In the former Prefa Holešovice panel factory, there will be offices as well as space for culture

Prague - In the former Prague factory for panels, Prefa Holešovice, there will be offices and a model workshop for the architectural studio A8000. Part of the building has been adapted for hosting cultural events. The studio has now completed the first phase of the renovation of its new headquarters. The restoration of the complex began in 2023 and is expected to be completed within five years. The studio announced this in a press release. The panel factory is located close to the Port7 office complex, between the Barikádníků and Trojský bridges.

The building had previously been insensitively reconstructed and subsequently fell into disrepair. The A8000 studio designed the restoration to preserve its architectural qualities. They consider the suspended light shell of the tower with a steel structure, minimalist colors, and sensitive work with glass to be such qualities. The original artworks referring to the main production activities of the panel factory have also been restored in the building.

"Our intention is to open the entire building to the river. We are using large glazed blocks that will connect the interior with the exterior. Overall, we are trying to clean the building as much as possible from the ballast of inconceptual modifications," said managing partner and co-owner of the studio Pavel Kvintus. In addition to offices and the architectural model workshop, there are also spaces for cultural events in the building. The studio wants to hold lectures, exhibitions, and concerts there.

The Prefa Holešovice panel factory was established between 1959 and 1961, and production ceased in 2013. It then changed owners and fell into disrepair, with demolition also being considered.

The owners of studio A8000 are architects Martin Krupauer and Pavel Kvintus. Krupauer is currently leading a team preparing the construction of the Vltava Philharmonic in Prague. In 2020, the studio received the title of Building of the Year for the project of the Sedlčany Community Center, and in 2022, an honorable mention as a Finalist of the Czech Architecture Prize for the renovation of Pavilion Z at the České Budějovice Exhibition Grounds. The studio has also designed, among other things, the renovation of train stations in Plzeň and České Budějovice and the concert hall of the South Czech Philharmonic in České Budějovice.