It’s not just about a place to live. It’s about what life is like here
The BREEAM Communities certification uses five main categories, the most comprehensive of which is “Social and Economic Prosperity.” It evaluates several areas – such as the level of civic amenities, the quality of public space, the amount of greenery, the microclimate, climate change preparedness, safety, architecture, and whether the place is accessible to everyone without exception. It was in this category that Nová Zbrojovka achieved a perfect score and the highest score of all categories.
Housing for Different Generations and Life Stages
The assessment of housing was a key criterion for the BREEAM Communities assessors. They concluded that the Nová Zbrojovka residential concept addresses the housing shortage, demographic changes, and public demands. We design the mix and sizes of apartments not only based on supply and demand analysis, but also according to the actual needs of future residents. We identify these needs, for example, during tours, public events, and through public opinion surveys. This allows us to create an offering that meets real needs.
We are creating a diverse mix of more than 2,500 apartments – ranging from smaller starter units to rental housing and family apartments. The goal is simple: to create a stable and naturally diverse neighborhood where individuals, couples, families, and seniors live side by side. Accessibility and an emphasis on comfort for everyone are a given.
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| The mix of apartments in Nová Zbrojovka is based on analyses and the actual needs of residents | We adapt housing to the changing needs of today’s society |
Inclusion is a standard for us, not an add-on
Creating an inclusive and accessible environment is a fundamental principle for us. It is not just about meeting standards, but about ensuring equal opportunities and genuine possibilities for all groups of people to participate in daily life. It is important to us that everyone feels welcome here, regardless of whether they face any form of disability. In terms of accessibility, we focus on 9 specific groups:
- people in wheelchairs
- people with limited mobility
- seniors
- parents with strollers
- people with visual impairments
- people with cognitive impairments
- people with hearing impairments
- people with communication difficulties (e.g., sign language users)
- people with service dogs
The design of buildings, public spaces, and services therefore systematically takes into account a wide range of situations and abilities. We will implement a number of barrier-free features - such as guide lines, induction loops, and lowered counters.
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| No restrictions: streets, courtyards, and buildings are fully accessible | Convenient, wheelchair-accessible entrance to the ZET.Office office building |
Nová Zbrojovka Will Boost Economic Prosperity Throughout the Area
Studies conducted as part of the BREEAM Communities assessment confirm that Nová Zbrojovka will demonstrably boost economic prosperity throughout the area. The key lies in a combination of new investments, job opportunities, and the natural integration of housing, work, and services in a single location.
The 22.5-hectare revitalized site will feature:
- up to 20,000 new jobs in administration, research, services, and light manufacturing,
- more than 30,000 m² of retail and services,
- 200,000 m² of office space,
- and will see more than 20,000 people passing through each day.
For an area where the original industrial production ceased and employment dropped to practically zero, this represents a fundamental transformation and a new economic boost. Hundreds of people are involved in the construction of Nová Zbrojovka – builders, laborers, technicians, designers, architects, managers, and other specialists from various fields who have been preparing the entire project for many years.
Thus, what is being created is not just a residential project, but a fully-fledged urban district where people live, work, shop, play sports, gather, and enjoy themselves. It is precisely this everyday vitality that supports the local economy and brings new business opportunities not only directly in the area but also in neighboring locations. Nová Zbrojovka is part of the broader development of the city of Brno, which in recent decades has transformed from an industrial center into a modern hub for services, education, and technology. It is precisely in this context that the transformation of the former brownfield makes sense – it brings life back to a place that had long been unused.
We’re building Nová Zbrojovka as a neighborhood of short distances. Everything you need – offices, shops, schools, daycare centers, healthcare, sports, culture, and public transportation - is within a 15-minute walk. For example, if you live or work in the mixed-use Montown, you can walk from your office to the gym in about 60 seconds – it’s literally just a few meters. In Nová Zbrojovka, the time it takes to get somewhere is measured in steps, not kilometers.
