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 | Jul 14, 2020
Apartments and condos occupy what was once a five-story car dealership
Wisznia | Architecture+Development designed, developed, and is managing the project.
Mixed-Use | Feb 21, 2020
SB Architects to design Fort Lauderdale’s FATVillage mixed-use destination
The project will build upon the existing FATVillage Arts District.
Mixed-Use | Feb 14, 2020
Kenya’s Pinnacle Tower will be the tallest tower in Africa
ArchGroup Consultants is designing the project.
Mixed-Use | Feb 13, 2020
1010 On-The-Rhine creates a walkable destination in Cincinnati
GBBN designed the project.
Sustainability | Feb 12, 2020
KPF unveils The Pinnacle at Central Wharf, a high-performance, resilient tower
The project will reconnect Downtown Boston to the waterfront.
Mixed-Use | Feb 11, 2020
KTGY unveils designs for Downtown Superior’s Main Street mixed-use portion
The development will be built in Superior, Colo.
Mixed-Use | Feb 7, 2020
Rising to the occasion
Roof deck entertainment spaces are popular amenities that present engineering and code complexities.
Mixed-Use | Jan 27, 2020
Dubai’s One Za’abeel will have the world’s largest cantilever
Nikken Sekkei is designing the project.
Mixed-Use | Jan 17, 2020
RMJM designs conjoined, twisting towers in Hengyang, China
The towers will rise 580 feet.
Mixed-Use | Dec 18, 2019
BIG unveils River Street Waterfront Master Plan for Williamsburg
The project is a collaboration between BIG, Two Trees Management, and James Corner Field Operations.
