“Banks traditionally build imposing headquarters that suggest wealth and extravagance,” says the well-known Czech architect Josef Pleskot. “I never wanted to be part of that,” he adds. “But any large, important office building sets an example for similar firms by its location and concept,” says Pleskot, who sensitively integrated the new headquarters for the bank into a valley in the Radlice area of Prague.
The bank didn’t primarily seek to build a building that expressed exclusivity, but rather wanted to pragmatically consolidate the activities of its 2400 employees in one place and reduce the expense of renting premises for them. Taking a new approach to the working environment, Pleskot created an environmentally friendly building with a number of details that are both natural and impressive, where the emphasis was on the long-term sustainability and quality of the materials used. Another important consideration of the investment plan was respect for the ecology of the area. The energy self-sufficiency of the building was also important and has led to its being honored with many awards, including the internationally recognized LEED gold certificate.
In the first phase of the project for the bank’s headquarters the architectural team at AP ATELIER used large-format slabs of TechniStone® in Gobi Grey for the entry hall, corridors, and central atrium of the building.
The subtle grey design of Gobi Grey brings a light, informal, natural, and harmonious feel to a space. In the ČSOB building, it contributes a dignified, understated element to the architectural whole — functioning as the background for both everyday activities and special occasions. Gobi Grey looks natural even in large-format applications and the technical precision of its installation supports the character of the ČSOB building as a place where form follows function.
