Palác Dunaj Location City: Prague, Czech Republic
Revitalising a Constructivist landmark for a new generation
Revitalising a Constructivist landmark for a new generation
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Key Info
- Includes:
- Contemporary office and retail space, rooftop terrace and underground parking
- Area:
- 8,800 m²
- Status:
- Completed
- Sustainability:
- LEED Gold Core & Shell v4, WELL Gold
Map Location
Heritage-led transformation
Heritage-led transformation
Palác Dunaj is the sensitive transformation of one of Prague’s notable Constructivist buildings, combining the character and architectural heritage of the original 1928–30 structure with the performance and flexibility expected of a contemporary workplace.
Located in a prominent position on Národní Street in the heart of Prague, the building was originally designed by architect Adolf Foehr. Chapman Taylor’s comprehensive reconstruction has preserved its distinctive architectural identity while carefully adapting the building for a new generation of occupiers.
The completed development provides approximately 6,800 m² of high-quality office accommodation alongside 2,000 m² of retail space, creating a revitalised mixed-use destination within one of Prague’s most prestigious locations.
Contemporary intervention within a historic structure
Contemporary intervention within a historic structure
The reconstruction required a careful balance between conservation and contemporary intervention. Chapman Taylor’s approach focused on retaining the qualities that define Palác Dunaj while introducing new elements that enhance its long-term functionality and commercial appeal.
A new floor has been added to the building, providing 700m2 of executive office space, alongside an extensive rooftop terrace offering panoramic views across Prague. Below ground, 23 new parking spaces have been created – a significant technical achievement given the constraints of working within an existing historic structure.
These additions integrate carefully into the original building, allowing Palác Dunaj to evolve while respecting its architectural heritage.
A high-performance contemporary workplace
A high-performance contemporary workplace
The transformation extends far beyond the visible architecture. The building’s technical systems were completely replaced and modernised, substantially improving its operational performance and creating comfortable, efficient and adaptable working environments.
The new workplace combines generous spaces, contemporary technology and improved environmental performance with the distinctive character of the historic building.
The result is a workplace that responds to changing expectations around comfort, flexibility and wellbeing while extending the useful life of an important piece of Prague’s architectural heritage.
Sustainability and wellbeing
Sustainability and wellbeing
Sustainability has been an integral part of the transformation. Restoring and adapting the existing building extends the useful life of a significant piece of Prague’s built heritage while retaining the majority of the existing structure in place reduces the embodied energy compared to new-build.
The completed project has achieved LEED Gold certification for Core & Shell under LEED v4, recognising its approach to environmental performance, alongside WELL Gold certification, reflecting the emphasis placed on the health, comfort and wellbeing of building users.
Through adaptive reuse, technical modernisation, and sensitive architectural intervention, Palác Dunaj shows how historic commercial buildings can be successfully repositioned to meet contemporary environmental and workplace expectations.
A sensitive transformation that preserves the character of a Prague landmark while creating a sustainable, high-quality workplace for the future
