‘keystone building’ by EM2N, prague, czech republic image © simon menges all images courtesy of EM2N

zurich-based firm EM2N has finished the ‘keystone building’ in the spring of this year in the prominent karlin district of prague. primarily housing office space, the ground level with a larger ceiling height contains shops and showrooms encased within a thick concrete shear wall punctured by windows placed at even intervals. the lavish lobby is visually split with the use of chrome steel on one half and terrazzo and stucco lustro on the other. a service core is located towards one end of the skewed rectangular plan, while a modular column structural system allows for flexible interior use. the double-skin facade, defining the character of the project, echoes early 20th century czech cubist art with angled panels that create a depth of textures in addition to improving thermal and acoustic insulation.

EM2N: keystone building approach from street image © simon menges

EM2N: keystone building relationship to neighboring building image © simon menges

EM2N: keystone building corner perspective image © simon menges

EM2N: keystone building geometrically angled facade panels image © simon menges

EM2N: keystone building elevation image © simon menges

EM2N: keystone building long facade image © simon menges

EM2N: keystone building corner of building image © simon menges

EM2N: keystone building fifth floor terrace image © simon menges

EM2N: keystone building facade geometries images © simon menges

EM2N: keystone building connection details images © simon menges

EM2N: keystone building stairs image © simon menges

EM2N: keystone building stairs image © simon menges

EM2N: keystone building entry image © simon menges

EM2N: keystone building entry halway image © simon menges

EM2N: keystone building site plan

EM2N: keystone building floor plan / level 0

EM2N: keystone building floor plan / level 1

EM2N: keystone building floor plan / level 5

EM2N: keystone building section

EM2N: keystone building elevation

EM2N: keystone building elevation

project info:

location: corner of pobřežni and šaldova street, karlín, 18600 prague, czech republic type of commission: direct commission client: real estate karlín group a.s. direct commission: 2007 (study commission: 2007 – 2008) planning: 2008 – 2010 start of construction: april 2010 completion: april 2012 costs: euro 20 million. space program: three basement floors for parking                          showroom / sales area and extra small saleroom on the ground floor                          1st – 7th floor for office space gross floor area: 11’600 m2 (incl. parking) ground floor: 750 m2 (shop floor) 1st – 7th floor: 6’500 m2 (office space)