3 + 1 ingredients of successful industrial development

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One might say ‘halls’ – clearly defined, rational, geometric, efficient. A well-built hall is the foundation yet there is much more that makes industrial development successful. 

Let’s take a closer look at some of the aspects. 

P3 Jeřmanice © Goldbeck

  1. Vision

When, a few years ago, the industrial developer P3 Logistic Parks chose one of the Vítkovice brownfields, a former raw waste disposal site, they had a much higher ambition than just another logistics complex. The empty spot on the map of Ostrava is to become a commercial and industrial district, and its layout and area of 40 hectares make this possible. But for the project to become part of the city, it needed an urban vision. This was provided by the Ostrava-based PROJEKTUDIO with architect David Kotek, just as the idea of building on the orthogonal connections of the surrounding buildings and the neighbouring industrial icons of the Lower Vítkovice area. 

The project has already undergone the first two stages of construction, and the mix of companies operating in the new halls confirms that the vision is being fulfilled. “The idea of P3 Ostrava Central is to create a space where production, logistics and services work side by side, complementing each other,” says Aleš Zacha, Head of Development and Acquisitions at P3, and continues: “We want business to thrive there, whether it is based on large engineering units or small trades.” Those who have already started their operations there include a beer distributor, a toy retailer, a handling equipment lessor, a wholesaler of refrigeration equipment, a newspaper company and a bed store. 

Over 40,000 sq m is immediately available for other companies in four halls, while smaller units can also be rented. The total built-up area is supposed to come to 155,000 sq m. The territory is gradually being fitted with new infrastructure, planted with greenery and equipped with outdoor fixtures and fittings for employees. The new district is already taking shape.

  1. Location

The location represents the absolute key to the success of an industrial park and especially the business within. The proximity of the motorway network for freight transport must also meet the availability of labour and, of course, the appropriate designation of the land in the zoning plan.

If some location is doing well and further expansion is no longer possible, it is logical for the developer to look for opportunities in the immediate vicinity. This was also the case with the P3 Plzeň Myslinka park, which is located just a few kilometres from the P3 Plzeň Myslinka park in Nýřany, which is, due to its connection to the D5 motorway, popular especially with tenants from the logistics and automotive sectors. There is also a railway transshipment point nearby. 

“The park in Myslinka is a relatively new location. We managed to occupy the first two halls before they were completed. We smoothly followed up with the construction of the other two, both with an area of 8,730 sq m. They were completed this summer and are already available,” says Aleš Zacha, adding that there is also a project for a larger hall that they want to build to suit a specific tenant. 

Terrain can be a challenge, not an obstacle

The intersection of land availability, transport and workforce has recently intersected in the foothills of the Jizera Mountains. “Manufacturing companies in the Liberec Region are benefiting from the D10 motorway with a connection to the Mladá Boleslav car factory. Although the construction of the necessary industrial halls is complicated by the mountainous terrain there, we decided to accept this challenge,” explains Aleš Zacha. P3 invited Goldbeck to the technically demanding construction and partially sunk the 9 m high hall into the terrain. It was custom-built for ZF Automotive Czech, which develops and manufactures brake systems for leading world car manufacturers in nearby Jablonec nad Nisou. 

  1. Municipality

Seven years ago, P3 began construction of P3 Lovosice at the transport hub between Prague and Dresden. This year, they completed the last building, which is currently being offered for rent. There are several logistics companies operating in the area, such as FM Česká, Impuls Logistics, and Ecologistics. It is also used by Mondi Štětí for storage and distribution of paper and packaging

materials, and Van Eupen’s employees are engaged in reverse logistics and electrical engineering services. In total, the tenants offer 500 job vacancies. 

The developer has been, from the beginning, working closely with the town of Lovosice and the adjacent municipality of Lukavec. “In cooperation with the local government, we strive to develop the potential of the location for leisure activities for local residents. We built an outdoor gym, contributed to a children’s playground, and this year we were happy to open a pump track. Every generation should find something for themselves,” says Aleš Zacha. Bicycles, scooters, skateboards and skates are already racing along the brand new track of the outdoor sports facility, designed and built by the specialized company Schneerstern. The undulating track with its banked turns is popular with enthusiasts from even further afield.

For more information see www.p3parks.com. 

Photo: P3 archive, Goldbeck and Vladimír Pryček

 

P3 Logistic Parks, the owner, administrator and developer of European industrial properties, has been investing in the construction of their parks for 20 years and they further continue to own, lease and manage them. It has therefore had a natural interest in their long-term sustainability from the very beginning. 

The largest shopping centre in the Karlovy Vary region is undergoing reconstruction

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Varyáda, the largest shopping centre in the Karlovy Vary Region, is currently undergoing renovation as well as construction completion while in full operation. The shopping centre remains fully open during the reconstruction and the construction work is divided into several phases. 

Martin Malý, Marketing and Communications Director at EPG Global Property Invest, answered our questions. 

When was the final decision to reconstruct the shopping centre Varyáda made? What arguments prevailed?

After 19 years, the shopping centre needed to be reconstructed, the range of brands and services expanded, and the food court modernized. We have been discussing the completion of Varyáda for several years. Unfortunately, the final decision was first postponed by Covid followed by expensive building materials and energy, and last but not least by inflation. Nevertheless, everything came together and we decided to modernize Varyáda at the beginning of 2023, when the entire project was ready. The overall argument for completing Varyáda was the lack of services as well as the demand for a larger range of brands, which was impossible without expanding the existing centre. There we responded to the demand of tenants who wanted to come to the Karlovy Vary region.  

Is the reconstruction proceeding while in full operation and in several phases?  

The completion of the Varyáda shopping centre comprises three large parts. The first one is the completion of the northern part (the rear wing of the building), which has already been partially handed over for utilization providing ready-to-use premises to a new Albert hypermarket and its full operation as of 29th September, and two other parts – Květiny Novák and the Karlovy Vary supplier of fresh baguettes, Rad’s Baguette. A completely new food court with 10 restaurants for a total of 260 visitors, a side entrance and a completely new arcade opened this year, at the turn of November and December.

That means that there are also the second and the third phases planned, right? How difficult is it to bring everything into accord?

The second phase should be completed and opened next summer through a completion of the southern part in the place of the existing car park, where there will be the first multiplex cinema in the region, additional retail units and a new entrance passage to the future Varyáda. The third stage, which will take place at the beginning of 2025, includes the modernization of the existing part of the centre, in which the existing tenants will also participate. Some brands will remain in the same location, but their interior elements will be renovated. Other units will be relocated to newly created or modified premises. The transformation will also include, for instance, floor tiling, lighting and relaxation zones. I think that reconstructing and completing a medium-sized shopping centre while in full operation is a big challenge in itself. However, with a team of professionals – whether on the investor’s side or on the side of the building operator, which is CBRE – everything is going according to plan. Of course, we adopt various anti-dust and anti-noise measures that we have already tested in our other shopping centre Central in Most. In the last three years, the centre there has undergone a complete modernization while in full operation.