And it’s not just about convenience. It’s a change in the rhythm of life. Less time spent commuting means more time for yourself, your family, and your friends. And that is precisely one of the most fundamental differences between ordinary housing and a truly functional neighborhood. You can read more about community amenities in the article: BREEAM Communities #1: Nová Zbrojovka as a neighborhood where everything is within reach.
Accessible Schools and Preschools – The Foundation of Family Life
What is essential for families with children? High-quality and accessible education – which is why it is one of the key pillars of the entire neighborhood. The prestigious private bilingual schools PORG and Maple Bear are already operating here. Together with the City of Brno, we are working diligently on a project for a new elementary school for 810 children and two preschools. In the afternoons and on weekends, the school will offer its facilities to interest groups, clubs, and sports teams. We will thus create a center that bridges private and public education and supports both children’s development and the community’s lifelong learning.
A pleasant and safe microclimate and public space
Within the Social and Economic Prosperity category, BREEAM Communities also focuses on the microclimate. Blue-green infrastructure plays a crucial role – nearly 78,000 m² of green roofs, permeable surfaces, and retention features help retain water, cool the environment, and increase resilience to extreme weather. We do not view greenery as mere decoration, but as a full-fledged part of the city with a clearly defined function.
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Functional greenery and water management are key to a more resilient urban environment | Greenery is evenly distributed across nearly a third of the Nová Zbrojovka area – you’ll find it on the streets, in courtyards, and in relaxation areas |
Urban planning itself also plays an important role. A well-thought-out layout of streets, trees, and buildings promotes airflow and helps mitigate negative environmental impacts. As a result, the entire environment is better able to cope with climatic fluctuations. Thanks to this, Nová Zbrojovka will not overheat and will remain pleasant even during the hot summer heat.
We place great emphasis on high-quality public space. We are designing it as a carefully composed system that reflects people’s desire for greenery and access to the river, while also providing technical solutions to modern urban challenges. We focus on areas such as heat islands, water retention, traffic calming, and noise reduction. Most parking is hidden underground, so the surface remains uncluttered, green, and safe for everyday life.
Nová Zbrojovka is located in close proximity to the Svitava River, which is why we place exceptional emphasis on flood control measures. We are actively collaborating with the City of Brno and the Morava River Basin Authority, which are currently designing Phases XXI and XXII as part of the flood control system in Brno. Bank modifications and the removal of barriers will improve river flow and effectively lower the 100-year flood level. A combination of technical solutions and crisis management will ensure safety not only for the entire new neighborhood but also for the surrounding areas.
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| Urban design plan for the Nová Zbrojovka site based on the Master Plan (2021 version) |
Respect for history gives the site its unique character
The international commission also conducted a thorough analysis of the preservation of the original Zbrojovka’s character. We draw on the site’s famous industrial history and sensitively carry it forward into the present. Original landmarks, such as the Kotelna and Hrad, will retain their historic appearance.
For example, Kotelna, known for its tall, iconic chimney, is one of the most striking buildings in the entire neighborhood. Kotelna will remain the heart of Nová Zbrojovka, but this time as a hub for cultural activities and gatherings. The modern plaza surrounding the building will serve as the central hub of the entire neighborhood. Inside, a cultural and social center will be created, featuring a gallery, concert hall, studios, recording studios, and even a brewery. In contrast, the new construction is modern and architecturally diverse. This approach also reflects the preferences of the public, who wish to preserve the unique genius loci.
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| The historic Kotelna was the heart of the original Zbrojovka – it supplied heat to the entire complex | And Kotelna will remain the heart of Nová Zbrojovka – now serving as the main hub for culture and community gatherings |
The result is a neighborhood with its own identity. A place that preserves its history - while also making sense for modern life. Social and economic prosperity in Nová Zbrojovka is not an abstract concept. It means accessible services, job opportunities, high-quality public spaces, and respect for both the place and its people.
