The title Building of the Year of the Pilsen Region 2022 was awarded to three construction works. The winning title went to the new main building of the Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, which also won the Public Prize, the reconstruction of the Great Synagogue and Rabbi’s House in Pilsen and the Hradišťská Apartment Residence in Pilsen. The Jury Prize went to the reconstruction of the Semler Residence in Pilsen. The jury awarded three Pilsen buildings with honorable mentions – an apartment house for the elderly in Nová Hospoda, a family house in Bručná Street and a sports hall in Krašovská Street. The Governor of the Pilsen Region Prize went to the rescue of the House of Three Roses in Nepomuk, the Mayor of Pilsen Prize went to the new Světovar apartment buildings. Světovar also scored with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, which awarded the reconstruction of the local former brewery into TechTower. The prize of the Association of Construction Entrepreneurs went to the reconstruction of the tram depot in Pilsen.
Twenty-one nominated building works competed in the finals of this year’s Building of the Year of the Pilsen Region competition. The expert jury selected the most successful ones. “This year, the competition again brought together a number of quality buildings. And so we as a jury took the opportunity to choose the winners in more competition categories and awarded the title of the Building of the Year of the Pilsen Region among new buildings, reconstructions and buildings for housing,” explained Miloslav Michalec, chairperson of the jury and head of the Regional Development Department of the Pilsen Region.
According to the expert jury, the main building of the Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen deserved the title of Building of the Year of the Pilsen Region 2022 for the implementation of an architecturally and functionally refined building that creates a modern and stimulating environment for future doctors. The restoration of the Great Synagogue and the Rabbi’s House in Pilsen was awarded the title for the fact that, after demanding construction and restoration work, this monument was restored to its greatest glory. And the Hradišťská Apartment Residence in Pilsen-Slovany was awarded the title for the design and realisation of a quality apartment building where every detail was taken care of and where an imaginative combination of materials and structures gave rise to a unified and distinctive whole.
In addition to these awards, the West Bohemian Gallery received the Jury Prize for its reconstruction of the Semler Residence in Pilsen. The jury appreciated the quality restoration of the cultural monument and its accessibility to the general public.
Honourable Mention of the Jury went to three other buildings in Pilsen – the apartment house for the elderly in Nová Hospoda for the sensitive design of the building in the context of its surroundings and the successful intimacy of living, the family house in Bručná for its high-quality design, modern architecture and comprehensive solution, including the interior and garden, and the sports hall in Krašovská Street for its modern and functional design and the combination of all elements into a single whole.
The new University Centre of the Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen was also the recipient of the Public Prize, which is awarded annually based on the results of an internet vote. This year, for the first time, it took place on the new website www.mapastavbyrokupk.cz, where all nominated buildings were presented, and recorded the highest number of voters so far. “This is the fifth time we have been able to present an award to a very special building as part of the competition. It is a teaching and research facility that not only makes young people into doctors, but also contributes to extending human life. The building is very successful and its purpose is ingenious. I would like to see this place continue to be attractive to students and scientists. I pay tribute to the designers and builders who have dedicated themselves to this topic,” said Stephan Kronmüller, managing director of Eurosoftware, s.r.o., which is a partner of the competition. “I am especially pleased that the new portal Map of the Building of the Year of the Pilsen Region has attracted many more people to vote,” he added. In addition to this year’s buildings, the online map Building of the Year of the Pilsen Region presents more than a hundred buildings that have been awarded in the competition before. Thanks to photos, videos and GPS coordinates, people can choose their tourist destinations from among them.
The Governor of the Pilsen Region Prize went to the restoration of the House of the Three Roses in Nepomuk. “I very much appreciate the reconstruction of this historically valuable baroque house, which has regained its authenticity and has become an object that cannot be passed by unnoticed. The combination of contemporary comfort of living with the nostalgia of the old times not only has its irresistible magic and charm, but also testifies to the craftsmanship of the creators and their attention to detail,” commented the Governor of the Pilsen Region Rudolf Špoták on the award.
