Unique location combining culture, gastronomy, and office space

The Jurkovič Heating Plant is one of the last evidences of the former Apollo Refinery. The original industrial area has become part of the new Bratislava center, with the renovated Jurkovič Heating Plant as its cultural epicenter and an attractive accent in the middle of the modern architecture of neighboring Sky Park buildings by Zaha Hadid.

Photo credit: Boys Play Nice

The original author is Dušan Jurkovič, a legend of Slovak architecture. The new design by Martin Pasko and team DF CREATIVE GROUP offered the most appropriate layout of functions and spaces, while highlighting the original historical value and unique industrial atmosphere of this national cultural monument.

Photo credit: Boys Play Nice

Photo credit: Boys Play Nice

Photo credit: Boys Play Nice

The architectural solution uses the void interior space in the boiler room and the turbine hall for the construction of new independent structures, while creating new areas and floors consistently offset from the original building. This concept makes it possible to separate and distinguish historical constructions from new ones, while simultaneously embracing and respecting history and harmony. The result is that the reconstructed Jurkovič Heating Plant will provide unique BASE4Work industrial co-working spaces for people and companies from creative industries, architects, start-ups, and small IT companies. At the same time, the building is accessible to the general public at the ground floor level, including the living square entrance.

Photo credit: Boys Play Nice

Photo credit: Boys Play Nice

Photo credit: Boys Play Nice

Upon entering the building, the attractive entrance atrium passes through all of the floors and opens up to the new glass facade, forming an inner "square" where the WERK restaurant and lobby café are located, as well as the DOT contemporary art gallery, and a separate multifunctional hall for various cultural events.

Photo credit: Boys Play Nice

Photo credit: Boys Play Nice

The intervention highlights many historical construction details, including the structure's original rugged columns and three dominant hoppers. "Mirroring the new modern simple glass facade, based on a principle of inserting a 'building in the building', the two architectures are layered and intertwined. The industrial architecture of the original structures and dominant hoppers, the newly created atrium, and the upper terrace with views of the surrounding new buildings provide visitors with an amazing, unparalleled experience, while infusing new value into the Jurkovič Heating Plant. The new design is a symbol of the former plant, a symbol of Sky Park, and a symbol of the capital, Bratislava, itself.

Photo credit: Boys Play Nice

Photo credit: Boys Play Nice

Photo credit: Boys Play Nice

About DF CREATIVE GROUP

DF CREATIVE GROUP was established in January 2003 with the aim to provide full services in architecture and construction. In 2005, the firm founded the Creative Centre Design factory, a new space dedicated to the organization of cultural events and the presentation of art & architecture. In 2012, the firm built and launched a new industrial complex called Refinery Gallery, with a capacity for 2,500 visitors. From the onset, the creation of spaces oriented to people has been the firm's inspiration, and they are preparing to open another Creative Centre, “Dve sýpky“, in Jarovce. The new facility will not only serve as the firm's headquarters, but also as a place for all cultural activities including events, exhibitions, and concerts. Concern for the environment and cultural heritage has bred a respectful and dignified approach to the firm's work. Proof of this approach can be seen in its architectural works that have been recognized by numerous and significant awards.