The best building in the Krkonoš Mountains is the EPO1 contemporary art center

The main prize of the Krkonošská Prize for Architecture 2025 was awarded on Friday, June 6th, to the EPO1 complex in Trutnov. The award was granted by a professional jury for the exceptionally sensitive conversion of the former power plant into a center for contemporary art of European format. The significance extends to the entire region, the cultivation of public space, architectural detail including graphics, and the curatorial concept of the object. This is the fourth time the Krkonošská Prize for Architecture has been awarded and it is held with the support of the Škoda Auto Foundation (NFŠA).

photo: Miloš Šálek

In the final of the fourth year of the Krkonošská Prize for Architecture, held at the Kluge Brewery in Rudník, ten of the best buildings and projects from the entire region competed. The main prize was awarded to EPO1 – Center for Contemporary Art, which was created according to the design of the Tsunami studio in the industrial building of the former power plant in Trutnov.

Achievements 2025: reconstruction, development, and public space

This year, the achievements were awarded to the following projects and municipalities:

Contemporary Krkonošská House: Rotterovy boudy, Malá Úpa – successful Krkonošská architecture in the landscape, was awarded for its consistent work with traditional elements and materials and the connection of historical references with contemporary detail and proportion. An important parameter is the overall preservation of the context of original mountain architecture. The building is excellently crafted and reflects the personalities of its owners.

Exemplary reconstruction for the 21st century: Cinema Vesmír, Trutnov – a complete, meticulous, and discreet reconstruction with high-level technical parameters that preserves the values of the original architecture and returns a quality cultural program to the city center in a cultivated environment with an outreach beyond the city of Trutnov.

Community development: The Municipality of Studenec – for the continuous development of the school complex and public space, including a new playground and facilities for the elementary and nursery school.

The Public Prize and the award for contemporary Krkonošská House went to Rotterovy boudy

The Public Prize is an important tool for promoting quality and beautiful architecture among laypeople and local citizens, and their involvement in public debate about the development of the space in which they live. The public chose the construction of Rotterovy boudy in Malá Úpa as their favorite, which also received recognition from the professional jury for the Contemporary Krkonošská House.

The Kárl Kluge Prize was decided by the guests of the evening

The special Kárl Kluge Prize, determined by the votes of the attendees of the festive evening, was awarded this year to the project Rotterovy boudy. This award is a deliberate exaggeration by the organizers and reflects the public voting. It expresses the specific opinion of the participants of the festive evening and enriches the atmosphere of the entire announcement with personal voting.