Innovation

Fragment

Czech RepublicContractors: Trigema a.s.

Fragment - Gypsum International Trophy 2025

Project description

Fragment is an architecturally iconic residential project in Prague’s Karlín district. Built with reinforced concrete for stability, it features two towers connected by a shared core. The façade, adorned with sculptures by David Černý, integrates seamlessly into the structure. The project utilized Climafit technology and advanced plasterboards, enhancing thermal comfort and energy efficiency. Modern materials and techniques ensure durability and sustainability, including efficient energy and water managemet. Fragment combines design, functionality, and cutting-edge construction methods.

Main information

Sustainability certification goal

Building size

18 050 m²

Building purpose / type

Apartment
building

Building owner name

Trigema a.s.

Architect name

QARTA
Architektura

Contractors

Trigema a.s.

Company name: Trigema a.s.

Main Representative: Karel Branda

Number of collaborators: 180

Specialties: Residential building, Innovative projects, Building management

Founded in: 1994

Biography: Trigema a. s. is a leading Czech company specializing in construction, development, and investment. It delivers modern, sustainable projects with a focus on quality, innovation, and efficient material use. Active in residential and commercial developments, Trigema integrates cutting-edge technologies and eco-friendly solutions. Its comprehensive services cover design, construction, and property management. Renowned for reliability, Trigema drives progress in contemporary architecture and urban development in the Czech Republic.

Website: www.trigema.cz

Key Challenges

The construction of Fragment in Karlín overcame challenges like respecting the historic Invalidovna with a contrasting yet harmonious contemporary design.
Its fragmented structure required a shift from precast to reinforced concrete, ensuring stability while preserving the original concept.
The pixelated aluminum facade demanded precision engineering, and sustainable features like geothermal heat pumps, green roofs, and rainwater systems were seamlessly integrated.
The cascading design optimized sunlight, reduced noise, and enhanced urban livability, blending artistry, technology, and functionality in a modern landmark.

Key Achievements

The integration of art and architecture is a standout feature of the Fragment project, where collaboration between Qarta Architektura and artist David Černý creates a unique structure blending functionality with artistic appeal.
The building’s fragmented façade and dynamic forms optimize light and space, harmonizing with the historic Karlín neighborhood.
Advanced technologies like smart home systems, geothermal energy, heat pumps, and green roofs ensure sustainability.
Pedestrian-friendly spaces and a central courtyard foster community interaction.
Fragment quickly achieved full occupancy, showing the demand for its innovative housing concept, with each flat secured by break-in-resistant partitions.
Isover and Glassolutions material have been implemented in the project as well.

Sustainability in the project

The Fragment rental housing project stands out for its architecture, services, and innovative layout and technological solutions.
Key technologies include air handling with heat recovery, filtration, and control of air humidity and temperature, heating and cooling via activated ceilings, the use of well and rainwater for operational needs such as toilet flushing and irrigation and green roofs.
Each unit features smart controls, including the Loxone Smart Home system, which manages thermal comfort, ventilation intensity, and blinds based on meteo station inputs.
This project won a prestigeous award Best of Realty in 2 categories – environmental and residential building and a CEEQA 2024 award as a residential building of the year.

Saint-Gobain products & systems

Climafit boards

Ceilings with the heating and cooling systems

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Habito® H

Partitions and other walls used to hold kitchen equipment

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Blue acoustic boards

Partitions within the units

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RigiStabil

Partitions between apartments

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Rifino Top

Used all around the interiors for jointing and drywall finishing

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Benefits

Energy efficiency

Climafit boards

Load with direct wood screw on plate

Habito® H

Acoustic insulation

Blue acoustic boards

Impact resistant

RigiStabil

Smooth manual finish

Rifino Top

Owner’s testimonial

Trigema a.s.

Fragment is a premium rental housing project in Prague’s Karlín district, featuring 140 fully furnished apartments, from 1-bedroom units to duplexes with private terraces. Designed by Qarta studio and David Černý, its facade reflects fragments of life—past, present, and future. With technologies like geothermal heating and smart home systems, it ensures sustainability and comfort. Fragment won Best of Realty awards for Large Residential Project and Environmental Building of the Year.

Architect’s testimonial

QARTA Architektura

The building is composed of pixelated surfaces of blocks layered into a cohesive, functional structure. Both the exterior and the uniquely designed interiors reflect its name, embodying ‘fragments of time’—a connection between the past, present, and future, ‘fragments of lives’ of its residents, and ‘fragments of art‘.

Saint-Goabin project manager’s testimonial

Roman Kučera

Fragment is a unique project in the Czech Republic, being the only residential building using cooling and heating integrated into suspended ceilings on such a scale. While concerns about cold floors without underfloor heating or difficulties in temperature control often arise, this innovative system uses radiant heat, ensuring consistent comfort. In Fragment, these challenges were addressed with precision, delivering exceptional results, maximum comfort, and satisfaction for all its residents.

Saint-Gobain Team

Roman Kučera

Photographer’s name

Trigema

Website

COUNTRY WEBSITE