"The idea of ​​sustainability is carried over the entire area - from its location on the brownfield through the use of recycled materials during construction to energy-efficient operation. The apartments will be connected to green energy sources, two water mains will allow you to choose between drinking and recycled water, we will use solar energy and we will not let a drop of rainwater drain into the sewer, "says Petr Michálek, CEO of Skanska Reality.

"The district was created with the broad involvement of the public, whose wishes we listened to carefully. Thanks to the voices of the natives, the new buildings will only grow to the level of the current development and a generous public space will be created. Even in this respect, the Modřanský sugar factory is unique and pioneering, not only in the Czech context. The architectural design comes from the workshop of the Chybik + Kristof studio, thanks to whose sensitive approach and fresh ideas we can raise the culture of living in the Czech Republic, “adds the project manager Petr Dušta.

Water management was an important aspect of design for architects. "We want to minimize rainfall runoff and use this water efficiently. In each building, we designed green roofs that will slow down the outflow of rainwater, as well as storage tanks, from which the water will be used for watering the greenery in the courtyards. Water from paved surfaces will also be used here, or it will soak in thanks to green gaps. These will become a functional and at the same time aesthetic element of public space, "describes the architect Ondřej Chybík.

However, water savings go even further in the Modřany sugar factory. "We also designed a system for using gray water here. In all apartment buildings, the water from the bathrooms will be collected in tanks and, after purification, reused as service water. Residents will be able to monitor this system using the application, "explains architect Michal Krištof.

Thanks to advanced technologies, the project will save almost half of drinking water during its operation, the construction of buildings will consist of about twenty percent recycled concrete and planted trees will save about a thousand tons of CO2 during its life cycle. "All use of new technologies is carefully calculated and supported by numbers. These are verifiable facts. Skanska's goal is to reduce its carbon footprint to zero by 2045, and Modřanský cukrovar is the first step on such a large scale that will lead us to this goal, "recalls Petr Michálek.

The uniqueness of the project also lies in the fact that all almost 800 flats will have elements of the blue-green infrastructure in a total of seven phases of the project. So far, Skanska has introduced new technologies in test mode only in individual apartment buildings with dozens of apartments, this is the first time in a project with several stages with hundreds of apartments. For the developer, it is a flagship at the European level and can serve as inspiration for its activities in other countries.

"In the design of the Modřany Sugar Factory, we are counting on a new central square, which will serve future residents and people from the catchment area of ​​the Čech District. We are also designing a multifunctional covered public space, which refers to the historic production hall of the original sugar factory and which will be used for social events. Our proposal also includes calm streets, a linear park for recreation or revitalization of a part of the Vltava embankment, ”says project manager Ondřej Mundl from the Chybik + Kristof studio.

In addition to the access roads, the whole district is designed as a pedestrian zone. From the main road, vehicles will drive directly into the underground garages. Thirty percent of parking spaces will be prepared for an electric car charger. The other six shared charging stations will be publicly available.

"It is both about security and support for community life. We want people to know their neighbors and have a place to meet. In addition to a spacious square with cafes and shops, we have also prepared community areas on the roofs accessible only to residents of the house. In the courtyard, there will be richly planted semi-private gardens. Good neighborly relations contribute to the feeling of home and increase the culture of living, "added Petr Dušta.

The new district will be built near the confluence of the Vltava and Berounka rivers and is intended mainly for families with children. Almost each of the apartments offers its inhabitants a view of the river. The project will grow in seven stages, with the construction of the first one starting in the spring of 2022. The sale of apartments will start on October 4 this year. The Modřany sugar factory aspires to a high degree of BREEAM certification.