Slovenian-based firm OFIS Arhitekti designed the proposal for Mercedes Benz Hotel Competition in Yerevan, Armenia. The concept is based on two terraced cylindrical towers connected in the ground level. The towering structures are enveloped with a green tent-shaped layer acting as a full-structural element, directing the building’s overall appearance. The position of the volumes creates remarkable views of the surroundings. The entire structure assumes the role of a landmark, with optimal views from the Teryan Street.

The higher of the towers would accommodate a restaurant, pool, spa, fitness center and bar. It would also house a hotel and apartments along with a business center, shops and a garage. The lower structure which extends outwards from the main tower would serve as housing and exhibition space as well as garage.

The structural system of the building is devised according to high seismic activity in the region. While two cores on the inner perimeter of the taller tower are required to ensure structural stability, one is sufficient in case of the lower one. At the base the outer walls of the cores are 160cm thick. Three concentric sets of composite columns are foreseen. Structural facade skin is predicted to support the gravity load of the slabs.

Special care has been taken to optimize environmental conditions and minimize the energy demands of the building. The external facades would feature a high performance skin with an adaptable external shading device to reduce solar gains. A concrete slab embedded pipe system provides cooling without draft problems and comfortable heating during the winter. In the summer, the cooling of internal spaces is achieved primarily through the use of the slab system.