The Dunaj Palace will soon reappear in its full glory after reconstruction in Prague

by   CIJ News iDesk III
2022-11-30   10:07
/uploads/posts/3d9b44b45e9ad8533238612f1afb06cd2abe790e/images/1550859474.jpg

The investment and development company Zeitgeist Asset Management is rapidly moving forward with the complete reconstruction of the almost 100-year-old corner building of the Palace Dunaj on Národní třída in the centre of Prague. The aim is to return the building to its original 1920s splendour and refinement. The spirit of the time in which the Dunaj Palace was built will be preserved, but the building will be equipped with the most modern technologies of today. Thanks to them, it aspires to LEED Gold and WELL Gold certification. The representative constructivist building by the then renowned architect Adolf Foehr is currently nearing completion of the rough construction after months of construction work and is heading towards completion, scheduled for the end of next year. Once renovated, the building will provide premium office space totalling more than 6,700 sqm, as well as 2,000 sqm dedicated to retail units and services. International architectural firm Chapman Taylor is behind the refurbishment design and Geosan Group is the main contractor. Cushman & Wakefield is leasing the space. MullenLowe Prague is responsible for the visual identity of the building, design and marketing.

The unmistakable building on the corner of Národní and Voršilská Streets is located on the territory of the Prague Monument Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Formerly it was the site of the classical Wallis Palace, which was demolished in 1928. In its place, two years later, the elegant six-storey Danube Palace was built in the Constructivist style for the Austrian insurance company Donau as one of the best and most progressive buildings by the German architect Adolf Foehr, a pupil of Jan Kotera. The building ranks among the exemplary examples of Prague architecture of the early 20th century.

"Our aim is to return the Danube Palace to its First Republic elegance and style - also taking into account the exceptional location of Národní Avenue, which has literally been through history. The expectations of the conservation authorities were therefore very much in line with our own approach to the project. For us, preserving the historic, refined Genius Loci of the Danube Palace means, among other things, that we will retain the original luxurious flooring or refurbish the roof structure in the reception atrium with new milky glazing," says Peter Noack, CEO of Zeitgeist Asset Management.

Jon Hale, director of architectural practice Chapman Taylor, adds: "We set out to achieve the requirements of a 21st century office building, which are primarily a healthy internal environment and the comfort of its occupants and visitors, as well as energy efficiency and security, through subtle interventions. The office space will correspond to the original function of the palace. Natural daylight and high ceilings, which are not always possible in new-build or renovated office buildings in city centres, will add to their exclusivity. The central atrium, inaccessible for many years, will become the heart of the Danube Palace. Its architectural design will retain the existing terrazzo and glass block flooring. We will also preserve the modernist look of the palace, which is emphasised by the façade clad in beige travertine with three white horizontal bands. As part of the reconstruction, the Danube Palace will be raised by one floor. The extension has been designed with particular attention to design, details and materials so that it becomes a natural part of the existing building and its surroundings."

As in the First Republic, Palác Dunaj will primarily provide office space. These will occupy the upper floors, including the top floor. The ground floor of the palace will be reserved for a predominantly retail function. Two entrances will lead into the palace - one from Národní Street, the other from Voršilská Street. Parking inside the building will be provided by an automatic parking system in the basement, and the elevator will also accommodate larger types of cars. The reconstructed palace will also take into account those who will be cycling to work, as there will be a bike room on the ground floor. "At the time of its construction, the Dunaj Palace was already technically very well designed and executed, making it a property with long-term value. It has retained this value to this day - and we will increase it even further as part of the reconstruction," adds Michal Nečas, Managing Director of Zeitgeist Asset Management.

For a historic building to be relevant to the lifestyle of today, it must be energy efficient and have a healthy indoor environment. Last but not least, it must also be safe. The original palace had very limited ways of regulating the indoor environment. Ventilation was only possible through windows, which meant letting in dust and noise from the busy street, plus losing heat indoors in winter. Now a central ventilation system with heat recovery will be installed in the Danube Palace, which will allow for very efficient cooling and heating as well as a constant supply of fresh air. As the original building did not meet modern fire safety standards, the new building will include sprinklers, fire doors, smoke detectors and other safety systems, as well as a vertical circulation core with high-speed lifts and modern toilets. Although the integration of all these systems into the historic fabric of the palace places considerable demands on the renovation, these necessary modifications are as sensitive as possible to the existing architecture of the building. As a testament to the quality of the renovated building, it is targeting LEED Gold and WELL Gold environmental certifications.

Palác Dunaj is located in a prestigious office and business location with excellent transport accessibility. Moreover, it is located in a place that has been through history and is also at the centre of cultural events. The nearest important monuments and buildings include, among others, the National Theatre with its New Stage, the Slavia Café, the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Topič House and the Church and Monastery of St. Voršila. All of this puts Národní třída in the encyclopaedia of architecture, to which the reconstructed Palác Dunaj is about to add another chapter.