The Galvaniho complex in Bratislava is a large residential development with three eight-story buildings and a shared underground base. Moreover, it carries more than 1,700 load-bearing thermal break connectors and over 600 non-load-bearing elements, placing high requirements on a thermal break solution. It has to perform across a wide range of conditions, be easy to install at scale, and fulfill the industry standards.
TEBEA®, Peikko’s modular thermal break connector, was chosen for the project. By the time the final building was complete, it had demonstrated its fit across several dimensions that matter to the parties involved, from the design office to the construction site.
A demanding specification
All balconies at Galvaniho are simple cantilever constructions, with 120 mm of insulation required throughout. The project also included balconies with future glazing potential, which required the connector layout to account for additional loads that would not be present at handover but needed to be designed for from the outset.
The decorative end walls of the balconies, originally conceived as precast concrete elements, were redesigned as a lighter steel-frame-and-cladding structure. This changed the load distribution and the positions of the dilatation joints across the balcony array. TEBEA®’s modular design meant the solution could be reconfigured to match the revised structural conditions without compromising the insulation performance.
Dominik Dubecky, Sales Manager at Peikko Slovakia, describes the starting point of the project: “We had detailed discussions about why TEBEA® was the right fit for this project. The modularity was a key point — it gave us the flexibility to adapt the layout to the actual structural requirements, not just the original drawings.”
What modularity means in practice
TEBEA® is built around a modular connector system: the load-bearing TEBEA® elements handle the structural transfer across the thermal break, while the TEBEA® N variant covers non-load-bearing positions. On a project with approximately 2,300 elements across three buildings, this separation of function simplifies both the structural design and the installation process.
The shear rebars on TEBEA® are positioned on the top layer of the balcony side, which streamlines the installation sequence. Elements are clearly marked and arrive in well-protected packaging, making it straightforward to identify and place the right component at each position without additional sorting on site.
The Site Manager at HANT BA, Ing. Marcel Javorček, noted the practical outcome directly: “Installation is simple and efficient. The product is modular, easy to handle, and well-marked, which simplifies logistics on site.”
Technical support through the build
Structural design support from Peikko ran through the entire project. When the balcony end walls were redesigned and when the glazing requirement was added, updated structural calculations and revised element layouts were provided. The construction team had access to technical support throughout the realization phase.
For a project of this scale, that continuity matters. The people on site need to be able to get clear answers when questions come up, and the structural engineer needs to know that the product documentation will keep pace with the actual design.
The result
The Galvaniho project offers a concrete reference point on thermal breaks on large residential projects. It is a case where balcony designs involve variable loads, future adaptability, and high insulation requirements. The insulation requirement was met across all three buildings. The modular system adapted to the actual structural conditions of the project. Installation was efficient, and the benefits will be enjoyed not only on the construction site but also by the future residents for years to come.
