The buildings of the year in Plzeň are a residential building, a recreational facility, and a platform at the train station

Plzeň – The Buildings of the Year for the Plzeň Region for last year are the residential building on Jetelová Street in Plzeň, the recreational facility Útulnoff in Milínov in southern Plzeň, and the public space at the Plzeň railway station Paluba Hamburk. The public and jury prize was awarded for the transformation of unused public toilets at the Plzeň park Homolka into a café. This year, 37 buildings were entered, 19 of which received nominations. They represented six competition categories, with new buildings being the strongest. CTK was informed by Miloslav Michalec, head of the regional development department and chairman of the expert jury.

"All nominated buildings were approved or put into operation last year, which was very challenging for the construction industry. However, this did not affect them in any way, and their undeniable quality led us to award titles in three categories and we also appreciated other constructions," he stated.

The residential building Jetelová was selected as the winner for its sensitive urban planning and quality architectural solution in a significant residential district of the city. The wooden building in Milínov called Útulnoff, intended for guest accommodation, received the title for its unconventional solution, which, according to the jury, appropriately complements the surrounding nature. Paluba Hamburk in front of the station was recognized for its innovative approach, which the jurors believe represents a significant step for Plzeň in enhancing the quality of public space.

In the Homolka park in Plzeň, the jury and the public also valued the conversion of a restroom into the café Smetanka with a terrace. The radical transformation of the unattractive structure made it one of the most visited places in the Slovany district. "The café is my secret tip for anyone who enjoys good coffee and homemade pastries. At the same time, it is a meeting place for supporters of culture and sports," said Stephan Kronmüller, managing director of Eurosoftware, which is a partner of the competition.

Governor Rudolf Špoták (Pirates) praised the restoration of the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Plasy in the Plzeň region. "Thanks to the meticulous work of masons, plasterers, restorers, and numerous consultations with leading experts, it has become an important center of the monastery," he said. The Ministry of Industry and Trade award went to the revitalization and reconstruction of a brownfield in the farmyard area of the listed fortress in Bělá nad Radbuzou in the Domažlice region. According to MPO Deputy Eduard Muřický, a unique space was created for commercial, sports, and cultural activities. The ministry is a co-author of the National Brownfield Regeneration Strategy 2019 to 2024.

Honorable mentions were awarded to fire stations in Chodský Újezd in the Domažlice region and in Letiny in the Plzeň region, the revitalization of St. Bartholomew's Cathedral in Plzeň, and the new street Na Sudech in Plzeň, which enhances safety and traffic flow.

Last year, 40 buildings competed for the awards, the most from all 14 regions of the Czech Republic, and three of them were awarded the regional title Building of the Year. In the new buildings category, the completion of the eastern ambits of the monastery in Mariánská Týnice in the Plzeň region won, while in the reconstructions category, the Cultural Centre – Brewery Domažlice and the best building for residential use was chosen as the Atrium House on the slope in Plzeň. The public voted for the extension of the tram line to Borská pole.