The original area of Varyáda was 18,000 sq m with 80 shops and a food court. How will the overall layout change after the reconstruction?  

The centre’s area will be increased by a full third and in the total area of 27,000 sq m, Varyáda will offer over 110 shops, including a range of new brands, restaurants, services and film entertainment. They will open the first multiplex in the region offering six screening rooms in an area of 2,500 sq m and almost thousand seats. There will also be a new non-stop car wash with eight washing boxes at the entrance to the building. 

The new entrance passage and side entrance for easier accessibility, as well as an outdoor terrace, will fundamentally change the concept of the building.

The new side entrance will represent a great novelty for both the locals and other customers from the region. It will be intended for those who want to buy groceries in the hypermarket or have a snack in our food court. Apart from the aforementioned outdoor terrace, there will also be two drive-in restaurants in this part. 

What assortment will the brand offer be expanded by? Can you name some of the brands?

When it comes to the Karlovy Vary region, we know that customers want more men’s and women’s fashion, which I can promise now. We will also expand the offer for men and women by sports brands. From a strategic point of view, we do not communicate fashion and other brands in advance, so I will not name them. However, we regularly inform customers about new products on all our communication platforms, whether it is the website nova.varyada.cz or social networks. 

Apart from the shops, there will also be premises with a cinema and a food court. What can visitors look forward to?

We believe that the multiplex will attract other customers from the wider area to visit. This will benefit the entire town, which has not yet had a multiplex. In addition to screenings, the screening rooms will also be used for congresses, i.e. for various conferences and corporate events. As for the equipment, we count on having a top-notch projection and sound technology, which includes, among other things, Dolby Altmos multi-channel surround sound and laser projectors. Apart from the multiplex, there will also be the largest food court in the region. Varyáda Bistro was inspired by the Ore Mountains and will open at the turn of November and December. In the restaurant zone, you will find the famous food court trio: McDonald’s, KFC and Bageterie Boulevard. They will also be joined by the Asian bistro Mianchi, the popular Running Sushi, Czech cuisine and Pai Thai. The Rud’s Pizza brand is aslo expanding to Varyáda from Plzeň. The food court will also feature the Grand Café and Bubblify – a bar with refreshing drinks with popping balls. Apart from that, customers can get refreshments in the already open units Bistrotéka Zlámalíková and Rad’s Baguette. The food court will feature a completely new concept of catering and emphasising global trends with more greenery, modern lighting and pleasant nooks. 

How do you address accessibility, parking and public transport?  

Our centre is accessible by public transport on lines 2 and 6, but it is also situated within walking and driving distance. Varyáda will also provide around 800–850 parking spaces, which will be free for our customers. Those who just want to park their car with us and go to a sports match at the nearby KV Arena, for instance, will have to pay for parking now. The entire building will be equipped with entry and exit barriers with cameras, including automatic license plate recognition.

Do you offer advantageous programmes for loyal customers?

We have been offering our customers a mobile application for several years now. We were the first shopping centre to switch from a paper coupon book to a digital version. Last year, we changed providers and created a unique loyalty programme. Customers simply scan or take pictures of their purchase receipts into the Moje Varyáda application. For this, they earn points that are credited to them, and they can then choose a gift of their choice. These include various vouchers for our tenants’ business premises and luxury gifts with the Varyáda logo. We also cooperate with partners in the town and the region, providing us with free entrance to swimming pools, the Plzeň Zoo, and Bagr Park in Most. And of course, this application can also be used for entering our marketing events, where we, for instance, give away free mulled wine, children can carve pumpkins or participate in various workshops.

What was the original financial balance for the reconstruction? 

The total planned investment in the modernization and completion of Varyáda is EUR 40 million. It is a significant investment not only from the investor’s point of view, but I think also from the city’s point of view. 

Arnošt Wagner

Photo: Varyáda archive

How to navigate ESG and challenges in current development

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Grinity has been operating on the market for almost three years, but with its extensive expertise – previously under the Arcadis and EC Harris brands – it is recognized as an established player in the industry. What are the current trends and challenges in the development sector, and how does Grinity assist clients in meeting the demanding requirements of the modern era?

We explored these topics with Lenka Matějíčková, Sector Leader Sustainability, who oversees a team of more than 40 sustainability experts, and Jakub Pavelka, Sector Leader Commercial Developers, who leads the Project Management and Energy Building Optimization teams.

What changes have you observed on the market over the past few years?

JP: A pivotal moment occurred due to the combination of several factors – COVID-19, the war in Ukraine, the energy crisis, inflation, and ESG requirements. These events drove up the cost of construction and development projects financing, as well as the costs of building materials and labor. This made companies rethink efficiency and investment returns. In addition, the EU’s pressure to reduce carbon footprints and implement non-financial reporting introduced new opportunities as well as obligations. All these factors significantly accelerated the demand for our services. 

LM: I can confirm this, particularly in relation to my team and sustainability itself, where we are witnessing massive growth. There is a noticeable shift away from traditional certifications such as LEED, BREEAM, and more recently WELL, towards ESG, including the mandatory non-financial reporting in line with the EU Taxonomy. Additionally, the demand for Energy Building Optimization has increased significantly.

So, how do you react to this situation?

LM: ESG has become an integral part of our services. Clients increasingly come to us with questions like, ‘What does the EU actually require from us? How should we implement it? And what does it practically mean for us?’ This legislation introduces new challenges but also creates opportunities for many of our activities and solutions.

JP: From the client’s perspective, these measures are not often met with enthusiasm, but for us, they represent an opportunity. We know how to guide them and help them navigate this period with minimal disruption. Our team designs solutions that not only comply with legislative requirements but also deliver tangible operational savings for their buildings.

Can we therefore say that EU regulations are beneficial in this case?

LM: The European Union is returning to fundamental values that once existed but have gradually faded. This approach creates a stable foundation for our services. A key aspect is ensuring a return on investment, which provides banks with confidence that tenants will remain long-term and won’t be forced to leave properties due to rising operating costs. Additionally, international companies with parent organizations in other countries are increasingly focused on minimizing energy expenses. We are able to provide clients with detailed calculations on how much they can save on operational costs in the long term by investing more in higher-quality construction. We don’t limit ourselves to simple recommendations, such as installing photovoltaic systems – we analyze buildings comprehensively to propose the most efficient and realistic solutions. And we’ve been doing this for over 10 years.

