Outside Prague, the Sugar Factory, a mixed-used residential development with public space, marks the largest project to use the sustainable material Rebetong. Invented by Skanska, Rebetong comprises completely recycled concrete and/or masonry, instead of natural aggregates. With Rebetong, buildings can be constructed from other buildings at the end of their lives, forming a circular economy. The Sugar Factory is also the first project to use Rebetong for its façade.
The architecture and urban design practice CHYBIK + KRISTOF, in collaboration with Skanska, recently unveiled the Sugar Factory, located on a former sugar factory site. At 58,000 square meters (about 625,000 square feet), the project includes seven blocks with 790 apartments. It also features over 6,600 square meters (71,000 square feet) of public space, including a multifunctional hall, brewery, coffee house, kindergarten, and boat club. The project is scheduled for completion in 2030.
Following intensive research and experimentation with different sizes, shapes, and densities, the Rebetong material used for this project has been made from leftover bricks, reflecting the site’s industrial character. So that Rebetong can serve as a fully visual reminder of the area’s history, CHK proposed using the material not only for structural purposes, but also as an exposed façade. The project also preserves the sugar factory chimney, built in 1927, so it can serve as a historic landmark and symbol.
“Appreciated for its historic significance and ability to fit into the existing landscape, Rebetong acts as a functional and emotional connection to the collective memory of the area, adding value to the local culture and community, while being a sustainably elegant solution,” a press statement said.
On the Building Team:
Owner and/or developer: SKANSKA Reality
Design architect: CHYBIK + KRISTOF
Engineer of record: Tomáš Chren, AED
MEP engineer: ExPlan
Structural engineer: Recoc
General contractor/construction manager: Skanska
Related Stories
Mixed-Use | Apr 16, 2021
Wrigleyville Lofts to bring 120 apartment units to Chicago’s Wrigleyville neighborhood
The project will also include 14,000 sf of ground floor retail.
Mixed-Use | Apr 8, 2021
New mixed-use development under construction at Naperville’s CityGate Centre
The project will comprise 285 multifamily units and the shell for a future event center.
Mixed-Use | Apr 7, 2021
New mixed-use rental community breaks ground in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood
The building marks the latest phase of the Oakwood Shores revitalization plan.
Mixed-Use | Mar 24, 2021
Austin United Alliance’s proposal selected for redevelopment of Chicago’s Austin-Laramie State Bank site
The winning scheme was chosen from among six others.
Mixed-Use | Mar 22, 2021
Mixed-use, mixed-income development under construction in Salt Lake City
KTGY Architecture + Planning is designing the project.
Mixed-Use | Mar 9, 2021
47-story residential and office building set for San Francisco’s new ‘Hub’
Solomon Cordwell Buenz designed the project.
Mixed-Use | Mar 8, 2021
Chicago’s South Side to receive new Entrepreneurial and Community Hub
SOM and TnS Studio will lead the design.
Mixed-Use | Feb 24, 2021
Skanska completes primary construction work on Nashville’s largest ever mixed-use project
Gresham Smith is serving as architect-of-record for the entire project and is part of the design team with Pappageorge Haymes and Gensler.
Mixed-Use | Feb 22, 2021
Mixed-use development will occupy former manufacturing industrial site near the Chicopee River
Paul A. Castrucci Architects is designing the project.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Feb 18, 2021
Connecticut’s Swift Gold Leaf Factory becomes a community job incubator
Bruner/Cott Architects designed the project.
