The area located in the northern part of the cadastral territory of the town of Čelákovice, designated for conversion and development into an urban-type residential complex, occupies the site of the former metalworks—historically the metallurgical joint-stock company Stabenow, which established its production of non-ferrous metals in Čelákovice in 1920.
At that time, the plant experienced exceptional commercial success due to high demand from the construction industry in the economically advanced and progressive First Czechoslovak Republic. The production of non-ferrous metals was maintained in Čelákovice throughout the socialist era and began to gradually disappear after 1989; production was completely stopped in 2016.
This enabled the relocation of heavy industry from a site in close proximity to residential neighborhoods—within walking distance of the housing estate of Nedaniny and the Jiřina villa district. At the same time, the area benefits from its exceptional recreational and natural potential, with the Labe River and adjacent forests extending toward Káraný and Lysá nad Labem. Also significant is the excellent accessibility of suburban rail transport connecting Čelákovice to Prague, thanks to the nearby Čelákovice–Jiřina train station.
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Location
- Čelákovice
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Project works
- 2024
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Cooperation on projects
- Marek Tichý
- Jana Kulíková
- Jiří Kulhavý
- Tomáš Lajský
- Jan Tomeš
- Markéta Brandová
- Šárka Kadeřábková
- Pavlína Ilko
The area’s transformation is enabled and thoroughly detailed in Amendment No. 8 to the zoning plan of Čelákovice, which also defines the key parameters of the proposed development. The site is expected to be built in several stages and accommodate housing for approximately 1,500 residents. This population growth raises numerous questions and, above all, demands regarding urban development and the connection to municipal infrastructure.
Assessing the development potential and reflecting on the overall concept and infrastructure of the residential complex—as well as opinions on urbanism and public space architecture—form the core of the zoning study.
The development plan for the former metalworks site is based on the creation of a primary urban and transport axis into which typologically diverse segments of various scales are integrated. The goal is to break down the site and form zones with independent architectural identities.
Given the size of the area, it is crucial to differentiate between individual zones, give each a unique character, and ensure their interconnection with adjacent urban neighborhoods. A central notional axis—referred to in the plan as the “Industrial Park”—runs through the heart of the area, following the original route of the industrial railway siding. To the north, it connects to a zone of open apartment buildings with greenery and permeable courtyards; to the south, it transitions into a zone of single-family homes and villas.
The axis hosts primarily public urban space—richly landscaped and with high amenity value—divided into individual segments, each forming distinct spatial units. On both sides of the axis, smaller-scale retail spaces are integrated, and at both ends of the axis, civic amenities are located, notably a semi-subterranean multifunctional sports hall.
In general, the plan concentrates larger-scale buildings towards the center of the site, while towards the existing small-scale development—such as the Jiřina villa quarter or the Klaby area with its allotment gardens—the new development gradually transitions into smaller forms, ultimately culminating in individual garden residences.
The design concept emphasizes permeability and connectivity to the town center and nearby recreational zones along the river, prioritizing pedestrian and non-motorized transportation. Vehicular traffic and parking are primarily accommodated in underground garages and building basements, with access restricted to residents only. Transit traffic through the area is essentially excluded.
Strong emphasis is placed on environmental design principles—particularly the integration of greenery and water features, and the use of renewable energy sources. The site is envisioned as a future district of Čelákovice, while also functioning as a timeless and autonomous residential entity with its own integrity and distinctive character.