JP: Building owners are currently under pressure from multiple directions. They must consider not only their own ESG reporting but also the demands of their tenants, who seek energy-efficient buildings to meet their ESG commitments. Moreover, the terms set by banks for refinancing properties play a crucial role, as they also prioritize energy efficiency.

What does the client service package include?

JP: There are several stages in which we can implement our services. One involves buildings in the development phase – either still conceptualized on paper or just starting to take shape. Based on our understanding of the client’s requirements, relevant legislation, and reporting standards, we can define the parameters of the building to ensure it is as energy-efficient as possible while meeting the current ESG requirements for buildings.

And how do you approach existing buildings? Is it possible to meet the required standards with them?

JP: Most existing buildings are part of portfolios, and clients are interested in upgrading them to be more energy-efficient and reduce their carbon footprint. We provide energy optimization, where we assess the building’s technical condition, focus on operational savings, and prepare investment measures for further improvements. We are often surprised by how much energy can be saved simply by optimizing operational parameters.

LM: Older buildings sometimes have more significant potential than one might expect. Even a building constructed just a few years ago can perform worse than an older one if its technical systems are insufficient. Unfortunately, fewer people are entering technical fields, which impacts the quality of implementations but simultaneously provides us with numerous opportunities for improvement.

JP: Another critical factor is a building’s ability to adapt to future requirements and climate challenges. The EU Taxonomy, for example, provides forecasts of changes, and we aim to prepare buildings for the next 10, 15, or even 20 years. This is not about overengineering but about creating flexibility – such as adaptable spatial layouts for future technologies or larger infrastructure systems that enable easier modernization. These measures are cost-effective yet strategically significant.

So it’s not just about the building.

LM: Exactly, it’s also about the surrounding environment. If I construct a new office building in a specific location, I should also consider how to compensate the local community. Governance plays a key role – it’s not enough to have admirable goals, such as being carbon-neutral by 2030, if concrete numbers, plans, and control mechanisms do not support them. These activities must be integrated into the company’s policy to have a real impact. This philosophy is closely tied to our work in ESG Due Diligence (ESG DD). Our team addresses not only parameters related to water or air pollution and facility operations but also Project Management that builds on governance principles. ESG now employs our entire company – while previously, a single project might involve three or four people, today it could include up to 15, ranging from biodiversity and energy experts to specialists in local pollution or Project Management. ESG is fundamentally a multidisciplinary matter requiring a coordinated approach.

Back to the situation on our market. There are not many new buildings being constructed, and instead, many economically unsuitable ones remain. What solutions do you recommend from this perspective?

JP: Currently, the market has a significant number of buildings that are ‘old’ only in a relative sense – 20 years is not a critical age for a building. However, this is often the point where the original technologies reach the end of their lifecycle. This requires significant interventions and modernization. Based on the current needs of our clients, we can prepare concepts that not only address existing issues but also consider future operational and sustainability requirements for these buildings. This approach helps ensure their long-term competitiveness.

You have completed many successful projects. Would you like to highlight any where the collaboration with the client was particularly successful?

JP: I’d like to highlight our collaboration with Mint Investments on the energy optimization of their portfolio, where we achieved significant operational energy savings. Another example is our synergy with the Fidurock portfolio, focusing on retail parks and residential buildings, where we also contributed to more efficient and sustainable operations.

LM: I would add our partnership with Česká spořitelna on their newly constructed headquarters spanning 100,000 sq m in Prague’s Smíchov district. Beyond operational carbon footprint reduction, we also focused on the embodied carbon footprint, assessing the environmental impact of the materials used. This approach was one of the first of its kind on the Czech market. Given the scale of the project, Česká spořitelna’s requirements for low-carbon materials can significantly influence the market and contribute to a transformation in supplier practices across the Czech Republic.

We face key milestones such as 2025, 2030, and 2050. How should clients prepare for these deadlines? What legislative requirements lie ahead?

LM: These years mark significant shifts, primarily due to the obligation to comply with non-financial reporting and ESG requirements. Companies will need to start systematically collecting data, analyzing it, and implementing concrete measures. The focus will be on energy savings, reducing energy consumption, and gradually achieving net-zero operational carbon emissions.

JP: Based on legislative requirements and our experience, we recommend our clients prioritize the efficient operation of their buildings, whether new or existing. Conducting an audit or operational optimization is crucial. This includes implementing measures with minimal investment costs that have a significant impact on reducing energy consumption. These measures can be implemented almost immediately if approached correctly and represent the quickest step toward preparing for future requirements.

Eventually, it’s all about people…

LM: Absolutely. Any measures should reflect the fact that employees and tenants are the most valuable assets in a building. People’s expectations are rising, and retaining them is becoming increasingly challenging, which makes it essential to prioritize their satisfaction. Optimizing a building must go hand in hand with creating a high-quality indoor environment. It’s inefficient to blindly replace all systems or implement measures solely to achieve carbon neutrality if they don’t serve a real purpose. It’s important to use common sense and remember that a building exists primarily for the people inside – this applies to 2030 and beyond. While operational carbon neutrality will be required, no one can predict with certainty what technologies will be available in the future. Therefore, it’s crucial to maintain a flexible approach, consider multiple options, and avoid a one-sided perspective. The key is openness and the willingness to adapt to whatever the future brings.

Arnošt Wagner

Photo: Archiv Grinity

Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of every project

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OBERMEYER HELIKA is one of the largest and most stable design and construction consulting offices in the Czech Republic.

The company provides comprehensive services in the field of design, construction engineering, project management and professional technical consulting and its team has extensive experience with the realization of large scale and technically demanding projects both in our country and abroad. Jiří Fousek, CEO of OBERMEYER HELIKA, told us more about the activities.

What can customers imagine from what you offer – complex design services?

To put it simply, if you’re an investor who does not have an expert in-house team, we’ll guide you smoothly through the entire planning and permit process, while if you have your own experts, we’re able to offer the services you need in coordination with the investor’s team. More specifically, our comprehensive design services cover the entire process, from the initial concept through to final completion and commissioning, including cost management, time management and quality assurance. Using state-of-the-art technologies such as BIM (Building Information Modelling), we can efficiently plan, coordinate and implement projects with a high degree of accuracy and transparency. This enables us to prevent potential problems before the construction work begins.

The range of projects implemented by Obermeyer lately has been really diverse. Which one was a tough nut to crack, and is there one close to your heart that you’re particularly proud of?

