Otrokovice have started the construction of Nové Hurdisek, three blocks of an apartment building with 42 apartments

Otrokovice – The construction of the New Hurdisks began today in Otrokovice in the Zlín region with the laying of the cornerstone, consisting of three blocks of residential buildings with 42 apartments for rental housing. This is the largest investment in the city in recent years. The costs exceed 110.3 million crowns excluding VAT, with a grant from the State Investment Support Fund amounting to 31 million crowns. The work is expected to be completed by the beginning of 2026, spokeswoman for the Otrokovice town hall Lenka Vaculová told ČTK today.

The New Hurdisks will replace the old Hurdis buildings in the Baťov part of the city, which the town hall had demolished some time ago. According to city representatives, they were in poor condition. The new construction will consist of three blocks, each with 14 apartments of sizes 1+kk, 2+kk, and 3+kk in two-story buildings. The construction also includes a children's playground, sidewalks, roads, and street lighting.

On the construction site, there were houses from the 1930s, which, according to Mayor Hana Večerková (ANO), were originally intended as a construction site facility for workers. "They were subsequently modified and served as rental housing for many years. However, over time, the state of the buildings was significantly affected by the passage of time and they fell into an unsatisfactory technical condition. At the same time, hygiene, fire, and other standards and regulations changed. The city thus faced the decision of whether to undertake reconstruction with comparable financial costs or to demolish the buildings and construct a new modern facility. The second option won," Večerková stated.

The architectural design was created by Michal Hladil, who believes that the New Hurdisks will enhance the environment forming the gateway to Baťov. "The architectural goal of the design was to create a simple, functional, modern contemporary building without unnecessary additional elements. The solution of the outer facades of the blocks with a striking surface will be executed with facing bricks, reflecting contemporary forms and contextual ties to Baťov architecture," Hladil stated.

He used traditional Baťov material in a modern form. "The continuous blocks of walls made of bricks will be rhythmized and structured, with some of the bricks set deeper than the front plane, creating a relief of falling water. Another dominant element of the design is the use of greenery, where the planting on the intensely green parts of the roofs will be partly overhanging and will enliven and colorfully complement the base of the red masonry. The facades within the block will be more residential, rhythmized by roofed loggias," the architect added.

The city has received a grant and a 20-year loan with a three percent interest rate for the project. The investment is spread over three years in the budget of Otrokovice, where nearly 18,000 people live.