Krkonošská Architecture Prize 2025 - nominations

The Krkonošská Prize for Architecture (KCA) returns once again to recognize exceptional architectural achievements that contribute to the aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability of the mountainous environment. This year's edition of the competition, organized by the Czech Centre for Architecture with the general partnership of the Škoda Auto Foundation, brings not only inspiring projects but also a rich accompanying program for both professionals and the general public.

What is the Krkonošská Prize for Architecture?
The Krkonošská Prize for Architecture is a prestigious competition that focuses on quality architectural realizations in the Krkonoš and Podkrkonoší region. The main aim of the competition is to support sensitive and innovative approaches to architecture in mountainous environments, connect the professional community, and raise awareness about the importance of architecture for the region's development.

Key information about KCA 2025
- Applications: open until April 30.
- Announcement of winners: June 6.
- Awards: the best projects will be selected in the categories - Main Prize of the Expert Jury, commendation awards, Public Prize, Karel Kluge Prize.
- Accompanying program of the announcement: thematic lectures, discussions, refreshments, opening of a traveling exhibition, concert, tour of the Kluge brewery.

Why is architecture in the mountains important?
Architecture in mountainous areas faces specific challenges – from climate to sustainability and respect for the traditional landscape. The Krkonošská Prize for Architecture highlights projects that overcome these challenges and set new standards.

Architecture with a view of the mountains. The Krkonošská Prize shows that quality buildings can be constructed in the landscape
You may know the Krkonoš Mountains as a destination for trips or a place to escape city noise. But for the fourth year, they are also a place where careful attention is paid to the creation of new buildings in the mountains and foothills, and which of them deserve attention. The Krkonošská Prize for Architecture (KCZA), whose general partner is the Škoda Auto Foundation, is this year expanding its reach to Trutnov and inviting not only experts but also the general public to participate.
“The Krkonošská Prize is not just about awards and titles. We aim to support quality construction in our region and to open a debate about architecture among professionals, local governments, and the public,” says architect Josef Smutný, one of the founders of the competition.
Dozens of buildings have entered this year’s edition – from family homes to public buildings to landscape modifications. The jury has selected 10 nominees from which the Main Prize of the Expert Jury, the Public Prize, and other awards, such as the Karel Kluge Prize, will be decided by the guests of the festive announcement right on the spot.
“Quality public space, of which architecture is a natural part, is a long-term priority for us. We believe that in places like the Krkonoš and their foothills, it makes sense to engage in a debate about how to build sensibly, sustainably, and with respect for the place. The Krkonošská Prize for Architecture is an example of how to connect professional standards with active public engagement.”, says Ladislav Kučera, director of the Škoda Auto Foundation, the general partner of both the Krkonoš and Mladá Boleslav Prizes for Architecture.

Anyone can vote online until Thursday, June 5, 2025
Public voting is taking place on the competition website www.kcza.cz, where everyone can view the nominated realizations and cast a vote for the one that appeals to them the most. Last year, hundreds of people from across the region and beyond participated in the voting.
An interesting aspect is also the composition of the jury, which changes partially each year – one spot is always reserved for a representative of the studio that won in the previous year. This year, architect Pavel Čermák from the ADR studio, which succeeded last year with the reconstruction of the mountain lodge Bučina in Malá Úpa, has taken a seat on the jury. This ensures that the competition gains new perspectives and continuity.

Architecture that makes sense – even in the mountains
The aim of the prize is to draw attention to buildings that blend sensitively into the mountainous environment, bring quality to everyday life, and inspire sustainable development. In a landscape where it is easy to build "for effect," the KCZA reminds us that even modest projects can be exceptional.
The festive announcement of the winners will take place on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the Kluge Brewery in Rudník. You can look forward to a pleasant atmosphere, lectures on architecture, discussions with mayors, and presentations of the nominated projects. Architects, representatives of municipalities, judges, and the public will gather here to celebrate good architecture that is created outside of big cities, where it significantly impacts people's lives.

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