GEMO contributes to the transformation of Brno’s city centre

The new Dornych will enrich the area not only with new shops, offices, restaurants, a hotel, and rental housing but also with unique architecture. The design was created by Polish architect Mark Tryzybowicz.

The project highlights the harmonious integration of historical architecture with modern urbanism and eco-friendly elements that address the needs of contemporary society. Each building serves a different purpose. For example, Building F will offer a combination of hotel rooms and apartments, while Blocks A, B, and C are planned for office and retail use.

A key consideration was maintaining the connection with the surrounding area. Dornych will link to the Vaňkovka shopping centre through an existing footbridge, and new north-south axes for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists will be created. This will ease movement between the historic city centre and the new Southern Quarter.

A very significant feature is the public space that will be created between the northern buildings of the complex and the railway station wall near the main train station. Thanks to its planned connection to the future boulevard, this space will direct traffic in a north-south direction and back.

Each of the six buildings is architecturally unique, yet together they form a cohesive block. A shared underground area will be built beneath the complex, featuring parking spaces, technical rooms, retention tanks, and other facilities needed for its operation.

The dominant feature of Dornych will be a partially covered plaza, a freely accessible public space between the buildings. The plaza’s roof is architecturally designed as as a set of large flower-shaped shelters with four petals and intermediate arches. The use of ETFE film will ensure ample light and an optimal microclimate for year-round use.

The project also places emphasis on sustainability. Solar panels will be installed on the roofs, and retention tanks will ensure efficient rainwater management. Additionally, green roofs are planned – some of which will be accessible to the public, while others will be semi-extensive.

The use of certified materials reduces the environmental impact of the construction and ensures long-term sustainability. The entire complex is designed to meet the highest LEED certification requirements, at the Platinum level.

The project manager, Michal Družbík, and his team are now preparing for the challenging demolition work of the original building, which will last until spring, followed by earthworks. The construction pit, covering over 18,000 m² with a depth of 14.5 meters, will require the removal of approximately 270,000 m³ of soil.

Monolithic works will begin in the summer months. In addition to constructing retail units, GEMO, as the general contractor, will oversee the entire construction of the New Dornych. This project, the largest GEMO has ever undertaken, is expected to be completed in February 2028.

“One particularly interesting part of the construction is the preparation of the substructure for the future metro or underground railway, which will be located beneath the future Building F, the hotel. The preparation involves constructing deep underground walls on the sides of the railway tunnel and inserting vibroisolation between the substructure and superstructure. Personally, I am looking forward to securing the construction pit using the method of structural underground walls,” said Michal Družbík, Project Manager.

History of the former Prior building.

The Prior building in Brno, also known as the Tesco Dornych department store, was built in the 1980s according to a design by architect Zdeněk Řihák. The brutalist style of the former department store is a typical example of architecture that focuses on massive concrete forms, functionality, and raw aesthetics.

Before demolition work began, certain fragments of the building, which hold artistic and collectible value, were dismantled. These were then offered to the public. There was a lot of interest from the people of Brno in the brutalist railings, neon TESCO signs, and other interior features.