Prague’s Isola comes back to life

Former industrial building in Prague set to gain a new purpose

Contemporary architecture, a sustainable approach, and respect for industrial heritage: these design principles come together in our comprehensive redevelopment of Isola, an office building owned by Generali Real Estate, now taking shape in Prague’s Pankrác district.

A look back

The building’s history has several chapters. From 1989, it served as a factory hall for ČKD Polovodiče. In the late 1990s, architect Václav Aulický, co-author of the Transgas complex and Žižkov Television Tower, among other projects, adapted it for Česká pojišťovna, transforming it into office space while retaining its distinctive industrial character.

Today, the building is entering another chapter under the direction of our Prague studio.

Retaining its industrial character

According to Chapman Taylor Associate Director Igor Bergmann, the original building was particularly notable for its prefabricated structural frame, complemented by distinctive, high-load-bearing, prestressed TT-shaped floor panels. Some of these characteristic elements have therefore been retained in the new design.

“We didn’t want to demolish the building completely, even though the original depth of the floorplate was not efficient enough for modern office use. We ultimately chose a more sustainable approach based on comprehensive redevelopment. We stripped the original building back to its structural frame, preserving its industrial character, while adapting everything else to create a modern office environment that will be attractive to tenants, fit well within its surroundings and meet today’s sustainability requirements,” explains Igor Bergmann.

Creating a harmonious whole

The façade of Isola draws on the traditional composition of Prague buildings, where the ground floor and individual upper levels each have their own distinct expression.

“We used this principle of separating materials and architectural expression to connect the originally disparate volumes, so that the finished building reads as one harmonious whole rather than a main building with an extension.”

Another key challenge was balancing sufficient daylight in the interiors with protection from overheating. The façade system and insulation help regulate internal temperatures and reduce the building’s energy demand.

Reflecting its comprehensive approach to sustainability, the project is targeting BREEAM Outstanding certification, the highest rating available under the BREEAM system.

A sustainable future

The project aims to achieve operational carbon neutrality. High-quality facilities for sustainable mobility will also support this ambition, including infrastructure for cyclists and electric vehicles, EV charging stations, and secure bicycle storage. Excellent access to public transport further supports the project’s sustainable approach.

Isola will offer future tenants a total of 8,000m² of flexible office space across five above-ground floors. With high ceilings and large-format windows, the modern offices will prioritise functionality, comfort and energy efficiency.

The project will also include green terraces offering panoramic views across Prague, providing attractive outdoor spaces for building users.

Former industrial building in Prague set to gain a new purpose

Contemporary architecture, a sustainable approach and respect for industrial heritage – these principles come together in our comprehensive redevelopment of Isola, an office building owned by Generali Real Estate, which is now taking shape according to our design in Prague’s Pankrác district.

Together with lead architect Igor Bergmann and 3D artist Anna Goncharenko, we recently visited the construction site to see how the project is progressing.

A look back

The building’s history has several surprising chapters. From 1989, it served as a factory hall for ČKD Polovodiče. In the late 1990s, architect Václav Aulický, co-author of the Transgas complex and Žižkov Television Tower, among other projects, adapted it for Česká pojišťovna, transforming it into office space while retaining its distinctive industrial character.

Today, the building is entering another chapter in its history under the direction of our Prague studio.

Retaining its industrial character

According to our architect Igor Bergmann, the original building was particularly notable for its prefabricated structural frame, complemented by distinctive, high-load-bearing, prestressed TT-shaped floor panels. Some of these characteristic elements have therefore been retained as part of the new design.

“We didn’t want to demolish the building completely, even though the original depth of the floorplate was not efficient enough for modern office use. We ultimately chose a more sustainable approach based on comprehensive redevelopment. We stripped the original building back to its structural frame, preserving its industrial character, while adapting everything else to create a modern office environment that will be attractive to tenants, fit well within its surroundings and meet today’s sustainability requirements,” explains Igor Bergmann.

Creating a harmonious whole

The façade of Isola draws on the traditional composition of Prague buildings, where the ground floor and individual upper levels each have their own distinct expression.

“We used this principle of separating materials and architectural expression to connect the originally disparate volumes, so that the finished building reads as one harmonious whole rather than a main building with an extension.”

Another key challenge was finding the right balance between bringing sufficient daylight into the interiors and protecting them from overheating. The façade system and insulation help regulate internal temperatures and reduce the building’s energy demand.

Reflecting its comprehensive approach to sustainability, the project is targeting BREEAM Outstanding certification, the highest rating available under the BREEAM system.

A sustainable future

The project aims to achieve operational carbon neutrality. High-quality facilities for sustainable mobility will also contribute to this ambition, including infrastructure for cyclists and electric vehicles, EV charging stations and secure bicycle storage. Excellent access to public transport further supports the project’s sustainable approach.

Isola will offer future tenants a total of 8,000m² of flexible office space across five above-ground floors. With high ceilings and large-format windows, the modern offices will prioritise functionality, comfort and energy efficiency.

The project will also include green terraces offering panoramic views across Prague, providing attractive outdoor spaces for building users.

Completion is scheduled for 2027.

Photography: David Janota, Ondřej Čížek