Kotelna, centrepiece of the future Nová Zbrojovka Square, is one of four original buildings that we decided to preserve as a reference to the historical significance of this place. We want them to keep telling the story of Zbrojovka, the armoury. In making these decisions, we put financial considerations to one side, because let’s face it, the reconstruction of original historical buildings costs significantly more than the construction of new ones. But breathing new life into something old, something original, that is still usable, makes us happy.
“The current trend in reconstructing historical buildings is to highlight the original structure of the building while supplementing it with new, modern features. This duality of the new forms used in contrast to the original elements will thus give the concept of the building a figurative slap in the face – something unexpected, something that will enliven the building and attract attention,” so says Ivona Uherková, architect of Nová Zbrojovka, describing our intentions in the approach taken to restore these buildings. “At the same time, it’s desirable to tie together the contrast with a certain similarity, in practical ways, for example, using the same material in the original and newly added parts,” adds Ivona.
KOGAA creates the face of the new Kotelna
Architectural competitions and the separate selection of designers for most of the blocks is what typifies the development of Nová Zbrojovka. We want to create a colourful place that entertains and inspires people, where architectural diversity makes it easy to navigate. We don’t want monotonous, dull housing developments like housing estates.
In the competition for the architectural design of the former Kotelna, the KOGAA studio project was selected and could not have been placed in better hands!
KOGAA was founded in 2015 by a trio of architects with international experience: Tomáš Kozelský, Alexandra Georgescu (listen to an interview with Alexandra in our podcast V ODZBROJENÍ) and Viktor Odstrčilíkem. In their realisations they put three basic values front and centre – spaces, people, cities – promoting human needs, a sustainable approach and quality of city life. In the spirit of sustainability, they specialise in the conversion of existing buildings and a subsequent call for projects with social overlap (cafes, cultural platforms). And these visions perfectly met our idea of how the Kotelna space might best be grasped.
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| The current state of the historic Kotelna | The final form of the Kotelna designed by KOGAA Studios |
The brewery or greenhouse on the roof
In its design, KOGAA preserves the building’s importance as the centrepiece of the entire district, this time instead of producing heat, the site produces cultural and intellectual potential and becomes a beacon for the entire area, combining several diverse functions of Nová Zbrojovka’s amenities. The solution’s design extracts a future for this central building while simultaneously bearing its original legacy. This is how the architectural concept of HEA(R)T originated.
“HEA(R)T Nová Zbrojovka is a composition created from cultural and leisure operations, unique shared offices, studios and an unusual gastronomic concept. Technologically demanding functions are placed in newly built built-in tubes ‘suspended’ in the central areas of the building,” explains Alexandra Georgescu, co-founder of KOGAA Studio, highlighting the intentions of the submitted proposal, adding: “This ‘uncoupling’ of the new and old structure creates impressive interspaces that allow users to surround themselves with the historical-industrial legacy of the original building in order to uncover all the qualities of the structure and make the most of them.”
And what exactly can you look forward to in the Kotelna in the future? For example, a gallery, a concert hall, studios, attractive co-working nooks, recording studios, or special features such as the rooftop greenhouse, giving you the chance to find yourself in a unique space full of greenery and chill corners on the top floor. Lovers of good food will also enjoy it. In addition to the brewery pub, the Kotelna will offer a number of restaurants, cafes and bistros.
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The neon HEART sign in various modifications lets you know what action is currently taking place in the Kotelna
The HEA(R)T trial run concept
We’re following the path of openness: from the beginning we’re making Nová Zbrojovka as accessible to the public as possible, letting them come and enjoy Nová Zbrojovka community life! We also try to make the spaces that are still to be renovated accessible and let them flourish as soon as possible. As a priority, therefore, we have adapted part of the existing Kotelna which, with its rawness and authenticity, inspires people to organise equally special and unique experiences. The outdoor area of 590 m2 and indoor area of 155 m2 can already host a concert, exhibition, screening or gourmet event.
It’s a kind of vanguard, a little taste of what we’ll be able to experience in the future at the Kotelna. The front of the building already bears the neon HEART sign to evoke the right feeling for the unfolding event. It draws people like an imaginary beacon to the centre of the action and lets them know what to look forward to.
So when you see the sign (H)EA(R)T shining on the front of the Kotelna, prepare your taste buds, because some gastronomic blast is going on there. The illuminated sign HEAR(T) means imminent musical accompaniment, (H)(E)ART signals spiritual uplift with some kind of art, while the glow of the letters HEA(R)T should spark a desire to soak up new skills at some inspirational workshop, or really warm up your body at some sporting event. Nová Zbrojovka is simply a neighbourhood to enjoy!