Our portfolio really does cover a wide range of designs, from shopping and office centres, to large-scale residential projects, logistics parks and healthcare buildings. We’ve successfully implemented a number of important healthcare construction projects, of which the recent Family Care Pavilion at Pelhřimov Hospital is especially worthy of note. We succeeded in designing and constructing the new hospital pavilion in the passive standard, while achieving energy self-sufficiency and meeting all the requirements for a modern healthcare building. The quality, functionality and timelessness of this project is also evidenced by the fact that it won the Building of the Year 2023 award. Looking back at our successes in the field of healthcare construction, we cannot forget the reconstruction of the children’s ward at the Motol University Hospital, the Proton Centre project at the Bulovka University Hospital, the construction of the Waltrovka Medical Centre in Prague, or the extension of the magnetic resonance imaging facility in Pelhřimov. We also pride ourselves on our long-standing cooperation with major investors in designing business and administrative centres. Of these, I’d like to mention the shopping centres in Prague that we’ve been working with for a long time now. From the Westfield Chodov shopping centre and the multi-purpose Palladium complex, to the Quadrio Shopping Station and the iconic Centrum Černý Most. Centrum Černý Most, for example, one of the first shopping centres in the Czech Republic and still the most successful, started working with us back in 2012, when we were commissioned as the general designer. The next phase of the expansion is now under way, building on previous phases of construction. The current phase will be finished in autumn 2025, marking the completion of the entire Centrum Černý Most site. We are delighted to have played a part in such a successful project from its very beginnings through to the present day. And it’s not just business and cultural centres in the capital that we work on. I’d like to mention our role as the general designer for the expansion of Galerie Šantovka in Olomouc, Galerie Pardubice – a shopping and social centre, and the Galerie Teplice shopping centre.

What about residential projects?

We are working on several high-end projects with leading residential developers and top architects. These include, for example, our cooperation with CPI on the Kolbenova Park project, the Semerínka project by Crestyl, and the new Archa Smíchov project by J&T.

You use BIM in your projects. How did you start with this system and what’s the current situation with BIM?

We began working with BIM back in 2012, when this technology was still in its infancy. The early days were challenging, requiring us to invest in training and new software. Today, BIM is an integral part of our projects and allows us to efficiently manage and coordinate all aspects of construction. BIM provides us with detailed digital models that improve communication between teams and increase planning accuracy. In terms of our projects, this results in higher quality and greater client satisfaction.

How is sustainability, which has been mentioned a lot lately, reflected in your projects?

Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of every project. We strive to ensure that the buildings we design have the smallest ecological footprint and the greatest energy efficiency as possible. We do this by choosing materials that are environmentally friendly. Also, by using renewable energy sources and designing buildings with an emphasis on ensuring their long-term sustainability, or designing buildings in the passive standard, as was the case, for example, with the Pelhřimov Hospital healthcare project. 

Many shopping centres are now modernizing and expanding their existing capacities. What are the requirements in the brief today in terms of environmental design, energy and security compared to 10 or so years ago?

Over the past decade, there has been a fundamental change in the requirements for the modernization of shopping centres. Today’s trends place emphasis on sustainable design, characterized by energy efficiency and the use of environmentally-friendly materials. Increased safety standards require the implementation of advanced effective monitoring and management technologies. The design must not only be aesthetically appealing, but also functional and flexible enough to respond to the dynamically changing needs of the market and customer expectations.

Obermeyer works abroad. How does the interaction between the different offices work?

Our international network of offices allows us to efficiently share knowledge and human resources across borders. Czech designers actively participate in projects abroad, enabling them to gain valuable experience and improve their skills in working with cutting-edge technologies. They then effectively apply this expertise in our projects here in this country. By collaborating on projects around the world and using best practices and innovations from different markets, we are able to keep up with global design standards.

Given the current difficult situation in the property market, can you outline your plans for the short term – focus, action and responses to market needs?

We are currently focusing intensively on strengthening our position in sustainable and technologically advanced projects. We plan to expand our digitalisation and BIM management services to enable us to better respond to the dynamic needs of the market. Our strategy is based on flexible and innovative solutions that reflect current trends and the requirements for sustainability and efficiency. We actively seek out new opportunities and adapt quickly to changing market conditions in order to stay at the forefront of the industry. Of course, our employees play a major role in this strategy.

PR

Photo: Archive of OBERMEYER HELIKA and CPI

New buildings and renovations by Archina Design

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The architectural and interior design company ARCHINA Ltd. has been established in 1992 and its main area of the activities is to serve the clients the complete designs for all type of the buildings and interiors, especially for hospitality, office, commercial and residential buildings.

We have entered the fourth decade of our company’s business activities and the fifth decade of my professional career as an architect with two new project designs in the field of housing and a combination of a hotel and serviced apartments.

„I am highly pleased that our studio is working on designs which restore the use of historical buildings and complete them with sensitively placed extensions into harmonious units.“ (I. Nahálka)

Magnolia Health & Spa resort (architekti / architects: Ing. arch. Ivo Nahálka, Ing. arch. Jan Suchý; generální projektant / general designer: ARCHINA Design, s. r. o.

Successfully realized projects

The first of them is the renovation and extension of a historical building situated in Prague 1 into a 4-star hotel and serviced apartments Allure Hotel and Residence. The design has already won two major international awards, namely the first place in the German Design Awards 2024 in the Excellent Architecture category, and also the first place in the International Property Awards 2024. The building contains altogether 78 hotel rooms and apartments with complete facilities and a common reception.

The other of our implemented project designs is the renovation and change in the use of the historical building of the former hotel Vítkov situated in Prague 3. According to our design, an apartment building Youstone with total of 105 accommodation units built here. 

Another new project, which is currently approaching its completion, is the renovation and extensions of two historical buildings in Prague 2, originally used as a policlinic, which will be used as a rental housing concept for the CITY POP – Artisa Group. The building will include more than 100 residential units with complete facilities, a café and parking spaces.

Purohotel (architekti / Architects – Ing. arch. Ivo Nahálka, Ing. arch. Jan Suchý; generální projektant / general designer: ARCHINA Design, s. r. o.)

Hotels

As far as the upcoming project designs of large urban developments and urban systems are concerned, we have obtained a building permit for the first stage of the spa resort known as Magnolia Health & Spa resort, which will include spa hotel and wellness hotel. The interconnected buildings will house 150 rooms with spa and relaxation facilities and a conference centre. The project design is situated in the Southern Moravia Region in the district of Novomlýnské reservoirs.

