special ribs and pins
Removable decorative panels
To facilitate the easy removal and ensure accuracy, we developed a ball four-petal grip with a safety mechanism
04
02
01
Special profile
To create complex, continually changing curved geometry and integrate all elements, we developed and manufactured a special aluminum profile
We devised 4 types of niches and 14 types of connections to adjacent structures. For instance, the connection to the glass cladding of the elevator shaft required a sealed, non-combustible, and flexible solution
Niches and junctions
03
Assembly and manufacturing process
Templates and control
A total of 8 different templates and patterns were used in the project. To position each template accurately (considering their possible deformation), we used 8 control points
Hand work with mesh
Despite the use of CNC machinery, the panels were marked out using templates and cut out by hand to ensure a seamless transition of the grid pattern. This was the only way to guarantee that the cells aligned at the curved joints along the entire 155-metre length
The issue of long-range inaccuracy (i.e., beam defocusing) led to the rejection of the employment of laser markers. We reverted to the traditional technique of using calibrated rulers and stretched threads to transfer control points with millimeter accuracy over a 120-square-metre area
Precision marking
Bench assembly
Each of the eight components was completely assembled on horizontal supports at a 1:1 scale in our workshop
result
result
implementation of the author's design solution
precision of mating different materials
visually monolithic construction
The "river" ceiling in the Lakhta Center showcases the potential of a modular approach to the design and production of unique geometric shapes of any size. MNOGOGRANNIKI ensured the required accuracy of curved surfaces and the integration of dissimilar materials into a single structure. Our approach enabled the project to be implemented without technical sacrifices or ‘finishing touches' on site
Project result: