Triptych by Petr Hájek: Czech Architecture Award for the Vibrant Red Concert Hall

The competition aims to celebrate exceptional architectural achievements realized in the Czech Republic over the past five years. This year, 307 projects were submitted, with the jury selecting 31 finalists. The jury was led by Greek architect Alexandros Vaitsos, accompanied by international experts Doris Wälchli (Switzerland), Neil Porter (United Kingdom), Silja Tillner (Austria), Peter Moravčík (Slovakia), Adriana Granato (Italy), and Andrius Ropolas (Lithuania). 

This year’s jury awarded the top honor to the concert hall in Karlovy Vary, designed by Petr Hájek, Nikoleta Slováková, and Martin Stoss (Petr Hájek ARCHITEKTI). The bold red, self-supporting structure inserted into the historic hall of the renovated Imperial Baths now serves as the home of the Karlovy Vary Symphony Orchestra. The design offers remarkable versatility, featuring a retractable auditorium, adjustable orchestral platforms, and adaptable acoustic panels. The jury commended the team for "demonstrating exceptional courage in overcoming initial challenges and devising a solution that seamlessly merges historical context with contemporary needs." The concert hall also secured recognition in this year’s Building of the Year awards and the Architects' Grand Prix. 

Among the finalists was the transformation of a Prague building into the UMPRUM Technology Centre, realized by Ivan Kroupa, Jana Moravcová, and Tomáš Zmek. The jury praised its circular design philosophy, adaptable interior layout, and sensitive integration into a complex urban environment. 

The sports hall in Řevnice, by Peter Sticzay-Gromski, Jan Horký, and Sebastian Sticzay, captivated the jury with its vertical articulation and refined basilical lighting. They highlighted the building’s elegant design and its meaningful contribution to the local community. 

Several additional prizes were awarded during the gala. The Central Group Prize for Innovative Approach to New Housing was presented to Ivan Boroš, Juraj Calaj, and Vítězslav Danda (edit!) for their work on Iconik, a nine-story residential building in Karlín. The Vekra Prize was awarded to the Štvanická lávka in Prague, designed by Marek Blank, Petr Tej, Jan Mourek, Aleš Hvízdal, and Jan Hendrych (AI PRAHA), for its timeless design that masterfully balances aesthetic and functional qualities. Finally, the Ministry of Culture Award was given to Jiří Opočenský and Štěpán Valouch (OVA studio) for their exemplary restoration of Tachov Square, an outstanding improvement to public space.

The full list of winners and nominated projects is available on the Czech Architecture Award's official website.