One of the other returns to smaller projects and designs is one of my favourite hotel project designs in Prague, which is Alcron Hotel, awarded already in 1999 as the best European hotel in the category of luxury hotels. According to our project design, the construction of a rooftop bar extension with a panoramic restaurant and an outdoor terrace with a magnificent view of the historical centre of Prague has started. The project won a major international award, namely the 1st place in the International Property Awards competition.

Among the number of new hotel projects designed by our company, I would like to mention the renovation and extension of another historical building in Prague 1 – the Purohotel project, the construction of which will start in January 2025. Upon completion, a 4-star hotel with a capacity of 150 rooms will be built in Prague.

Renovations and extensions

As far as other projects and designs are concerned, I would like to mention the new construction and renovation of the Vyšehrad Residence development in Prague 2 and the renovation and extension of the historical building of Národní dům Smíchov cultural centre in Prague 5. These include also another two designs for the renovation of the important building of the former Živnostenská Bank in Prague 1, the renovation and extension of the former department store in Celetná Street into a 4-star hotel, and the renovation and extension of two historical buildings in Prague 5, where 180 residential units will be created upon completion.

Ivo Nahálka

Phooto: Archina Design archive

Rooftop bar extension with a panoramic restaurant and an outdoor terrace Alcron hotel (architekti / architects: Ing. arch Ivo Nahálka, Ing. arch Otmar Němeček; generální projektant / general designer: ARCHINA Design, s. r. o.)

Timber frame buildings contribute to the circular economy

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Construction industry is facing significant challenges, including a lack of resources and the implementation of strict regulations imposed by the new EU Green Deal regulations. Despite the conservative nature of the industry, DELTA Group’s innovative approach to the use of wood and other sustainable materials demonstrates that a rethink is possible. 

However, a successful transformation needs comprehensive changes, which require not only technological innovations but also an adaptation of financing structures and a broader cultural change. DELTA Group is committed to pioneering this change, supported by targeted educational initiatives and strong participation in national and international forums with the aim to control sustainable development. Erik Štefanovič, CEO and co-owner of Delta Group and its representative in the Czech Republic, answered our questions on this topic. 

What are the main challenges the construction industry in Europe is facing today in addition to the increasing emphasis on sustainability?

Construction industry in Europe is facing several challenges: Firstly, there is a significant shortage of resources, both in materials and skilled labor, partly still resulting from the supply chain issues of the pandemic. Secondly, a significant increase in refurbishments from the current 1% to over 3% is required in order to meet the EU Green Deal targets, although the market is taking a wait-and-see approach. Thirdly, there are challenges in implementing regulations such as the CSRD, the EU Taxonomy and the Supply Chain Act. After initial interest, there is now a certain amount of disillusionment about the high level of effort that these regulations entail. Many players are initially concentrating on fulfilling their reporting obligations without taking particular measures for improvement. In addition, existing ambiguities and room for interpretation mean that many stakeholders are adopting the wait-and-see approach in the hope that the requirements may still be adapted.

What is DELTA’s approach to the climate crisis?

DELTA Group is actively engaged in the fight against the climate crisis by integrating six sustainability objectives into each of their projects, which are based on the environmental objectives of the EU taxonomy. These goals are the cornerstones of our sustainability strategy for each individual project and are used to develop key performance indicators to make sustainability measurable and buildings comparable. Our employees receive specific training on all sustainability criteria through our in-house DELTA Academy and are supported in implementing these objectives by an interdisciplinary team of integral consulting experts. We also take on leadership roles and actively participate in working groups in national associations and organizations such as VZI, IG Lebenszyklus Bau and ÖGNI in Austria. As for the Czech Republic, we are in close contact with the Czech Green Building Council (we are actively represented in most working groups), as well as in Slovakia and Ukraine, where DELTA is also active. We are proactively involved in raising awareness and promoting sustainable change in the industry.

The construction industry is responsible for 40% greenhouse gas emissions. What do you think are the realistic reductions achievable by 2050?

It is difficult to set precise reduction targets for greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, as we currently lack precise measurement methods, and many calculations are rather theoretical in nature. It is important to understand that the operation of buildings accounts for 80% of emissions on average but can vary greatly depending on the asset class and life cycle. For the first time, the EU taxonomy provides a clear framework that prevents greenwashing and steers investments towards sustainable projects. Nevertheless, the challenge remains that many players in the construction and real estate industry are hesitant to act and are not yet consistently implementing the necessary steps to reduce emissions.

Which particular steps will lead to the most environmentally friendly construction in your opinion? What do we need to change at first?

The absolute focus here is on minimizing CO2 through highly energy-efficient buildings that are operated with non-fossil energy sources and the reuse of building materials as part of a functioning circular economy. For new buildings in particular, technologies such as seasonal energy storage via geothermal probes can be used to operate buildings CO2-free, which requires higher initial investment but pays off in the long term. When renovating existing buildings, however, holistic solutions that go beyond the boundaries of the individual property and make use of existing synergies in the neighborhood are required. The circular economy is still in its infancy; there is a lack of a broad range of cradle-to-cradle or recyclable products. Manufacturers in particular, but also planners and contractors, must therefore undergo a paradigm shift in order to take this important topic into account in the future. 

What is the most effective way to reduce a buildings’ carbon footprint nowadays?

The most effective way to reduce a buildings’ carbon footprint is to use sustainable energy sources for heating and cooling and to increase the energy efficiency of the building envelope. Even in the early planning phases, further optimization potential should be investigated through life cycle assessments and life cycle cost calculations, particularly in the construction. These should then be weighed up in terms of the cost-benefit ratio.

Should we focus on the embodied or operational carbon footprint of buildings?

It is crucial to consider both the embodied carbon footprint and the operational carbon footprint of buildings in order to achieve a comprehensive transformation in the construction and real estate industry. While reducing the operational footprint through more efficient operations often offers the greatest potential savings, considering the embodied carbon footprint is essential in terms of resource conservation and the circular economy. This becomes particularly important when considering that resources such as sand, which are already scarce today, may no longer be available in the future.

Construction industry is a conservative sector where change happens very slowly. Do you foresee more tangible changes in the future?

Although construction is a conservative industry and changes are often slow, the regulations that have already been implemented have triggered important processes. Nevertheless, the current momentum is not sufficient for bringing in fundamental changes. There is hope that this will change when all regulatory instruments are fully implemented, sustainable projects are supported by significantly more favorable financing from banks and an increasing carbon tax no longer allows for alternative options. A broad and serious change in awareness is still required in order to consistently continue towards sustainability. There is currently still a lack of comprehensive incentives for manufacturers, project developers and property owners to invest in sustainable projects. The current subsidies are often too specific and only cover part of the necessary investments. In the long term, only more comprehensive incentives at company level, such as generous tax write-offs, could lead to a more profound change.

