Skanska: Local voices shaping the sustainable future of Prague’s waterfront district

Modřansky Cukrovar in Prague is a classic example of how working with the community can shape a sustainable future. Through two years of consultations with local institutions and members of the public, we were able to identify the features and amenities people wanted for the new residential development, taking their expectations and concerns into account in the design process. planning.

Site of a historic sugar refinery until its demolition in 2000, Modřansky Cukrovar sits at the junction of the Vltava and Berounka rivers on the southern outskirts of Prague. We were able to acquire the site in 2015, and decided to build a modern residential area rather than the planned shopping centre.

Aspects of the refinery’s history have been deliberately retained, says Petr Dušta, project manager at Skanska Reality. “We are inspired by the past, but we don’t try to go back. This location calls for modern and sustainable residential development to bring the neighborhood back to life. At the same time, however, it allows us to work with local history and retaining a number of features such as the distinctive brick chimney, this and the river itself will get the attention they deserve.

Facilities for community groups

Suggestions from the public consultations were included in the criteria for an architectural design competition, won by local architects and urban planners Chybík + Krištof. Plans include a new central square and pedestrian zone, a linear park for recreation and the renewal of the Vltava Embankment.

New construction projects in Prague often involve lengthy planning and approval processes. We took advantage of this time to offer the site as temporary facilities for local associations, such as sports and cultural groups. Known as Cukrkandl, the community space quickly took on flowerbeds, facilities for a local canoe club and a bike cafe.

Hanka Warneková, from Roubike Coffee, says: “The locals have gotten used to coming here. We organize a lot of events, especially for children, and we also try to do a lot of musical events for adults.

Construction began in June to transform the location in the south of the Czech Republic’s capital into Prague’s first “blue-green” district – where respect for the environment and good relations between neighbors are the guiding principles.

Renata Vildomcová, marketing and communications manager at Skanska Residential Development in the Czech Republic, explains that potential residents have expressed interest in solutions that are both economical and have a low environmental impact, while looking for a house in a prestigious area. “Many are passionate community builders, ranging from families with young children to empty nests.”

Sustainability from the start

Sustainability has been part of the concept from the start, and we hope the development will achieve BREEAM certification for a sustainable built environment.

Solutions to optimize the use of drinking water will reduce consumption by 47%, saving 97,000 liters of drinking water every day. This is seen as particularly important in a warming and drying Europe.

On the energy side, all apartments will be connected to renewable energies when the first tenants move in, photothermal and photovoltaic solar panels will be used at all stages of development, and insulation including green roofs will reduce energy consumption. energy.

Speaking of greenery, in addition to 14,000 square meters of green roofs, the project will include 700 to 1,000 newly planted local trees, several thousand square meters of grassland to boost biodiversity, and large areas planted with shrubs and perennials. .

Recycled building materials and concrete made from construction rubble will be used in the construction.
The project includes a total of 797 housing units, planned in six phases. Construction of the first phase is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.