The Mayor of Pilsen Prize belongs to the new apartment houses in Světovar in Pilsen. “The project of the Světovar apartment houses fully corresponds to our idea of modern and quality architecture. The architects have managed to follow the atmosphere of the place and sensitively set the block of houses in the surrounding environment, which is dominated by the renovated urban innovation centre TechTower and the new tram depot. These buildings can withstand the strictest European standards and together they write a new urban history of Slovany,” said Roman Zarzycký, Mayor of Pilsen.
Pilsen Světovar has received another recognition from the Ministry of Industry and Trade – it has been awarded for TechTower. The redevelopment of listed buildings on the site of the former brewery was awarded for the exemplary reconstruction of a brownfield into a state-of-the-art research centre. The Ministry of Industry and Trade provides patronage for the Building of the Year competition of the Pilsen Region.
The Association of Construction Entrepreneurs Prize has been given for the reconstruction of the tram depot in Pilsen for the demanding conversion under full operation into a modern tram depot, which conveniently complements the Pilsen district of Slovany.
The announcement of the results of the Building of the Year 2022 competition of the Pilsen Region and the award ceremony took place on 7 September 2023 in the multi-purpose hall of the Secondary Vocational School of Electrical Engineering in Pilsen, awarded in one of the previous years of the competition.
During the gala evening, the Czech Chamber of Authorized Engineers and Technicians active in construction (CCAET), Pilsen Region, also announced its award. In a separate, concurrently running competition, the CCAET Prize was won by Ing. Renata Böhmová from the company 2projektanti s.r.o. for the project New Family House in Bukovec. “The CCAET Award of the Pilsen Region 2022 was awarded by our expert jury for the overall complex and modern design solution of a small family house. The building is located in the conservation area of the Bukovec village and stands on the site of a largely dilapidated agricultural barn. The main geometric mass of the building and its material and technical concept itself became the supporting elements of the design of the house. It is a sensitive integration of the new building into the site using ecological elements, materials and modern building structures. The lower part of the house contains the garage and service zones, while the residential part is on the ground floor and in the attic. The above-ground part of the house is made as a prefabricated wooden building, the roof structure is designed with a traditionally tied truss. The building is complemented by a green roof over the garage,” says Luděk Vejvara, Chairperson of the CCAET committee for the Pilsen Region.
List of awarded buildings in the competition Building of the Year of the Pilsen Region
BUILDING OF THE YEAR OF THE PILSEN REGION 2022
Main building of the Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen
(Category A)
The title Building of the Year of the Pilsen Region 2022 has been awarded for the implementation of architecturally and functionally refined buildings. A significant element is the colour concept of the interior, which is finely detailed with the furnishings and accessories used.
The nomination for the title Building of the Year of the Pilsen Region 2022 has been awarded for the tasteful, efficient and architecturally successful design of the building. The expression of the façade does not try to dominate or draw attention, on the contrary, it sensitively respects the already realized parts of the campus. The interior impresses with its colour concept, which is important for orientation, and this is reflected in the central staircase hall by the distinctive artistic effect of the changing colours of the railings on the individual floors. Top equipped classrooms, laboratories and additional spaces – such as the canteen and self-study cells – create a modern and stimulating environment for future physicians.
Restoration of the Great Synagogue and Rabbi’s House in Pilsen
(Category B)
The title of Building of the Year of the Pilsen Region 2022 has been awarded for restoring this Pilsen monument and returning it life and the appearance of its greatest glory, which can be duly appreciated after the demanding construction and restoration work.
The nomination for the title of Building of the Year of the Pilsen Region 2022 has been awarded for the restoration of the largest Czech synagogue and the use of the potential of Jewish culture in the city. The entire project improved the technical condition of the monument and dealt superbly with the restoration of the interior, which has regained the splendour of its glory days. The construction of a hydraulically raised podium in the floor was the right thing to do. The work also included a comprehensive and sensitive renovation of Rabbi’s House, which was restored to its original life, including a brand new mikveh.
