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 | Aug 14, 2019
Las Vegas’ $7.9 billion ‘mini-city’ will be a ‘digital revolution in motion’
All of the project’s buildings will be net-zero.
Mixed-Use | Aug 12, 2019
BIG will master plan Saudi Arabia's 'Giga-Project'
Qiddiya is currently under construction 28 miles outside of Riyadh.
Mixed-Use | Jul 25, 2019
5 ways to activate ‘dead space’ in mixed-use developments
By energizing the areas in between tenant spaces, design and real estate teams can drive more traffic—and revenue—for tenants.
Mixed-Use | Jul 24, 2019
Three-building development to rise on vacant parcel in Chicago suburb Arlington Heights
Tinaglia Architects designed the project.
Mixed-Use | Jul 23, 2019
Shanghai’s T20 stacks office and community space atop a plant-filled parking garage
Jacques Ferrier Architecture and Sensual City Studio designed the building.
Mixed-Use | Jul 19, 2019
Lendlease and Google to develop mixed-use neighborhoods in San Francisco Bay
The residential, retail, hospitality, and other civic components have an estimated development value of $15 billion.
Mixed-Use | Jul 18, 2019
POST Houston mixed-use development will include a five-acre “skylawn”
OMA is designing the project.
Mixed-Use | Jul 2, 2019
Brooklyn’s Flatbush Caton Market redevelopment will preserve the Caribbean community amidst gentrification
Freeform + Deform designed the building with Magnusson Architecture + Planning as the Architect of Record.
Mixed-Use | Jun 20, 2019
SOM-designed mixed-use tower opens in Sydney
The building is located in Sydney’s Central Business District.
Mixed-Use | Jun 13, 2019
Site of former Motorola headquarters will become a mixed-use district
UrbanStreet Group and Antunovich Associates are developing the master plan for the project.
