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 | Jun 7, 2021
Henning Larsen designs an active community hub for London
The project will be the firm’s first in London.
Mixed-Use | Jun 2, 2021
World’s tallest detached-core building completes in Shenzhen
Morphosis designed the project.
Mixed-Use | May 24, 2021
33-story glass mixed-use tower to rise in downtown Orlando
DLR Group is designing the project.
Mixed-Use | May 24, 2021
Olson Kundig unveils new mixed-use high-rise in Atlanta
The project is currently under construction along Atlanta’s BeltLine.
Mixed-Use | May 19, 2021
Salt Lake City mixed-use residential community will feature micro units
KTGY is designing the project.
Multifamily Housing | May 12, 2021
Affordable mixed-use housing complex completes in South Los Angeles
KFA designed the project.
Mixed-Use | May 7, 2021
Mixed-use development tops out in Brooklyn’s Brownsville neighborhood
The project will bring 160 affordable housing units to the area.
Mixed-Use | May 4, 2021
Renderings of Williamsburg’s largest new residential development revealed
Woods Bagot designed the project.
Mixed-Use | Apr 28, 2021
The Dime is Williamsburg’s newest mixed-use development
Fogarty Finger designed the project.
Mixed-Use | Apr 22, 2021
Jakarta’s first supertall tower tops out
The project will anchor the Thamrin Nine development.