Skyscraper Ostrava

Ostrava

2022

Architecture study

The existing building was constructed between 1965 and 1968 as part of the Jindřiška housing estate. Over the years, it has faced technical and operational issues. The skyscraper has 22 floors and was originally designed as a residential building. It was later converted into office spaces, but today the building is unused. The investment plan involves creating an architectural, functional, and technical design for the renovation of the Ostrava skyscraper. The aim is to develop various types of apartments, integrate the building into the existing environment, and create spaces for relaxation and community gatherings. The design also capitalizes on the building's height, which at 65.3 meters makes it one of the tallest structures in Ostrava.

The study had to address the building's layout, particularly its communication core. The existing core is inadequate in terms of emergency exits and fire safety. To meet the evacuation requirements for high-rise buildings, a new communication core was designed to be added on the northern side as a separate structure. This solution also enhances the building's stability and structural integrity. Another issue with the building is the low ceiling heights (2.55 meters), which create a feeling of confinement in the apartments. Therefore, windows and full-height glazing were designed to improve interior daylighting. Due to the full-height glazing, horizontal fire barriers at each floor level and vertical barriers at the inter-apartment walls were also proposed. These consist of a combination of cornices and vertical strips.

To improve the environmental quality and attractiveness of the building, balconies with permanently maintained greenery were designed. Given the building's structural constraints, these balconies are located at the corners of the rectangular footprint, where they can be anchored to the beams. The monotony of the floors is softened by the undulating balconies and cornices, accentuated by vertical elements on the façade. The greenery on the balconies enhances the quality of living and integrates the building into the surrounding environment. The balconies also function as shading elements in conjunction with the cornices and vertical strips.

The ground floor will feature commercial spaces. The design includes 76 apartments of various types, symmetrically oriented to the east and west. The attractive penthouse apartments on the upper floors feature open galleries. On the roof, a two-story extension with a café will provide panoramic views of the city and the New Town Hall.

The facade of the building is designed with lightweight concrete panels, which will be used on the balconies, fire barriers, and the newly added external core. The construction of the balconies and cornices is designed with Liapor lightweight concrete. Adjacent to the building is a parking structure, whose facade will be covered with a trellis of climbing plants. The roof of the parking structure will feature photovoltaic panels, park landscaping for residents, and community gardens that the building's occupants can use.

I am excited that the city of Ostrava is exploring options for preserving buildings from the 1960s and 1970s, and instead of demolishing them, is striving to give these structures a new life. This effort is not only about preserving a historical period but also about saving on demolition costs and reducing CO2 emissions. Most of these buildings have the potential for a new lease on life under current housing demands and standards.
— Eva Jiřičná
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