Hradišťská Apartment Residence, Pilsen-Slovany
(Category C)
The title of the Building of the Year of the Pilsen Region has been awarded for the design and implementation of a quality apartment building where every detail was carefully attended to. The imaginative combination of individual materials and structures gave rise to a unified and distinctive whole.
The nomination for the title of Building of the Year of the Pilsen Region 2022 has been awarded for the architecturally and structurally imaginative solution of building an apartment building into a narrow gap between the surrounding older buildings. The building catches the eye at first glance with its pleasantly designed appearance using tiling in a soft beige shade and a combination of horizontal dark surfaces with windows of modern design. The design impressed the jury with its excellent use of space and the appropriate location of the residential units and service areas over six floors above ground and one underground.
JURY PRIZE
Semler Residence, West Bohemian Gallery in Pilsen
(Category B)
The Jury Prize in the Building of the Year competition of the Pilsen Region has been awarded for the quality and commendable restoration of a cultural monument, preserving the historical legacy of the architects Loos and Kulka and making the building accessible to the general public.
The nomination for the title of Building of the Year of the Pilsen Region 2022 has been awarded for the restoration of the unique interior and the preservation of the legacy of the leading architects of the early 20th century, Adolf Loos and his student Heinrich Kulka. The demanding restoration of the layout and individual elements of the interior made the original spatial arrangement of the rooms and Loos’s intention of a unique concept of furnishings in terms of material and mass stand out. Of course, the sensitive restoration of the façade, window and door openings and the associated grounds also contribute to the overall positive effect of the building. The opening of the building to the public and the creation of a visitor centre and café are significant achievements.
HONOURABLE MENTION OF THE JURY
Residential house for the elderly, Pilsen
(Category C)
Honourable Mention of the Jury has been awarded for the sensitive and successful design of the building, which responds appropriately to the context of the surroundings. The arrangement of individual masses and the materials used determines the distinctive and desirable intimacy of the offered housing.
The nomination for the title of Building of the Year of the Pilsen Region 2022 has been awarded for the simple and effective design of the building. It stands out for its suitable combination of the layout and construction of individual housing modules. The building, which is sensitively integrated into the locality, provides a pleasant environment for the stay of the home’s clients. The whole building has a calm, welcoming atmosphere, which is achieved not only by the combination of light-coloured plaster and wooden elements on the façade, but also by the overall arrangement of individual masses and the building itself on the site.
Family house Bručná, Pilsen
(Category C)
Honourable Mention of the Jury has been awarded for the high quality design of the family house, the use of modern architecture principles and the overall complex solution of the realization, including the interior and garden.
The nomination for the title of Building of the Year of the Pilsen Region 2022 has been awarded for the exemplary and high quality implementation of the family house. The house is surrounded by terraced houses, so the land did not offer much privacy, yet the authors managed to cope with the task with honour and designed a modern house with a quiet and intimate space of the inner atrium. The jury appreciates the imaginative design of the architects and the honest craftsmanship of the construction company, which is evident in every detail. The house may look inconspicuous, but it provides housing with high added value.
Pilsen Sports Hall – Krašovská St.
(Category F)
Honourable Mention of the Jury has been awarded for a modern and functional sports building that does not lack architectural lightness and at the same time a certain material rawness. All the elements are ideally combined into one whole.
The nomination for the title of Building of the Year of the Pilsen Region 2022 has been awarded for the addition of leisure facilities to the Košutka housing estate at the interface between the city and the countryside. The building, with nine badminton courts and a grandstand, is equipped with modern technical and technological elements that facilitate its use, as well as a green roof and drainage corridors. The mass of the building looks elegant and natural in the locality, interestingly enhanced by the glass part of the building with a restaurant.
THE GOVERNOR OF THE PILSEN REGION PRIZE
The House of the Three Roses
(Category B)
The Governor of the Pilsen Region Prize has been given for the preservation and restoration of a historically valuable building. The extensive complete reconstruction placed high demands on craftsmanship and study of the historical context.