We also find large timber-frame buildings in DELTA Group’s portfolio. What do you see as their main positives and negatives? What is the future building material according to you?

The use of wood in buildings offers significant advantages, in particular due to its low CO2 footprint, high modularity and flexibility in the life cycle. Timber-frame buildings allow materials to be reused or returned to nature without ending up as hazardous waste. They also offer excellent indoor air quality and contribute to a pleasant atmosphere. However, global wood resources are limited and the extensive use of wood as a building material depends heavily on the asset class, national building regulations and the planned utilization concept. The market maturity and cost neutrality of alternatives such as CO2-reduced concrete and reusable building materials and elements will still take some time. In order to support the principles of the circular economy, buildings must be designed in such a way that they can be flexibly redesigned for different uses or easily dismantled at the end of their useful life and the materials recycled or reused. This also requires systematic cataloging of all building materials in a digital construction material passport, ideally from a BIM model, to efficiently manage and use information for reuse.

Red.

Photo: DELTA Group Archive

 A complex of six administrative buildings for 200 employees with facades of larch wood. Klimaaktiv Standard building certification. Photo: Christian Brandstätter 

Erik Štefanovič, Managing Director and co-owner of the DELTA Group, is the key figure in the DELTA Group. He is known for his commitment to sustainability in the construction industry, which he actively promotes in all the company’s construction projects. Under his leadership, DELTA Group focuses on incorporating environmentally friendly solutions and elements of sustainable construction, thus contributing to responsibility towards the environment and future generations. This approach is supported by integrated consulting, which he promotes as an essential part of comprehensive project planning. He is also a confirmed supporter of innovation and modern technologies such as BIM and digitization of construction processes. Erik‘s motto ‚look for the solution instead of the culprit‘ illustrates his proactive and open approach to all challenges.

Photovoltaics leads to energy independence and stability: Why invest in it even today?

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Improving the energy profile of a property that meets ESG requirements, local consumption of produced energy that reduces building operators’ economic dependence, price certainty that enables stable financial planning — these are some of the benefits of installing a rooftop photovoltaic power station.

These experienced their boom after the dramatic rise in energy prices in 2022. However, despite the calmed situation, there are still several reasons to invest in rooftop photovoltaics even today. 

Financing options through Raiffeisen – Leasing 

Two years ago, the increase in energy prices motivated many companies to invest in photovoltaics, expecting primarily financial savings and predictability of future costs. Nevertheless, energy self-sufficiency makes sense even after the dramatic period of price increase has passed. The unstable security situation in Ukraine and the Middle East persists and can have a significant and, above all, unexpected impact on energy prices. 

What is important for the operation of commercial premises as well as housing blocks is predictability and, above all, stability, which needs to be reflected in the financial plans of projects and also in household budgets. Photovoltaics can provide their owners with immediate financial relief in the form of savings on several components of the final price of electricity. These mainly represent distribution fees and a fee for supported energy sources (SES), which you do not pay in the case of the installation of photovoltaics and energy consumption directly in the building or complex of buildings. 

“Rooftop solar power stations allow their owners to plan their financial future better thanks to the certainty that they will not be surprised by price fluctuations caused by global or local affairs in the coming years. However, it is always necessary to think about how to best financially secure the investment in photovoltaics. At Raiffeisen – Leasing, we offer several options. With classic financing based on the applicant’s past financial results, the client gains greater flexibility in setting the parameters of electricity sales. The second option is the creation of a project SPV, where the photovoltaics is repaid from their own operation. Another option is that Raiffeisen – Leasing’s partner builds rooftop photovoltaics at their own expense and concludes a 20-year energy supply contract with the owner of the building. The final price of electricity does not exceed the price of the original energy supplier. Once this period is over, the photovoltaics gets transferred to the owner of the building for CZK 1,” Přemysl Beneš, Managing Director of Raiffeisen – Leasing, outlines the options for financing a photovoltaic power station. 

Photovoltaics helps meet ESG requirements  

The improvement of sustainability parameters and the fulfilment of ESG requirements are also not on the sidelines of interest. Rooftop solar power stations significantly improve building’s energy efficiency. At a time when more and more tenants consider ESG principles a key factor when choosing a property and when many companies work intensively on their green transformation, photovoltaic systems are a meaningful solution for fulfilling sustainable commitments. “When it comes to older buildings with limited options for changing energy management, photovoltaics is often the only way as to how to meet ESG requirements. And we are ready to set up for our clients financing for this commodity as well and to provide a subsidy service that will help to get grants,” adds Přemysl Beneš.

Raiffeisen – Leasing is a proven partner that takes pride in an individual approach. From the first phase of the project and its preparation to the completion of the process, clients communicate with a team of professionals who are aware of their needs and possibilities and prepare a custom-made solution for them. The fact that clients who have tried out the Raiffeisen – Leasing solution repeatedly return to us speaks for the quality of the services.  

PR

Photo: Raiffeisen – Leasing and Depositphotos

As an urban developer, Passerinvest Group puts generosity into buildings

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Passerinvest Group is a purely Czech investment and development company founded in 1991 by Radim Passer. As an urban developer, builder and investor, the company has, since 1996, mainly been associated with Brumlovka in Prague 4 and, in recent years, with the Roztyly area in Prague 11. 

We asked Radim Passer, the founder of the company and Chairman of the Board of the Passerinvest Group, to evaluate the past period and outline some plans for the future. 

How has the Passerinvest Group been doing in the last decade? 

The value of the company has shifted. I believe it will be in the order of over 100% over the last decade. It should also be the case with many other companies that have been established in the market for some time. This is the criterion I have to follow as a shareholder. I think that even some companies that are larger than us, though in other fields of business, also achieve at least the same numbers. 

You must be satisfied with such a result…

It is certainly nice to see that the company’s value grew by 10% per year, but in today’s global world, it is no wonder. On the other hand, it is good that we are growing, but it is not the most important criterion.

And which one do you think is the main one? 

In my opinion, the most important criterion consists in knowing that we are doing work that not only I enjoy, but also my colleagues, and that it benefits someone else. From this point of view, the decade was certainly a success. It started with the completion of Delta in 2015, one of the largest administrative buildings in the Czech Republic with an area of approximately 43,000 sq m. At that time, we had a strategy of buying back Brumlovka buildings that we had once sold off. In total, we managed to buy seven out of nine. Two of them were completely reconstructed – Buildings A and B. Basically, they were the first administrative buildings that were built in the Czech Republic after the revolution and underwent reconstruction at the same time. 

