Dubravka Rabrenović, SEBRE Project Coordinator: How Marina Dorćol combines daring architecture, innovative technology and quality of life

- The construction of a complex like Marina Dorćol implies much more than just the execution of construction works. From the beginning, it is necessary to connect architecture, construction, installations, technical systems and finishing materials into a single functional unit.

It is similar with the use of natural and imprint concrete, where a lot of planning and control is needed even in the construction phase, because the final appearance depends on every detail of the process. Adequate concrete recipe, formwork arrangement, joints, openings, installations and all other details must be coordinated in advance, i.e. already at the construction stage, because subsequent interventions may damage the appearance of concrete, which is not acceptable given that it is actually the interior of the facility.

For the future tenant, a ready-made building means that he gets not only a finished apartment, but a space where all key systems and supporting contents are functional and ready to use. That is why the final phase requires the same attention as all previous phases of construction.

At the same time, the quality of a residential complex does not end at the border of the apartment itself. Common spaces play an important role in forming the overall experience of space and therefore special attention is paid to their architecture, materialization and details. The goal is that already upon entering the complex, and then into the facilities themselves, users get the impression of a carefully designed environment where architecture, light, proportions and selected materials are connected in a harmonious whole. Such spaces should not be only functional communications, but places that contribute to Marina Dorćol`s identity, creating a pleasant atmosphere and the quality of everyday living.

- I would like him to leave that walk with a different view of the object he is looking at - to understand that behind every visible detail there is a whole series of decisions, professional work and control who made it possible for that space to be what it is.

For example, when he looks at the specific shape of the object, he understands that, in order to achieve it, it was necessary to apply specific technical solutions which are not typical for standard construction with uniform floors, but this very complex structure where each floor is completely different from the other, in terms of the design itself, it was necessary to devote much more time to fit all the mutually different units into one static system. That in the course of execution, this form of construction implies non-standard execution technologies, many additional details in terms of methodology, non-standard formwork, concrete with special recipes, etc.

Also, that when he looks at the greenery that has been integrated into the building, understand that, in order to be successfully implemented, it carries a series of technical requirements. Concrete planters that are an integral part of the facility and in which greenery is planted are not just decorative elements. It is necessary to take into account their load on the structure, waterproofing, irrigation, drainage. Apart from affecting the complexity of the construction, they also affect the very complexity of the execution given their irregular shapes, different on each floor. This means that the same formwork cannot be used twice, rather, each element should be approached individually.

To summarize: quality is not only reflected in the premium materials that have been chosen, but also in the precision of the execution, the complexity of the details and the ability to combine numerous elements into space which works as a harmonious and functional unit.