Donika Apartment Building and Office Space

Since its completion in May 2010, over 70 per cent of the building’s living and office space have already been sold. The building has been dubbed Donika by owners Olti Trasing, a national construction company.

The commissioned architects were also a national company, along with every worker that contributed to the realisation of the project. Fitore Beqiri, an architect and employee of Olti Trasing, told Pristina Insight that the fact that the entire project was completed by Kosovars emphasises positive achievements within the country’s architecture design and engineering arena.

"There are foreign companies constructing great buildings here, which we learn from, but at least we have shown that we are also capable of doing the same thing," she said. The structure’s key feature is a diagonal glass section protruding from the side of the building. The first three levels enjoy most of the benefits, particularly floor to ceiling windows, with immaculate view of the city, and abundant sources of natural light.

The lobby, comprising a largescale entrance, has two separate elevators – one for the office area, and the other for residential living quarters. High ceilings and bright white walls meet more industrial elements such as metal, glass and raw materials, defining the ultimate look of the interior which is maintained throughout the rest of the building.

During a tour of the residential area, Beqiri points to the wide hallways which spaciously divide separate apartments, and fire safety precaution such as hoses and detectors – elements missing from the majority of Prishtina apartments, including post-conflict projects.

There are five different apartment models, from 64 to 115 square metres. Each space is bare canvas, ready for any design and functionality features requests by the owner. However, the leading light of the building is the penthouse suit, which fully exemplifies the potential of Donika’s apartments.

The owner of the two-storey suit, equipped with outdoor full-length pool, jacuzzi, and lounging area, has created a stunning contemporary space using furniture and design elements all purchased from national vendors. "I believe that this building and its architecture elements reflect that we have learned how to properly build spaces that reflect current trends around the world," said Beqiri.

Olti Trasing’s next large-scale project is another business and residential building complex located in the neighbourhood of Lakrishte, also incorporating glass facades and modern industrial elements of design.