What has influenced you the most in the past decade?  

The last few years have been marked by matters that go beyond any control of people from business environment – first the Covid pandemics and then the war in Ukraine, which has, in many ways, been reflected in the key parameters we follow. Covid led to the home office, the war in Ukraine caused interest rates to rise and of course valuations to fall. All of this affects the commercial real estate market. Even so, I think that – even if the decade is supposed to end in the current weeks and/or months – we have not lost our will to work, to be reasonably brave and to take risks. Even in these difficult times, when the numbers do not turn out the way we would expect them to, we commenced the construction of a new administrative building for the free market, which has not happened in Prague for more than two years. 

What do you consider to be the major milestone in your business?

The key milestone in my business was the year 1998, when I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. This changed my priorities in life and without a doubt it had a very significant effect on my business. Even before that, I tried to implement projects to make them nice as part of my thought schemes. But the level of generosity has increased manifold since then. Around 2000, when we were already experienced with global corporations, we began to realize that our mission is to create a working environment for people. Some of them spend a third of their lives, including sleep, working for corporations. There are 168 hours in a week, and extremely busy people work over 50 hours a week. This led me to create a friendly working environment for them. Every commercial developer commonly tries to build a building that meets current standards, but we add something extra to that.

Passerinvest Group has always been a pioneer in creating a pleasant working environment in Prague. This includes relaxing green roof gardens or an offer of quality gastronomy, etc.

We created the first roof garden in 2003 – it’s been over 20 years now. It is an investment in beauty worth 1.5 to 2% of the total cost of the project. In other words, yes, it is money, usually tens of millions of crowns at each stage of construction. It will not jeopardize the project economically, and if you do it nicely, people will like it there. And if people like it there, so do the corporations. This sense of generosity was naturally further enhanced by the fact that, in addition to ‘ordinary’ development, we also engaged in urban planning, which also set us apart from the competition. We are constantly and intensively developing one locality, gradually adding a little more into it, but it is basically still about Brumlovka.

How many people are currently working there, i.e. in Brumlovka, and what is the occupancy rate? 

According to the air conditioning performance, the buildings have the capacity to accommodate around 20,000 people, but companies usually do not fill that much space. No new administrative buildings have been added since the Delta building was completed, so there are currently about 12,000 to 13,000 people working there. The home office continues to reverberate, so realistically, there are about 7,000 to 8,000 people present in the area per day. Before Covid, it was around 4,000 more. In the future, we anticipate the aforementioned 20,000 people. As for contractual occupancy, it is in the order of 98% or more on the 210,000 sq m office space. The physical presence of people in the premises is also influenced by the corporate policy of the individual tenants, as some corporations have decided that all employees must be present in the offices. And others have a problem getting people back to the office, because they got used to working from home during Covid.

The Brumlovka complex also includes apartments. What forms of housing are there already or are being planned for the future? 

After the completion of the Hila multifunctional building, we should have approximately 300,000 sq m of rentable premises there. This number corresponded to the expected final size of the completed Brumlovka complex in the first half of the 1990s. Today we know that if Brumlovka was completed in its entirety, it could reach up to 0.5 million sq m. I want to point out that of this 300,000 sq m, approximately 230,000 sq m will be intended for offices (of which 20,000 sq m in the Hila building). The remaining premises will include shops, services, a Christian-family-type school as well as apartments. The already completed apartments have been built for sale, but there are not many of them; around 250 if we consider the higher quality. There are approximately 150 apartments of medium quality there from the past, so in total it comes to about 400 apartments. Most of the owners of the higher quality apartments actually live there. The Hila and then Orion buildings will offer a little over 200 rental apartments in two stages, which will be part of the administrative complex. These apartments could serve the corporations for their employees, who – as we have found out – are of more than 40 different nationalities. Of course, not everyone wants to live right where they work, but for some of them it will be clearly advantageous. 

You also have experience with the development in Ostrava…

The Nová Karolina Park project made us really happy. For one thing because of what it looked like – CMC architects designed a beautiful house, and it was eventually also rented well. Although it took longer, for a year and a bit, we prayed and fasted so that there would be progress in rentals in Ostrava. In the end, it turned out economically even better than we expected, and we sold the building. 

The opening of the Roztyly Plaza administrative project attracted a lot of attention. 

We are also happy with Roztyla Plaza. I personally rank it among the top three administrative buildings in the whole of Prague. At least according to my subjective criteria, as I know the other administrative buildings. I think that Roztyly Plaza worked out wonderfully for Mr. Aulík and his team. He has created a wonderful atrium there. Although we also had a nice big atrium in the Gamma building, for instance, this one is even better. Of course, the roof garden with breathtaking views of Prague and Krčský les has also turned out beautifully. Roztyly Plaza makes us happy, and I believe that it will mainly make the people who are to work there happy. 

But this is not your last project in the Roztyly area in Prague.

Of course, we have other plans in Roztyly. Now (after years of hard work in the field of approval processes, combined with complex acquisitions and with partial but almost endlessly long zoning changes) we have really moved on. Finally, we are in a situation where we can continue planning subsequent construction. That is why we are happy that Roztyly Plaza is completed and that we have a valid building permit for another significant administrative building in Roztyly, the Sequoia building, which will have over 33,000 sq m. We want to commence construction in the coming months. First of all, we have to prepare the infrastructure, which will be followed by the construction of the new building. Now we got the opportunity to complete the EIA for the residential part of the Arboretum in Roztyly. This is, so far, our biggest residential project. It will include approximately 600 residential units, and we would like to commence the construction in early summer 2026, if God permits. That means that ‘our’ Roztyly comprises three stages – one completed and two in preparation. 

And what is the future of Brumlovka?

We also have three more stages waiting for us in Brumlovka and, just like in Roztyly, we are preparing almost 100,000 sq m there. It is the aforementioned Hila building, which is under construction, and then the Orion building, which will have a similar structure to Hila, only a little bigger. So, it will mainly comprise administration, plus rental apartments and some services. We naturally always try to arrange for a sufficient number of spacious parking spaces, because we consider it something that simply belongs to quality development. Then there is the Omega building, which is in a stage of a completed acquisition with the state after 26 years. Once the transaction was concluded, we immediately started the approval process because we already had the project documentation ready. We would probably like to commence the physical construction in 2026. In total, this should represent approximately 190,000 sq m in both locations. I think that, if God permits, these beautiful stages will really enrich Prague. They should be beautiful not only from architectural point of view, but of course also thanks to their surroundings, in which we will not be afraid to invest.

