zaha hadid architects completes masaryčka facade, a modern landmark for prague

masaryčka facade completes in prague

The Masaryčka building, a landmark by Zaha Hadid Architects, stands tall to reshape the urban landscape of Prague. Spanning 28,000 square meters, this office and retail development comprises seven stories in the eastern section and nine stories in the western end, accommodating the growing corporate sector while adhering to contemporary working patterns. A key feature of Masaryčka’s design is its integration with Czech Railways’ modernization of the historic Masaryk Railway Station. This collaborative effort creates a new public square partially over the railway tracks, enhancing accessibility to the platforms below and establishing pedestrian routes between Florenc and Hybernská on either side of the station. With its facade now complete, the overall project is expected to open in 2026 — see designboom’s previous coverage here!

Masaryčka redefines Prague’s cityscape, providing modern office and retail spaces | images © boysplaynice

zaha hadid architects’ Dialogue with Prague’s Old Town

Situated adjacent to Masaryk Station’s railway platforms to the south, Zaha Hadid Architects has revitalized a long-abandoned site with its Masaryčka building. To the west, it replaces a car park on Havlíčkova Boulevard, introducing a new public square that serves as a gateway to the city for suburban and domestic rail passengers, as well as those taking the express rail link to Prague’s international airport. Masaryčka engages in a visual dialogue with Prague’s Old Town with its located just one kilometer east of Staroměstské Square. Drawing inspiration from ‘the golden city of 100 spires,’ the design incorporates external fins in the facade for solar shading and a unique interplay of horizontal and vertical elements, especially noticeable in the western facade facing the spires of the Old Town.

with its facade now complete, the overall project is expected to open in 2026

green Initiatives and Eco-Friendly Practices

Masaryčka is committed to sustainability, targeting LEED Platinum certification. The building features a double-insulated façade to optimize natural light, terraces that provide direct access to outdoor spaces, and communal roof gardens with panoramic city views. The smart management systems monitor and adjust environmental controls, reducing energy consumption. The building’s commitment to environmental responsibility extends to green initiatives. Planting local species irrigated by rainwater collection, transforming Na Florenci street into a tree-lined avenue, and implementing low-flow systems and grey-water recycling contribute to cooling, air purification, and reduced water consumption. Masaryčka’s construction prioritizes local suppliers and materials with high recycled content, aligning with the 2025 targets for embodied and operational carbon set by the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge. This approach reflects a commitment to sustainability and responsible procurement practices.

collaborating with Czech Railways, Masaryčka enhances accessibility to platforms with new pedestrian routes

Masaryčka replaces a car park on a derelict site, serving as a welcoming gateway for travelers

located near Prague’s Old Town, the facade’s external fins reference the city’s iconic spires

the team works with local suppliers and materials with a high recycled content

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project info:

project title: Masaryčka

architecture:  Zaha Hadid Architects | @zahahadidarchitects

location: Prague, Czech Republic
lead architects: Zaha Hadid, Patrik Schumacher

photography: © boysplaynice | @boysplaynice

competition
directing associate: DaeWha Kang
project architect: Jakub Klaska
project team: Michal Wojtkiewicz, Malgorzata Kowalczyk, Fernanda Mugnaini, Matthew Carapiet, Bogdan Zaha, Chenxi Gong, Maya Boustany, Jan Klaska, Brian Dale

concept refinement — schematic design
project director: Jim Heverin
directing associate: Craig Kiner
project architects: Jakub Klaska, Sara Sheik Akbari
project team: Javier Rueda, Jan Klaska, Saman Dadgostar, Yifan Zhang, Moa Carlson, Juan Montiel, Carlos Parrada-Botero, Monika Bilska, Harry Spraiter, Ovidiu Mihutescu, Niran Buyukkoz, Nan Jiang, Horatiu Valcu

detailed design
project director: Jim Heverin
project architects: Jakub Klaska, Victor Orive
project team: Harry Spraiter, Javier Rueda, Aiste Dzikaraite, Sven Torres, Muriel Boselli, Maria Touloupou, Thomas Bagnoli

construction design
project director: Jim Heverin
project architect: Jakub Klaska
project team: Harry Spraiter, Aleksandra Mnich-Spraiter, Devansh Daisaria