The tallest building in Europe is nearly complete.
Russia had plenty of swanky new stadiums to show off this summer during the World Cup but they’re about to create a new European record as the Lakhta Center in St. Petersburg nears completion.
Standing at 462 meters (1,516 feet) tall, the structure is set to become the tallest skyscraper in Europe.
At present, Moscow’s Federation Tower holds the record for Europe’s tallest building – it stands at 374 meters (1,227 feet)
As you can see, the 87-story is designed like a winding needle and it’s one of the world’s tallest examples of a “twisted” skyscraper design.
In terms of its functionality, residential and commercial space will be installed up to a height of 360 meters (1,181 feet) while Russian gas giant Gazprom will also be using it for their main HQ.
With regards to the area that’s above that, an observation deck with a restaurant is being installed. If you’re heading along, take note that the winds near the top of the tower can blow at speeds of up to 85 mph. While at the top of the tower, visitors will get a jaw-dropping look at the Gulf of Finland.
The ergonomic design features an energy saving ice storage facility, which can gather up to 1000 tonnes of ice during the night that’s used to air condition the building during the day.
16,500 individual panes of glass have also been fitted with automatic shutters and valves in a bid to reduce heat loss.
Philip Nikandrov, one of the architects involved with the project, has said that the exterior of the building will be completed by the end of this summer.
The interior fitting will continue into 2019.
Images via – Lakhta Center
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