Conversion of industry area of the former Branik’s stock ice factories (Prague)

CTU in Prague - Faculty of Civil Engineering

Project idea

Today the neglected location on the outskirts of Prague, where is the complex of the former Branik’s stock ice factories. Area served in the early 20th century to collect and store ice. This ice was extracted from the adjacent river in winter and stored in the building of the so-called Lednice. Here the ice lasted throughout the year, thanks to the massive walls and insulation of the building.
The intention of the proposal is to integrate the neglected area of the Branik’s Iceworks into the functional structure into the newly built structure. It consists of buildings combining housing, administration, services and, last but not least, the sporting character of the location. We integrate the complex into the functional structure of the new city district by creating quality public spaces in the immediate vicinity of historical buildings. A new modern structure, which is independent of existing listed structures, is nevertheless in compliance with them. The new use of the area offers mainly relaxation sports. The main activity is a climbing center, which includes, among other things, thematic climbing on the icefall, where the thermal insulation properties of the historic building were also used.

Project description

The architectural study offers the conversion and renovation of the former Branik’s stock ice factories. The purpose of this renovation is to create a place that offers several functions, from sports to housing.
In the main building called refrigerator will be a climbing center, where you can find the main attraction known as the indoor ice climbing wall. The wall is hidden in a concrete box with the technology which regulates the temperature and keeps the place cold and below freezing.
The concept tries to interfere as little as possible with the original structure and respect it to the maximum. Project also includes the construction of administrative areas, which are necessary for the operation of the entire climbing center.
The former elevators for the floes from the Vltava river are not preserved. Our new steel tower reacts to the original design and location of the elevators. The tower is accessible only by a lift and serves as a dominant of the whole area. The roof of the building and the newly created tower will be connected by a bridge.
The old mechanical rooms for elevators now will be used as a sport equipment rental for the cycle routes which are very close to this object. Furthermore, as a public toilet rooms, used primary during the organization of outside markets and several social events.
Pension and the subsidiary of the climbing company share the building of a former stables.
There will also be a modification of the riverbank, where we will restore the docks and boathouses. The existing docks will be removed due to the newly planned utilization of the area.

Technical information

In the main building of the so-called “refrigerator” there will be a climbing center and its main attraction - an artificial climbing ice wall placed in a separate box with a temperature below freezing. The design tries to interfere as little as possible with the original structure and respect it as much as possible. The roof of the building will be completed with a footbridge that will be accessible from the newly created tower or staircase to the level of the parterre. The conversion also includes office locations for
Unfortunately, the elevators for removing ice floes from the Vltava are not preserved. Our new steel tower reacts to the original design and location of the conveyors. The tower is accessible only by lift and serves as a dominant of the whole area.
The construction of the slope conveyor engine rooms will be used as a rental of sports equipment for the adjacent cycle path. Furthermore, as public toilets, used primarily during the organization of markets and various social events to which the area is oversized.
The pension and branch of the climbing company operating the climbing center share the building of the former stables.
There will also be a modification of the river bank, where the yard will be renewed;