VAJNORSKÁ 21 | cakov+partners studio

The mixed-use building at 21 Vajnorská Street in Bratislava 21 is a detached object, set and enclosed by Česká, Robotnická and Osadná streets and represent a conversion of an older office building from the 1980s. There are many similar buildings built in this period in our country. According to a new assignment from the developer, the building, which had not been used for years, was to be transformed into a building with retail shops (on the ground floor) and office premises (on the first floor). The remaining above-ground floors were intended for housing. We built-in, built-up and remodeled the existing structure. The new shape of the building respects the original urbanism of the area in which it is set. Although slightly enlarged, Vajnorska 21 fits into the environment sensitively, communicates with it and does not disturb its original character. In addition to the building itself, we have revitalized the adjacent public spaces as well as the entrance to the cultural center, which has a newly renovated form. We created a new square in front of it from which the retail, cultural center, office and residential part of the house can be entered. Instead of the original sidewalk, a space has been created in which people like to stay - there is life in it. Demands for new functions for the building required a more radical approach to the assignment. Only the static load-bearing system - a prefabricated reinforced concrete skeleton remained from the original structure. We replaced the original strip windows with floor to ceiling ones in combination with loggias. Large glazing illuminates the apartments with an above-standard clear height of 2.9 m and at the same time gives the house a light look. We connected the last two floors horizontally, thus creating an elevated space intended for duplex apartments. The used material and shapes of the retail and office spaces separates them from the housing part. All-glass facades are in direct contact with the square in front of the building. The bakery and café located on the ground floor give passers-by a reason to slow down, stay at the premises and have fresh, fragrant pastries with coffee. The built-in and built-up parts of the building respect the original module network. Old and new parts of the building are united in a monotonous grid with a clear but undisturbed expression. Artworks of Ašot Haas are welcoming the residents in the entrance hall of the building but also are visible from the people passing by and make them happy.