The Fragment rental building, which is the outcome of co-operation between the Trigema Group, architecture studio Qarta architektura and artist David Černý, is nearing its final appearance. Since July 2022, the huge sculptures have been progressively set up around the building as an integral component of this architecturally unique project. On the weekend of 1 – 2 October 2022, the installation of the main 35-tonne sculpture of a woman was completed.
Fragment is supported by a total of 2 sculptures in the form of an upper and lower limb, alongside a single main sculpture – the 24-metre tall figure of a woman who “holds in her arms” the entire building.
“From the outset, it was our ambition that the Fragment project should bring together high quality architecture and modern art with everyday life, bringing modern construction back to prominence in the capital city. We want to make original, functional and useful buildings which leave a massage for future generations, and are perhaps also a little provocative. You need to provoke in architecture, and the exceptional Rohanské nábřeží location was simply crying out for such a unique achievement,” explains Marcel Soural, Chairman of the Board at Trigema Group.
The ideas of propping up Fragment using sculptures came from David Černý. From up high, the Fragment building resembles a reclining figure, propped up by sculptures – a hand, a leg and a woman. The shape of the whole building reflects the location of the historical Invalidovna building. Opposite which it is located and which its form pays symbolic homage to. Additionally, the building with statues also symbolises sociability and community. “The small sculptures comprise small elements, which are imagined to represent the cells of the human body. As in life cells comprise the body, and the small parts are put together to support the larger ones,” explains David Černý.
The sculptures are made from chrome nickel stainless steel with a polished mirror surface, and including preparation it took roughly 2 years to make them. “Preparations began in 2020, with production beginning in January 2021. We transported the first parts to Fragment on 18 July 2022,” says Petra Martínková, Trigema Group spokesperson.
Fragment is not only unique because of the iconic sculptures which support the building, but also because of its architecture. “The building is made up of unconventional pixelated block surfaces, or fragments, which are then layered within the functional structure, becoming part of the compact whole. In terms of the exterior, and also through its uniquely designed interiors, the building resonates with its name. It reflects “fragments of time”, connections between present, past and future, the “fragments of lives” of its inhabitants, and “fragments of art,” explains Jiří Řezák, partner at Qarta architektura studio.
Fragment is a premium rental homes project offering 140 unconventionally designed and fully furnished apartments for rent ranging in size from studios to spacious maisonettes with roof terraces. The apartments themselves are fitted with furniture from Lino design, a company focused on timeless design and global furniture and accessories trends.
Besides the designer interior furnishings, rental homes in Fragment offer complete comfort and convenience. Tenants will be able to make use not just of the reception and building administration services, but at an extra charge can also get other needs taken care of, such as regular maintenance, large repairs, cleaning and parcel delivery. The cosy and attractive ground floor provides a mix of stores and services, ideal not just for Fragment residents, but also those nearby. Locals will find here The Miners café and bakery, the unique Next Move gym, the Bowlers restaurant, florists, a large drugstore chain, childcare services and much more besides.
The whole building will have a shared central reception available to all residents, and each part of the residence will have its own representative lobby. The surrounding natural relaxation zone with plenty of greenery and water features is an integral component of the site.
The Fragment rental homes project stands out not just in terms of its architecture and services, but also in the sophisticated design and technology of its apartments. Some of the technologies used include air conditioning and recovery, filtration and humidity and temperature of incoming air modification, heating and cooling of apartments using activated ceilings, well and rainwater for daily consumption (flushing toilets and watering gardens), and smart controls for each apartment. All apartments incorporate the Loxone Smart Home system, securing temperature comfort, degree of ventilation and outdoor shutters controlled in line with weather station instructions.
Fragment will not be reliant on gas, instead being heated using earth-water heat pumps incorporating a set of 30 geothermal boreholes at 180 m depth, and also through a hot water connection to the Pražská teplárenská distribution network.
More information about the FRGMNT project.