The paintings on the façades of Nemunas by CITUS should become a centre of attraction for residents and visitors from Lithuania and abroad. These monumental works not only enhance the appearance of the building but also give Druskininkai a new cultural accent, honouring a famous artist whose life is closely linked to the town.
Mantas Galdikas, Director of Citus: „We are proud to commemorate the work of Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis in such a unique way, and we are delighted to see the successful implementation of our ambitious vision. I am very grateful to the entire project team and the excellent partners who have made the vision a reality. It was a challenging process, but the result exceeded expectations. I believe that distinctive solutions like this will appear not only in our future projects but also in those of other developers, helping Lithuania secure a place on the global architectural map alongside well-known buildings featuring art on façades. These include the centre for modern art Centre Pompidou in Paris, the multifunctional market hall Markthal Rotterdam in the Netherlands, the polyforum David Alfaro Siqueiros cultural space in Mexico and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (Alexandria Library) in Egypt“.
The paintings are printed using a special technique on vertical aluminium composite panels that separate balconies. They are arranged so that as you walk along the building, each piece aligns to form a unified image from specific viewpoints. They are displayed on two façades facing the future park and are visible from four vantage points, as each balcony panel features a fragment of the artwork on both sides. Each painting comprises approximately 185 fragments and covers an area of about 520 sqm.
Therefore, the principle of presenting the image was very complex, as it was not enough to simply cut up the paintings and attach the fragments to the façade. The position and size of each element had to be carefully coordinated, taking into account the architecture of the building and the perspective at a given point. Pixel Guardian – a 3D graphics and architectural visualisation studio – undertook this titanic task, and Archas developed the idea. This studio created the entire architectural expression of Nemunas by CITUS.
The project team faced numerous technical challenges. They needed to find materials for the balcony panels that met high quality standards and could withstand the Lithuanian climate. Additionally, they had to locate partners with the precise and durable technology required to transfer the artwork fragments on to the panels with exceptional accuracy and then laminate each piece for lasting protection.
Galdikas explains further: „We had a pile of samples that we tested throughout the year. We checked whether the colours would stay vibrant and whether the materials would withstand rain, wind, sunlight and temperature fluctuations. Creating this unique gallery of Čiurlionis’ work was perhaps the biggest emotional challenge for the entire project team, as we worried about the outcome until we could see the finished look. Today, seeing it complete, we believe we will realise all our ideas in the project, even the most ambitious ones. This is a view that needs to be experienced in person. No photographs or videos can convey the impression and the grandeur of Čiurlionis and his works“.
Rooftop swimming pool – a step towards completion
Another unique feature of the project is the rooftop water recreation area, featuring a large outdoor heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, cinema and bar areas. Such a pool at such a height is unparalleled in the region – not only in Lithuania, but also in neighbouring countries. The pool and Jacuzzi are already in place, and the roof is currently being finished. This exclusive amenity will allow the apartment owners and their guests to enjoy an exceptional leisure experience with panoramic views of Druskininkai.
Galdikas: „We have already tested the pool and the Jacuzzi with the project team. Only the finishing touches around the area remain. The pool is almost 20 metres long and 3 metres wide, and even has a swimming current, making it ideal for leisurely floating and competitive swimming. Although it is not an Olympic-sized pool, it has an infinity pool effect, allowing people to enjoy sweeping views of the Druskininkai pine forests surrounding the building“.
The project’s progress and innovations are drawing the attention of ordinary people interested in investing
The Nemunas by CITUS project is moving forward rapidly. Almost 80% of the apartments in the first part of the project have been sold or reserved, and the signing of notarial transactions with the owners is well underway. Some owners have already begun their interior work and are planning to start the season next summer, while others are even planning to celebrate Christmas in Druskininkai this coming holiday season.
Galdikas continues: „We are delighted that the project is attracting so much interest. We see that people appreciate the unique architectural solutions and the opportunity to be part of this exceptional project. Nemunas by CITUS is an innovative aparthotel that allows owners to combine leisure and investment. Importantly, such an investment does not require any specific knowledge or hassle, making it attractive to many people. There is no need to be a professional investor“.
A unified apartment rental management system is being implemented to ensure maximum comfort and return on investment. A ski resort inspired the aparthotel operational model in Switzerland, where the developer created a leisure and entertainment infrastructure, and the built aparthotels were sold as individual apartments. Based on this and other global examples, the rental management system for Nemunas by CITUS has been designed to allow owners to rent out their apartments efficiently without worrying about daily administrative tasks. A professional team will handle tenant search, contract management, service quality and apartment maintenance. The overall service package includes a co-working space, meeting rooms, a children’s playroom and a fitness centre.
The unified rental system is planned to be complemented by a smartphone app, which will allow owners to monitor occupancy and income, and reserve time for their use. Dynamic pricing will allow the optimisation of rental income according to seasonality and city events.
The apartment interiors are also being designed according to three unified concepts, inspired by the works of Čiurlionis. Joint procurement competitions are currently being organised for the finishing works, equipment, furniture and interior details to ensure consistent quality and the best prices.
The common spaces (such as the reception area and stairwell seating areas) will also be arranged according to a concept that reflects the artist’s work.
Around EUR 11.5 million has already been invested in the project’s construction, and the investment is increasing by another EUR 0.5–1 million every month. The quality and features of the converted building meet the requirements of a new building: new windows and façade systems have been installed, apartments have been created, modern heating, ventilation, electrical, plumbing, fire safety, electronic communications and other engineering systems, and lifts have been installed. The landscaping and the future urban park space are also well underway.
Druskininkai is a year-round resort. Spas, treatment centres, the Snow Arena, and the soon-to-open Congress and Culture Centre ensure a high level of service and steady tourist flows. The reconstructed bus station adds convenience for visitors.
Galdikas concludes: „This means stable rental income throughout the year. We estimate that the return on investment may reach about 8–10%, and the city municipality is already implementing very ambitious plans to enhance Druskininkai’s appeal and strengthen its competitive position at the seaside“.
