Vilnius to Triple Size of Žvėrynas School in Major Modernisation
The transformation of a sixty-year-old primary school building in the Žvėrynas district of Vilnius has officially received the green light. Vilnius City Municipality has issued the necessary construction permits for a radical reconstruction of the Duke Gediminas Pro-gymnasium branch on Blindžių Street, a project that will see the facility more than triple in physical size to meet modern educational demands.
A Triple-Size Expansion for Žvėrynas Students
The most significant metric of this project is the sheer scale of expansion. The current building, which spans 1,700 square metres, will be expanded to over 5,800 square metres. This is not merely a cosmetic renovation but a total structural overhaul designed to increase student capacity from 235 to 384.
By increasing the footprint by over 300%, the municipality aims to solve long-standing space constraints in one of the capital’s most prestigious and densely populated residential areas. The project will be managed by the Vilnius Development Company, which is set to launch the public procurement process for a contractor this May.
| Project Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Current Total Area | 1,700 sq. m |
| Post-Reconstruction Area | 5,800+ sq. m |
| New Student Capacity | 384 pupils |
| Energy Efficiency | Class A++ |
| Completion Target | 2028 |
| Greenery Allocation | 40% of site area |
Modern Facilities and Specialized Learning
The architectural plan, developed by the design firm Atamis, breaks the school into five interconnected blocks. This layout is intended to create a “child-friendly” scale that avoids the intimidating feel of a massive single-block institution. Beyond standard classrooms, the facility will house a library, an events hall, and a universal sports hall with full changing facilities.
A key focus of the new design is technical and creative literacy. The third floor will be dedicated to specialized “FabLab” and “ArtLab” workshops, alongside dedicated rooms for technology and fine arts. This shift reflects a broader trend in Baltic education toward STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) integration at the primary level.
Safety and accessibility have also been prioritised. The building will be fully compliant with disability access standards, featuring lifts and tactile surfaces for the visually impaired. Furthermore, reflecting contemporary regional security requirements, the underground portion of the building will include a modern civil defence shelter.
Environmental Integration in a Historic District
Žvėrynas is known for its unique urban character, blending historic wooden architecture with lush greenery. To respect this context, over 40% of the school’s plot—approximately 4,800 square metres—will be reserved for green spaces, including lawns, flower beds, and outdoor classrooms.
While the expansion requires the removal of 10 existing trees, the municipality has committed to planting an equal number of mature trees upon completion. The building itself will target the highest A++ energy efficiency class, featuring a rooftop solar array to offset electricity consumption. This move aligns with Vilnius’s goal of becoming a climate-neutral city, ensuring that public infrastructure leads by example in sustainability.
Infrastructure Impact and Timeline
The reconstruction will extend beyond the school gates. The project includes a significant upgrade to the surrounding local infrastructure, specifically the section of Blindžių Street between Birutės and Latgalių streets. This will involve new pavements, updated water supply networks, and the installation of 21 parking spaces to manage the morning school run more effectively.
Construction is expected to begin later this year. During the works, students currently attending the Blindžių branch will be temporarily relocated to the school’s other facility on Žvejų Street. The project is slated for full completion by 2028, providing a long-term solution for the district’s growing primary education needs.
Source: Vilniaus miesto savivaldybė
