The exterior of the Masaryčka building in Prague has been completed, featuring a circular layout that creates new public spaces for the city. This office and commercial development covers 28,000 square meters, with seven floors on the east side and nine floors on the west. The office design is tailored to 21st-century work practices, accommodating the ongoing growth of Prague’s corporate sector.
The design integrates with the modernization of the historic Masaryk railway station by Czech Railways. A new public square will be created above the tracks, improving pedestrian access to the railway platforms below. Additionally, new walkways will connect Florenc and Hybernská streets on both sides of the station.
Masaryk Square is situated on a site that had been abandoned for decades. To the south lies the Masaryk Railway Station platform, Naflorenzi Street to the north, and Wilson Nova Elevated Expressway to the east. On the west side, Masaryčka replaces an old parking lot on Havlíčkova Avenue with a new public square. This square serves as a key transfer point connecting the city’s railway, tram, and bus networks, offering a welcoming gateway for suburban rail passengers and users of the new fast railway to Prague International Airport.
Located just one kilometer east of Staroměstské Square in Prague’s city center, Masaryčka’s design reflects the architectural and urban planning heritage of the Old Town, famously known as the “Golden City of 100 Towers.” The building’s exterior fins provide summer shading and transform the horizontal facade into a vertical composition that faces the western facade of the historic city spires.
Masaryčka aims for LEED Platinum certification, featuring double-layer insulated exterior walls that ensure optimal natural light in all workspaces and public areas. The two buildings are separated by layered terraces, with an additional terrace on the east facade providing direct access to generous outdoor spaces from each office floor. Public rooftop gardens offer panoramic views of Prague’s scenic cityscape.
The building utilizes a mixed ventilation system supported by energy-efficient equipment with waste heat recovery. An intelligent building management system continuously monitors and adjusts environmental controls to reduce energy consumption.
Masaryčka incorporates a rainwater harvesting system to irrigate local plants, shrubs, and trees, including the transformation of Na Florenci into a tree-lined avenue. These green spaces provide cool shade and natural air purification during summer. The building also features low-flow water systems and reclaimed water recycling to further reduce water consumption.
In construction and procurement, Masaryčka prioritizes local suppliers and materials with high recycling rates. This approach supports the carbon inclusion and operational carbon targets set by the Royal Institute of British Architects’ 2030 Climate Challenge, aiming for achievement by 2025.
The Masaryk railway station renovation by Czech Railways, located near Masaryčka, is scheduled for completion in 2026. The project preserves the historic terminal building while constructing a new public square above the tracks. This square will provide access to multiple platforms and direct transfers to Prague Metro Line B.
As part of the modernization, the station will become a well-connected urban multimodal transportation hub. The number of tracks will increase from seven to nine, and all platforms, overhead line equipment, and power supply facilities will be rebuilt.
Project Information
Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects
Area: 28,000 square meters
Project Year: 2023
Photographer: BoysPlayNice
Designers: Zaha Hadid, Patrik Schumacher
Location: Prague, Czech Republic
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