It was nominated for the title of Building of the Year of the Pilsen Region 2022 for its sensitive and surprisingly authentic reconstruction of a Baroque building from the late 18th century. The preserved and fragmentary elements – granite lining, joist ceilings and tiled stove – were restored with care and respect for history. The house, which many people must have passed by unnoticed, has been transformed into an admired pearl after the reconstruction. The nostalgia of the old days breathes in its various rooms, yet the house provides contemporary living comfort.
THE MAYOR OF PILSEN PRIZE
Residential buildings Světovar – Block G, Pilsen, Skladová St.
(Category C)
The Mayor of Pilsen Prize has been awarded for the contemporary architectural approach to the design and implementation and the creation of a unique residential structure in Pilsen-Slovany.
The nomination for the title of Building of the Year of the Pilsen Region 2022 has been awarded for the comprehensive urban and architectural design of the residential block. The project is urbanistically appropriate to the quality block structure and height level of Slovany. The expression of the development creates the character of this new residential part of the city. Emphasis is placed on the use of quality materials and the involvement of amenities in the parterre, the entrances to the houses have individual expression and imaginative custom information graphics. The layouts make appropriate use of recessed loggias, providing an intimate space for the residents of the new apartment blocks.
THE MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY AND TRADE PRIZE
TechTower Pilsen Světovar
(Category B)
The Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic Prize has been given for the exemplary reconstruction of a brownfield, including part of a former brewery, into a state-of-the-art research centre.
The nomination for the title of Building of the Year of the Pilsen Region 2022 has been awarded for the exemplary reconstruction of listed buildings in the area of the former Světovar brewery. It was possible to find the necessary functional filling and thus bring part of the complex back to life. The building with the former water tower is being modernised with a focus on research activities. The existing space was used efficiently for the newly added functions, with maximum effort to preserve the historical elements and structures. An interesting and surprising element that has been placed in the building is the submarine testing pool.
THE ASSOCIATION OF BUILDING ENTREPRENEURS PRIZE
Reconstruction of the tram depot Slovany, Pilsen
(Category D)
The Association of Building Entrepreneurs Prize has been given for the challenging reconstruction and modernisation of the tram depot under full operation into a modern tram complex, which complements the mid-20th century Slovany District in an undisturbing way.
The nomination for the title of Building of the Year of the Pilsen Region 2022 has been awarded for the comprehensive reconstruction and revitalisation of the tram depot, which substantially raises the standard for the service, maintenance and decommissioning of trams. An architecturally interesting element is the imposing administrative building, which adequately complements the whole with its expression and colour. The implementation of an extensive green roof is an unmissable advantage of the whole solution. Despite the large mass of the hall, the area looks proportionate and unobtrusive from the view from Slovanská alej.
PUBLIC PRIZE
Main building of the Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen
(Category A)
About the Building of the Year Competition of the Pilsen Region
The announcer of the competition Building of the Year of the Pilsen Region is the Pilsen Region.
The co-announcers are the Czech Chamber of Authorized Engineers and Technicians active in construction (CCAET), the Association of Building Entrepreneurs in the Czech Republic and the Society of Czech Architects.
The competition is held under the auspices of the Governor of the Pilsen Region Rudolf Špoták and the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic
The partner of the competition and the Public Prize is EUROSOFTWARE, s.r.o.
Entries compete in seven categories:
A/ New Buildings
B/ Building renovations
C/ Buildings for housing
D/ Transportation and engineering constructions
E/ Industrial buildings
F/ Sports and leisure buildings
G/ Public spaces (parks, squares, village greens)
Expert jury:
Ing. Milan Froněk;
Ing. arch. Václav Mastný;
Ing. arch. Miloslav Michalec;
Ing. arch. Edita Míková;
Ing. arch. Martin Spěváček;
Ing. Luděk Vejvara, Ph.D.
Prizes awarded:
Title of the Building of the Year of the Pilsen Region
Jury Prize
The Governor of the Pilsen Region Prize
The Mayor of Pilsen Prize
The Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic Prize
The Association of Building Entrepreneurs Prize
Public Prize