“Corian® excels at shaping both 2D and 3D forms. This flexibility unlocks a world of creative potential for projects, and its remarkable thermoforming capabilities brought to life this complex lobby design, allowing shapes that very few other materials could meet.” (Pavel Prchal)
In the heart of historic Prague, the Masaryčka building designed by Zaha Hadid Architects is a visionary landmark that revitalizes the Masaryk Railway Station area and stands as a new icon in the city’s architectural landscape. Behind its signature façade, it combines office spaces, retail areas, and an elevated roof garden. The Masaryčka building comprises two stunning lobbies with striking organic black and white patterns and a staircase made in Corian® Solid Surface..
Penta Investment embarked on a quest for architectural excellence when they undertook the development of the iconic Masaryčka building. This visionary project was initially conceived by the legendary architect Zaha Hadid, and was brought to life in collaboration with Prague's Jakub Cigler Architekti, who served as the general designer, contributing their technical and local expertise and construction know-how.
The smaller lobby of Masaryčka Building, Prague, Czech Republic. The outlining black and white rib and the desk are made with Corian® Solid Surface color Glacier White and Deep Nocturne. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects; manufactured by Amos Design; photos by Jiří Šebek, all rights reserved.
The design of the Masaryčka Building embraces Zaha Hadid's distinctive style, which earned her the title of the "Queen of Curves." The two lobbies seamlessly integrate desks, walls, and ceilings into an organic pattern typical of Hadid's signature design, and Corian® played a central role in their creation. The project commenced in 2014, encountering challenges, including design delays exacerbated by the pandemic and the passing of Zaha Hadid in 2016.
Approximately 600 square meters of Corian® have been used in the Masaryčka Building. In addition to the lobbies, it has been used for a striking staircase designed by architect Jakub Klaska for Penta's office.
Chief engineer Pavel Prchal from Jakub Cigler Architekti highlights: "Corian® excels at shaping both 2D and 3D forms. This flexibility unlocks a world of creative potential for projects, and its remarkable thermoforming capabilities brought to life this complex lobby design, allowing shapes that very few other materials could meet. We used parametric design tools to craft the Corian® components covering concrete pillars, walls, and ceilings. These 3D forms were expertly assembled on-site and secured to a steel support structure. Between them, we inserted a Barrisol® stretched ceiling, a thin, light and flexible foil”.
Vladimir Ambroz, Director of the QNP Corian fabricator company Amos Design explains: "This project was an extremely complicated creation, challenging in terms of processing and installation, both for the lobbies and for the staircase. The choice of material was driven by the ability of Corian® to be thermoformed into three-dimensional units, and to create the very precise black-and-white color scheme integral to the design.”
The Masaryčka Building is a remarkable blend of form and function. It also prioritizes sustainability by incorporating rainwater collection, roof gardens, energy-efficient triple-insulated façades, all managed by smart systems for enhanced environmental responsibility.
The staircase of Penta’s office in Masaryčka Building, Prague, Czech Republic. Made with Corian® Solid Surface color Glacier White and Deep Nocturne. Designed by Jakub Klaska; manufactured by Amos Design; photo by Amos Design, all rights reserved.
Amos Design (www.amosdesign.cz) – is a Czech interior design company founded by architect Vladimír Ambroz in 1995. They create high-quality interior designs for diverse clients globally, combining creativity with advanced technology. The company holds ISO 9001, 14001 certification and is a certified Corian® fabricator in the Corian® Design Quality Network Partner Program.
Jakub Cigler Architekti (JCA) (https://jakubcigler.archi/en) – is a Prague-based architectural studio founded in 2001, known for its progressive architecture. JCA has received multiple awards, including the International Design Award and the Building of the Year Award, and is a founding member of the Czech Green Building Council.
Zaha Hadid Architects (www.zaha-hadid.com) - is a British architecture and design firm founded by Zaha Hadid creating transformative cultural, corporate, residential and other spaces. After the death of "starchitect" Hadid, Patrik Schumacher became head of the firm, at the time with a staff of 400 with 36 projects across 21 countries.
Penta Investments (www.pentainvestments.com) is a Central Europe investment group founded in 1994 in Slovakia which actively develops companies and projects, primarily in healthcare, financial services, retail, manufacturing, real estate and media.
About Corian® Design - Corian® Design, a division of the DuPont company, is a global organization which creates, manufactures and markets advanced materials, products and solutions for interior design and architecture, originating from a foundation of world-class technologies and expertise. Marketed under the Corian® brand and the Make your Space™ tagline, its materials, products and solutions meet the most demanding requirements in terms of beauty, functionality and durability. The Corian® Design global portfolio is continuously evolving and it currently includes Corian® Solid Surface, Corian® Quartz, Corian® Endura and Corian® Exteriors.
To know more about Corian® Design and its product offering in your country or region: www.corian.uk
About DuPont - DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials, ingredients and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Ouremployees apply diverse science and expertise t o help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets including electronics, transportation, building and construction, health and wellness, food and worker safety. More information can be found at www.dupont.com.
Media contact:
Łukasz Gągało
Corian® Design EMEA Commercial Segment Marketing Leader
Email: lukasz.gagalo@dupont.com
