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 | Dec 21, 2021
Riverside Wharf will be Miami’s newest entertainment complex
Cube3 Architects is designing the project.
Mixed-Use | Nov 11, 2021
New mixed-use development breaks ground in Miami Beach
Domo Studio is designing the project and Origin Construction is the general contractor.
Mixed-Use | Oct 22, 2021
40 West 12th residential tower opens in Atlanta’s Midtown neighborhood
The project is part of the 1105 West Peachtree Development.
Multifamily Housing | Oct 20, 2021
Sacramento’s first luxury high-rise rental residences announced
Southern Land Company is developing the project.
Mixed-Use | Oct 19, 2021
Manhattan tower would be the first skyscraper built by a largely black development team in the city’s history
Adjaye Associates is designing the project.
Mixed-Use | Oct 11, 2021
Manhattan West opens the heart of New York City’s Far West Side
The project links several New York neighborhoods.
Mixed-Use | Oct 5, 2021
Ground-up mixed-use building completes near Wrigley Field
Hirsch/MPG Architecture + Planning designed the project.
Mixed-Use | Sep 30, 2021
The Laurel Rittenhouse Square is set to be Philadelphia’s tallest residential tower
Solomon Cordwell Buenz designed the project.
Glass and Glazing | Sep 30, 2021
Plans move forward on Central Place Sydney, duel towers with an AI-driven façade system
SOM and Fender Katsalidis are designing the project.
Mixed-Use | Sep 28, 2021
BIG designs new Farfetch HQ on the slopes of Leça River in Porto
The project is situated within the larger Fuse Valley site.
