Zbrojovka is, in short, a Brno icon that has experienced spectacular moments as well as downfalls. And it was these latter that left most of the original buildings in a completely dilapidated state. Let’s not pretend. It’s always easier, and much cheaper, to tear down an old building and build a new one in its place. It takes time, nerves and money to renovate a historic building to meet today’s standards and tenant requirements. But we went for it because it’s worth it.
We’re preserving four buildings from the original complex. Each will dominate its part of the site. We’re giving our four not only a new facade, but also new content and new life.
We’re not alone in this
None of these buildings are listed. Nevertheless, we decided to preserve them precisely because of their historical significance. We’re not alone in this. For two of these reconstructions – D1 and Kotelna – we’re working alongside the KOGAA architectural studio, which has a lot of experience with similar projects. The Hala 76 project is being jointly worked on by EA architekti, who won the architectural competition in 2017. Permit a little aside as we give ourselves two digital pats on the back. KOGAA and EA architects are doing a great job and the plans to restore these buildings work with great respect for their legacy, while at the same time taking them to a new level.
D1
We call it D1 in the office as we look for a better name for it, but it’s the building of the former Zbrojovka headquarters. It was the entrance to the whole area, where important contracts were signed and deals arranged. You know, that beautiful, functionalist building with the Big Z on Lazaretní Street. We’re the furthest we can go with plans for its reconstruction, and it should start this year. From the outside it will hardly change, only getting new windows and a new facade, but keeping its functionalist expression. And in fact, this aesthetic continues inside. The whole reconstruction works with a number of functionalist elements, right down to the smallest details. For example, the games played with the composition of wood on the panelling or the reference to the famous onyx wall in Villa Tugendhat. However, the realisation will be using sustainable recycled materials and draw in a number of local artists.
When it’s ready, D1 will also receive new “content”. Although it will continue to serve as an office building, it will primarily serve small businesses and startups. It will include the “cowork” space and we’ll also revive its roof, where a large terrace with a bar will be created.
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The Kotelna
With its iconic chimney, the Kotelna (former boiler house) will continue to be the heart of the area. Just as it distributed heat for years, so now it will be a source of public life and culture. Right in the shadow of the chimney will be created a square – the centre of all events in Nová Zbrojovka. Back inside, the design envisages a combination of cultural and leisure activities, unique shared offices, studios and unusual gastronomic concepts. The Kotelna, whose project has been ingeniously named HEA(R)T, will come alive like never before. And not a few years down the road, but this year. Thanks to the great plans of the people of KOGAA, it will gradually come to life during reconstruction.
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Hala 76
This tall production hall with an unusual structure is also quite a testament. It stood here during the First Republic. This is where engines were assembled into the legendary Zetka car. In the interwar period, some 8,000 of these vehicles came out of Zbrojovka, earning the appreciation of figures like the actor Vlasta Burian. After World War II, another legend was briefly produced in it – the Zetor tractor. Now the hall is cleared, though still in use. You’ll find the relocated Industra Café, where we recommend going for a flat white, and there are also a number of events. For example, last time it was the venue for some activities in the Olympic Festival. The planned reconstruction takes into account the preservation of its distinctive structure and industrial atmosphere. Industra will be an office building, but due to its size, it will not only offer offices but other more comprehensive uses.
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ZET.Office
ZET.Office has already been renovated. At the end of 2019, a unique administrative building was built from the former Tool Shop building. We preserved its industrial feel and thanks to its unique design it has given rise to unusual loft offices. At ZET.Office we have also built an Amenities Park with a number of sports facilities and a bistro, where a number of events are already taking place, including a summer cinema, which is slowly getting ready to screen. ZET.Office not only brought the first tenants to the area, after years it brought life back here, and it’s helping us show how to combine the past and future.
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So that’s them. Four beauties, ours and yours, who will stick around to commemorate the history of this place for another 100 years.
