Masaryčka: Prague’s New Landmark Completes Facades
The Masaryčka building in Prague, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, has recently completed its facades, encompassing 28,000 sq. m of office and retail space. Situated on a derelict site east of Staroměstské Square, the development integrates with the modernisation of the historic Masaryk Railway Station, creating a new public square and enhancing accessibility to railway platforms.
Bordered by Masaryk Station’s railway platforms to the south, Na Florenci street to the north, and the Wilsonova elevated freeway to the east, Masaryčka has been constructed on a derelict site that has stood abandoned for several decades. To the west, Masaryčka replaces the existing car park on Havlíčkova Boulevard with a new public square with interchanges between city’s rail, tram and bus networks; defining a welcoming gateway to the city for suburban and domestic rail passengers as well as those using the express rail link that is currently under-construction to Prague’s international airport.
Located one kilometre east of the city centre’s Staroměstské Square, Masaryčka’s design establishes a dialogue with the architecture and urbanism of Prague’s Old Town – known as ‘the golden city of 100 spires’. External fins within Masaryčka’s façade contribute to solar shading in the summer and transform the project’s horizontal composition to the verticality of its western façade facing the spires of the Old Town.
Masaryčka, aiming for LEED Platinum certification, features a double-insulated façade to optimise natural light in work areas. The buildings are interconnected by cascading terraces, offering direct outdoor access for each office floor, with communal roof gardens providing panoramic city views. Hybrid ventilation, supported by an efficient plant with waste heat recovery, is complemented by smart management systems for continuous monitoring and adjustment of environmental controls to minimize energy consumption.
The landscaping strategy includes local plant species irrigated by a rainwater collection system. Noteworthy enhancements involve the transformation of Na Florenci into a tree-lined avenue, contributing to summer shade and natural air purification. The project further prioritises sustainability through low-flow systems and grey-water recycling to minimize water consumption.
Masaryčka’s construction and procurement has prioritised local suppliers and materials with a high recycled content to meet the 2025 targets for embodied & operational carbon established by the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge.
Due for completion in 2026, Czech Railways’ renovation of Masaryk Railway Station adjacent to Masaryčka retains the existing historic terminus building and includes the construction of the new public square partially over the tracks giving access to individual platforms and a direct transfer to Prague’s metro line B. Transforming the station into a fully accessible, multi-modal transport hub for the city, its modernisation programme extends the current number of tracks from seven to nine and reconstructs all platforms, overhead line equipment and power supply.
