The Grand department store in Pardubice has achieved the internationally recognised BREEAM In-Use sustainability certification at the Excellent level, the second-highest rating available. For Grand, the certification provides further recognition of the quality of its extensive refurbishment, which combined respect for the building’s architectural heritage with the demands of modern-day operation and long-term sustainability.
BREEAM is one of the world’s leading methods for assessing the sustainability of buildings. Rather than focusing solely on energy performance, it evaluates a property across a broad range of areas, from resource and water management to transport, building resilience, health and the quality of the environment it provides for its users.
“From the very beginning of Grand’s refurbishment, we were addressing two priorities at the same time: how to preserve the architectural value of Gočár’s landmark building and how to prepare it for many more decades of use. With a listed building dating back to the 1930s, you simply do not have the same options as with a new development, and many technical solutions require a far more sensitive approach. Achieving a BREEAM Excellent rating is therefore a strong endorsement of our success in bringing these two aspects of the project together,” says Ondřej Heřman, Director of PSN’s Pardubice.
Sustainability behind a historic façade
Grand underwent a sensitive refurbishment led by OVA architectural studio. The aim was to preserve the character of one of Pardubice’s most important Functionalist buildings while adapting it to the needs of contemporary urban life. The transformation has delivered more than 3,500 sqm of retail and service space, a food hall, a boutique CineStar multiplex and a coworking space beneath a glass-vaulted roof. A new glazed entrance hall has also opened the building towards třída Míru, creating a much stronger connection with the surrounding public space.
Achieving the Excellent rating is particularly significant given Grand’s age and listed status. Unlike a new development, which can be designed from the outset to meet current technical and environmental standards, the refurbishment had to work with the building’s existing structures, preserve valuable architectural features and comply with heritage conservation requirements.
“For us, sustainability in historic buildings is about much more than individual technical measures. The very decision to preserve a high-quality building, restore its purpose and prepare it for many more decades of life in the city is an important part of our approach. Grand demonstrates that historic architecture and today’s high standards for building performance do not have to be at odds with one another,” adds Ondřej Heřman.
More information is available at www.grand-pardubice.cz
Other news
Other newsDo you have a question?
Write to us – we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