Does this correspond with the prognosis of the increase in the number of inhabitants to two million?

Nowadays we already say 2.5 million inhabitants. If people think realistically and not just about what some statistical reports say, they know that Prague does not only have 1.25 million inhabitants, but 1.5–1.6 million. If the Czech Republic is to be a country for 15 million people in order for it to prosper sustainably and in the long term, which none of our governments have yet understood, Prague must be a metropolis for 2.5 million inhabitants. 

Arnošt Wagner

Photo: Passerinvest Group archive

Academy of Modern Building Management: Ready for the office environment of the future

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The working environment in offices has changed significantly in recent years. In addition to the economic crisis and the growing emphasis on energy efficiency, the COVID-19 pandemic also played a key role, which fundamentally limited the operation of office space for two years. 

This situation led to a massive boom in working from home and subsequently to increased requirements for the quality and safety of the indoor environment in offices. Most recently requirements for compliance with ESG principles play an important role. 

With these changes, there is an increasing pressure to adapt building management to new trends and guidelines. The aim is to motivate employees to return to the office, where a modern working environment should ensure high productivity, comfort and health.

The Czech Green Building Council responds to this challenge and comes up with a unique educational program – the Academy of Modern Building Management. The academy will offer participants a deep insight into the eight key characteristics of a healthy office and show how to effectively measure important parameters to improve the quality of the working environment and reduce the carbon footprint of building operations.

The Academy programme will focus not only on examples of good practice, but also on problematic areas, with an emphasis on new tenant requirements and optimization of operating costs. Participants can look forward to the experience and knowledge of more than ten experts in various fields, including HVAC, lighting, acoustics, ergonomics and biophilia. These experts will present the latest trends and offer the opportunity to get acquainted with modern materials and technologies.

The academy will take place in five blocks during October and November in modern office buildings, which will serve as a practical demonstration of the latest solutions for a healthy indoor environment (e.g. Riverside, Embassy of Canada, etc.). Participants will gain theoretical knowledge and practical experience that they will be able to use immediately in their own operation. Each block will include plenty of space for discussion, questions and sharing experiences.

We believe that the final discussions will be inspiring and will help participants incorporate the acquired knowledge into their daily practice. 

If you are interested in learning all about new office trends, register at https://www.czgbc.org/cs/akce 

 

 

Symbiosis of modern architecture and ecological responsibility

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The timber-framed construction project of the student campus located at our Austrian neighbours’ in Ried is a remarkable example of sustainable construction and modern architecture. It is situated at the site of the Sisters of Mercy Hospital and provides students with an innovative and environmentally friendly environment for both studying and life. 

The building comprises a timber-framed structure made of forest beech, which is not only aesthetically appealing, but also offers significant ecological benefits. The main building material is wood – beech was complemented by a fir facade and spruce windows. Mgr. Marcela Kolářová, spokesperson for DELTA Group ČR, specifies that the building is mainly built from regional wood. “Wood reduces the ecological footprint, but also symbolizes a return to traditional construction practices. It is a renewable resource that binds CO₂ and thereby contributes to climate protection. Thanks to the successful architectural concept of using wood even on the facade of the building, the building confirms the fact that wood gives the building a natural aesthetics. When visiting the interior, it is evident that it supports a cozy but also healthy indoor environment.”

Energy efficiency and ecological building materials 

The timber-framed building of Campus Ried is equipped with many energy-efficient technologies, including photovoltaic panels for the production of solar energy, a modern heat pump and a ventilation system with heat recovery. These technologies significantly reduce energy consumption and operational costs.

Thanks to the use of sustainable materials, the 220 pupils and students learn in an environment free of harmful substances. Apart from wood, there were also other ecological materials used, these having a minimal impact on the environment. The building is designed to be easily dismantled and recycled if necessary. 

Sisters of Mercy Hospital, Ried 

Investor: Barmherzigen Schwestern Hospital, Ried, Austria 

Lokalita: Ried, Austria

Total costs: EUR 13 mil. 

Total floor area: 7,500 sq m (four above- ground and one underground floor building) 

New campus for nursing professions: building for 220 students, pupils and teachers

 

Integration into the hospital campus 

The project had to meet specific requirements as it is located within the grounds of the Ried Hospital. The architects from Delta Pods Architects worked closely with the medical staff in order to make sure that the design meets requirements of a medical facility. This included aspects such as noise protection, transport accessibility and compliance with strict hygiene regulations.

The Ried Hospital project is sustainable not only from the point of ecological sense, but also social and societal one. This building combines education and health care in one place. Students prepare, within the campus for a career in health care directly within the hospital premises, which provides them with a unique opportunity to combine theoretical knowledge with practice. This approach not only ensures a skilled workforce, but also promotes sustainability by eliminating commuting between school and place of practical training and brilliantly connects educational institutions with healthcare services. 

DELTA Group activities on the project:

  • Architecture
  • Project management (project management and coordination)
  • Lean Management in the process of planning and project preparation 
  • Investors technical supervision (ITS)

Points of interest:

  • Reduction of construction time and building processes due to the high degree of prefabrication of wooden components
  • Sensor technology, automatic shading and a targeted ventilation concept to control humidity and save operational costs
  • Thanks to the ecological concept, resource conservation has already been taken into account in the logistics of the construction site and in the selection of suppliers, and natural materials such as clay filler come from within the region 

For more details and interesting facts about the project see: https://www.delta-pods.com/en/projekte/campus-hospital-of-the-sisters-of-mercy-ried-at/

How is the project perceived by the public 

Austrian media acknowledged the project as a ‘model of sustainable construction’. It is often emphasized that the timber-framed construction of Campus Ried plays a pioneering role in the field of ecological development and can serve as a model for future educational and healthcare facilities.

An interesting aspect that is often mentioned in connection with this project is the ‘user orientation’ in the design of the concept of the building. The building was designed not only with ecology in mind, but also with a strong focus on the needs and comfort of future users – students and hospital employees. This shows, for instance, in open common spaces, well-lit rooms and quiet nooks optimized for learning and relaxation.

Appreciation and recognition of a campus designed for future medical staff members

The project has also been nominated for several awards in the field of architecture and sustainability. This recognition reflects the excellent performance of the team, which has managed to create a highly functional building that meets the highest standards of environmental protection and user comfort. The new timber-framed building of the educational campus is, moreover, surrounded by a beautiful garden, which serves as a recreation area for the patients of the Sisters of Mercy Hospital in Ried. The white emblem in the central part of the garden was incorporated into the building as a symbol of the cap worn by the Sisters of Mercy. 

PR, Photo: DELTA Group ČR, David Schreyer