Fairy tale in the brutalist Hotel President by the architects Pizinger

The brutalist Hotel President on the Vltava waterfront in the center of Prague has undergone a very thorough reconstruction in recent years. The architectural oversight was provided by the Morix studio of Jaromír and Naďa Pizinger. Creating the hotel's interior is, according to them, mainly about atmosphere. "It's about a dream or a fairy tale that we all want to experience a bit during our vacations," says architect Naďa Pizinger.

The general contractor, the Italian construction company HLG STAV BOTTOLI, s.r.o. led by technical manager Ing. arch. Giovanni Calá, chose SAPELI Unlimited for the supply of doors and custom atypical solutions. They delivered approximately 60 doors of various types to Hotel President for roughly two million crowns. "In the design, we played with the use of several types of doors so that they always complemented the composition of the given room," explained Naďa Pizingerová.

According to her, it was a very demanding project, and she appreciates the patience of SAPELI Unlimited in their approach to architectural designs and atypical details that were crucial for the authors. When it comes to the doors, not all the architects' visions could be realized as they had planned, especially due to technical and fire safety limitations. "However, thanks to the supplier, we were able to get as close to them as possible," explained the architect.

In the project, the authors used both classic hinged doors in concealed frames and sliding doors into pockets. For surface finishes, they worked with simple highly durable doors for the Sky bar's service areas as well as luxurious veneers and glass. They also utilized glass walls from SAPELI Unlimited, which separate the bathrooms from the rooms.

Comprehensive reconstruction completed with a new luxury floor

"We have been working on the reconstruction of Hotel President for the fifth year now. Gradually, all parts of the hotel complex have been reconstructed and remodeled during operation, from hotel rooms to the lobby, reception, and restaurant," explained Jaromír Pizinger. Together with his wife Naďa, they also created a new hotel spa in the basement spaces and newly reimagined the exterior – specifically the facade of the famous brutalist building.

"The latest addition in the form of the sixth above-ground floor is the final stage of a long-term reconstruction, so it feels like the cherry on top that we've had the honor to work on," noted Naďa. They participated in shaping the facade from the outside, as well as in the layouts of the new floor and the interiors of the entire extension, where the most luxurious hotel rooms and a restaurant – a Sky bar with an unbeatable view of Prague Castle – are located.

According to Naďa Pizingerová, it was necessary to revitalize the hotel. Although it is located in a top spot in the center of Prague, its facilities no longer met the required standards. The architects wanted to connect the interior and exterior designs with brutalist aesthetics. At the same time, they also wanted to push the architecture into contemporary standards and today's aesthetics. According to them, it is essential to properly gauge the hotel's level in the context of the target clientele. "It's about creating atmospheres and, in a way, a dream or a fairy tale that everyone wants to experience a bit during their vacation," explained Naďa Pizingerová.

Working on the brutalist hotel has been an experience for the Pizingers. It has affirmed their work convictions and approach to projects, where despite all the difficulties during the preparation and execution phases, it is always important to adhere to the intended aesthetic concepts and details until the last moment. Simply don't give up!