The Dunaj Palace on Národní Street has been renovated

The construction of the Danube Palace in the style of Constructivism, designed by the renowned architect Adolf Foehrer, was completed in 1930. At that time, the building at the corner of National and Voršilská Streets became the headquarters of the Austrian insurance company Donau. The Danube Palace underwent partial transformations in the 1970s and 1990s.

With respect for history and the surroundings

The goal of the demanding reconstruction, completed this year, was to restore the Danube Palace to its original interwar state and to maintain the building's original function, which has offered the most modern office spaces of its time since its inception.

The reconstruction, based on the design by architects from the Chapman Taylor studio, was carried out with respect not only for the building itself but also for the entire location, which is situated in the Prague Monument Reserve listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. "The travertine facades were cleaned and supplemented, the original recessed windows were refurbished, the glass block floors were restored, and replicas of the original lamps returned to the entrances," describes Jana Mastíková, the chief architect of the architectural and design studio LOXIA, which often focuses on the restoration and preservation of monuments, and was responsible for the careful coordination of the entire reconstruction as the general designer.

One floor higher

"We also incorporated several key technical solutions into the project. An automatic shelving system allowed the creation of a second underground floor in the west wing with a modern parking system and a retention tank for irrigating the green roof. We stabilized the structure using special techniques to prevent further cracking and support the new load. A seventh above-ground floor was also added, which proportionally and materially connects to the original building while bringing in contemporary comfort," adds Mastíková from LOXIA.

The facade of the new section is designed in the same material as the existing building, and the same window and frame grid has been preserved to ensure that the new part blends seamlessly with the original. Two additional glazed areas, matching the height of the floor, were added in the top two stories facing the atrium, designed again to align with the facade one floor below.

Original materials, modern technology

Significant modifications based on the design by architects from Chapman Taylor focused on the interior spaces. The inner passage was reopened and made accessible, allowing for the connection between Národní Street and Voršilská Street. The original floors made of cast terazzo and marble were preserved or supplemented, and damaged parts of the glass block floors were replaced with replicas. Other elements such as the granite staircase, its brass railing, and the original fire hydrant cabinets were also restored.

The existing paternoster had to be lined with fixed fire-resistant glazing for safety reasons. New elevators were also added for capacity reasons, operating up to the new seventh floor. "We prepared the building for the demands of the 21st century – from modern elevators to open offices and technical facilities that meet LEED Gold and WELL Gold standards," says Jana Mastíková from the architectural and design studio LOXIA.

Just like in the First Republic, the building once again offers premium office spaces totaling more than 6700 m², with an additional 2000 m² designated for retail units and services on the ground floor. There are two entrances to the palace – one from Národní and the other from Voršilská. The Representation of the European Commission and the offices of the European Parliament in the Czech Republic found their new headquarters in the restored and technologically modernized Danube Palace. There is also an educational and information center for the public.

"The Danube Palace is proof that even a historic building can offer a top-notch working environment – when a strong investor, a sensitive architect, and a reliable project partner come together. We are proud to have been part of it," concludes Mastíková.