Residence Vysočany

The prevailing belief is that escaping the daily urban pressures is essential for maintaining well-being and achieving true fulfillment. The events of 2020 underscored humanity’s fundamental needs and inherent simplicity. Aligned with Prague’s initiative to become a greener city through a large-scale tree-planting program, this building embodies this philosophy. Vertical greenery is a design centerpiece, offering residents an intimate yet exclusive lifestyle – a life in harmony with nature. Nature’s ubiquitous presence has often been overlooked; only after its displacement by concrete did humanity recognize its absence. Globally, developers are striving to incorporate green building designs, making sustainable architecture both exclusive and desirable. The renewed focus on environmentally conscious practices is a welcome global trend. In essence, green is the new standard.
Location
Czech Republic
City
Prague
Area
24.331,10 m2
Year
2020
Status
Design

Situated in a mature urban core, this development is designed to enhance and revitalize the surrounding neighborhood. Its architectural style is contemporary yet refined, complementing existing structures. A key objective was to cultivate a welcoming environment. The ground floor incorporates a blend of commercial and residential spaces. To maximize resident privacy, commercial units are oriented towards the main street, while residential units face quieter side streets, minimizing street noise.

To promote a serene and private atmosphere, a significant design element is the recessed facade. The residential building’s facade is setback three meters from the sidewalk to provide a comfortable buffer from public areas. Eighty percent of the residents benefit from unobstructed east and west views, while approximately ten percent face south, and the remaining ten percent face north.

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The building’s architectural design features polished stone cladding at the base and aluminum composite panels on the upper facade. A significant design element is the incorporation of weathering steel, contributing to the overall design concept of natural integration. This material selection provides an earthy palette, complements the surrounding environment, and offers a pleasing textural contrast to the adjacent landscaping.

This design aims to foster a strong connection between residents and nature, encouraging environmental stewardship. To this end, each residential unit includes private outdoor space. Ground floor, first floor (above commercial spaces), and mansard/loft units feature private gardens. Other apartments include private balconies with individual plantings. A planted wall with arched openings screens street views from ground floor apartments, providing a visual buffer. The parking structure is designed to maximize natural light and ventilation via openings to the central courtyard. This courtyard serves as a tranquil oasis, a surprisingly natural element within the urban context, featuring strategically placed trees to enhance this effect.

Gallery

Credits

Architect
NRA Atelier
Authors
Nikola Radović, Sonja Milićević, Novica Marković
Copyright
NRA Atelier