Sede Banca Centrale Armenia ENGLOBE Progettazione Integrata

Central Bank

Glass roof design with steel structure for institutional building

ENGLOBE developed the structural and architectural design of a new steel-and-glass roof for a representative area of the Central Bank of Armenia headquarters in Yerevan, one of the country’s most symbolic institutional buildings.

The intervention aimed to create a high-quality covered space—elegant, functional, and capable of enhancing the existing architecture—while providing new representative areas, meeting spaces, and protected circulation routes.
The canopy was conceived as a light, transparent architectural element, respectful of the monumentality of the original building.

A transparent architectural element integrated into an institutional landmark

The new roof was designed to:

  • introduce a contemporary, refined architectural feature,

  • protect internal spaces while ensuring maximum natural light,

  • maintain full visual coherence with the institutional character of the Central Bank,

  • guarantee thermal and environmental comfort in Yerevan’s continental climate, characterized by strong temperature variations.

The steel-and-glass system creates a recognisable yet discreet presence, allowing the historic building to remain visually dominant while enriching its functional potential.

Advanced structural design

ENGLOBE developed the full structural model of the roof, including:

  • sizing and geometry of the steel profiles and joints,

  • verification of glass panels and anchoring systems,

  • analysis of snow and wind loads, essential in Yerevan’s climatic conditions,

  • integration of drainage and water management solutions within the canopy structure.

The geometry features inclined and curved surfaces to optimize daylight distribution, requiring:

  • complex joint detailing,

  • FEM analyses to test behavior under environmental loads,

  • dedicated seismic checks — crucial in a high-seismicity country such as Armenia.

Light, comfort, and engineering performance

A key aspect of the project was the study of natural light, including:

  • control of direct solar radiation,

  • mitigation of glare,

  • maximization of diffuse daylight,

  • selection of high-performance laminated glass with energy-efficient coatings.

The result is a roof capable of improving both the visual comfort and the environmental performance of the enclosed areas, reducing reliance on artificial lighting throughout the day.

Integration with the existing headquarters

The design required careful coordination with the existing building, including:

  • verification of load transfer points and anchorage to the existing structure,

  • compatibility with stone façades and original geometries,

  • development of concealed connection details,

  • compliance with aesthetic, technical, and institutional constraints.

The solution ensures a canopy that appears fully integrated yet lightweight, preserving the architectural dignity of the Central Bank building.

A new representative space for the institution

The roof provides the Central Bank with:

  • expanded reception and representative areas,

  • improved comfort and environmental quality,

  • protection of functional and circulation spaces,

  • an architectural enhancement aligned with the prestige of a national institution.

The project reflects the synergy between structural engineering, architectural quality, and daylight design, resulting in an elegant and technically advanced intervention.

PLACE

Yerevan (Armenia)

CLIENT

Private

WORK PERIOD

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ACTIVITY

Structural Design

TYPOLOGY

Infrastructure

INTENDED USE

Commercial

WORK AMOUNT

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WORKING GROUP

Ing. Pietro Paci
Renco