The details of development financing of the largest and most modern office complex in Ljubljana have been revealed. Financing for Vilharia was arranged by Erste Group, with Banka Sparkasse, Slovenia and EXIMBANKA SR as participating lenders. As one of the largest commercial loans in Ljubljana, it demonstrates the growing focus of the financial sector on ESG-compliant, sustainable projects.
“After completing Kvartet, Vilharia became the flagship project of Corwin in Ljubljana. With its LEED Platinum certification, net zero carbon ambition and EU Taxonomy compliance, it will set completely new standards for sustainable real estate in the region and become a hub of business in the new centre of the city,” said Robert Mitterpach, CFO Corwin.
Vilharia is located directly next to the central station of Ljubljana and the biggest transport node in the country. It promises to be the most technologically advanced building with intelligent building management, energy-saving heat pumps, fast electric charging stations and more. Notably, it will feature an active ground floor with a rich mix of retail, restaurants, cafes and other amenities. Together with walking distance from the historic centre, this will allow future tenants to fulfil most of their daily needs within a short walk of the building.
The design of the building comes from the pen of Schmidt Hammer Lassen studio from Denmark. Their focus was on maximizing natural light and access to the exterior. The roofs of the building will be covered in greenery and offer the tenants of the building multiple outdoor terraces with unique views of the city. The goal of the design is to create a pleasant indoor environment which helps increase the productivity of people within.
“Since its founding in 1819, Erste Group has always had a very strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility. Vilharia will not only be the most modern complex in Slovenia but also serve as a trendsetter for green business in the country. That is why we are very proud to be at the helm of such a substantial syndicated loan for this project,” said Günther Artner, Head of Erste Group Commercial Real Estate.
“For almost 30 years, we have been providing exporters with a comprehensive form of support and tailor-made solutions for Slovak exporters. We believe in supporting projects that possess potential and are sustainable and Vilharia is such a case, that will not only thrive but will also make a meaningful social impact,” said Rastislav Podhorec, General Director of EXIMBANKA SR.
“Banka Sparkasse’s role as a participant and security agent in the financing of Vilharia underscores its commitment to fostering sustainable development and innovation in Ljubljana’s real estate landscape. Through its collaboration with Erste Group and Eximbanka, Banka Sparkasse contributes to the realization of a pioneering project that sets new standards for environmentally conscious and socially responsible urban development,” says Bojana Novak, Member of the Management Board of Banka Sparkasse.
The real estate development company Corwin has significant experience with sustainable construction with over 14 years of award-winning projects, including the first LEED Zero Carbon building in CEE. Vilharia will be so far their biggest investment with the loan covering around 70 percdnt of the entire investment cost and a further 30 percent coming from their equity. “Green buildings are about more than sustainability. They also offer higher indoor quality, lower operating costs and are a better product overall. That is also why surveys show over 96 percent satisfaction in our LEED Platinum office projects,” explained Robert Mitterpach.
