2/ 2008 Supplement of Czech Business and Trade CZECH Building Industry CZECH BUILDING INDUSTRY

CZECH BUILDING INDUSTRY

Supplement of: Czech Business and Trade 03-04/2008 CONTENTS:

4 Editorial

ANALYSIS 4 Building Industry - Pillar of Czech Economy 5 Building Materials Production is Growing

EDUCATION 8 Quality University Education – Source of Effectiveness in Construction VCES – a Prominent Czech Construction Firm WE ARE INTRODUCING 10 VCES – a Prominent Czech Construction Firm

ENTERPRISE 12 Largest Exporter of Building Activites

CZECH TOP 14 Overview of 20th Century Czech Architecture 16 Prize for Professionality and Beauty 18 Most Beautiful Wooden House of the Year 2007 20 KMB SENDWIX – Clever Masonry 22 UNISTAV’s Building Works Range from an Aqua Park in to a Factory in Russia

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT 24 New Technologies and Trends

SURVEY 26 Poll of Successful Companies Operating in the Building Industry UNISTAV’s Building Works Range from an Aqua Park in Prague to a Factory in Russia INFORMATION 30 Fairs and Exhibitions in the Building Industry Sector in 2008 30 Important Contacts

PRESENTATION OF COMPANIES: 2 OHL ŽS, a.s. 7 Xella CZ, s.r.o. 9 CHEMOTEX Děčín a.s. 11 VCES a.s. 13 BETONSTAV TEPLICE a.s. 17 Česká inženýrská a.s. 19 Okna-Doležal, spol. s r.o. 21 ŽPSV a.s. 23 NAVARA Novosedly a.s. 25 Institut pro testování a certifikaci, a.s. 29 KERAMOST, a.s. 29 EKOPANELY CZ s.r.o. 31 Wienerberger cihlářský průmysl, a. s. 32 Veletrhy , a.s. Overview of 20th Century Czech Architecture

MK ČR E 6379 This magazine is published as a supplement to the economic bi-monthly issued in English (Czech Business and Trade), German (Wirtschaft und Handel in der Tschechischen Republik), French (Industrie et commerce tchèques), Spanish (Empresas y negocios en la República Checa), and Russian (óe¯cÍafl Úop„o‚Îfl Ë Ôe‰ÔËÌËÏaÚeθcÚ‚o). Managing Editor: Jakub Havel Editor: Naďa Vávrová Graphic Design: Helena Dvořáková Address: PP Agency s.r.o., Myslíkova 25, 110 00 Praha 1, Phone: +420 221 406 623, 221 406 626, Fax: +420 224 930 016 E-mail: [email protected] www.ppagency.cz, www.mpo.cz/cbt Deadline: 24/01/2008 Attitudes expressed by the authors of articles in this magazine are not necessarily consistent with the viewpoint of the Publisher. PP Agency Company with the ISO 9001 certified quality management system for publishing services Cover photo: ABF Foundation; Information Centre University of Building Liberec Technical

3 | ANALYSIS

Building Industry – Pillar of Czech 2008Dear Readers, Economy

Jan Skřivánek, Ministry of Industry and Trade, You have received another specialised supplement e-mail: [email protected], www.mpo.cz of the Czech Business and Trade magazine. The main

topic we are surveying is the Czech building industry, As in most economically developed countries, the building which has been experiencing a boom in the last few industry in the Czech Republic ranks among the most important industrial sectors. The Czech construction industry years, in housing projects as well as the construction at the present time relies mainly on its own production and of buildings and industrial facilities. economic potential. It has successfully adopted the know- how of its foreign partners and in terms of quantity and organisation has created a structure which meets market The prestigious competition „The Construction of the demand. Thus, the building industry has reached - or come close to - the level of construction in the European Union Year“, in which the best construction works are member states. Worthy of note is also its multiplication awarded every year, is an important impulse for Czech effect in influencing demand for the products of other construction companies to build in the best quality. branches and services related to the maintenance of building works.

And that Czech companies know how to build is Market and Production The production structure has been permanently dominated by documented for example by their activities abroad, works in the Czech Republic and by new construction. Since successes in exports are reported by TCHAS, UNISTAV the second half of the 1990s the strongest line of construction has been represented by engineering projects, mainly thanks to or Metrostav firms, to mention just a few. The above state contracts for transport infrastructure. Other prominent listed companies have participated in the construction entities in the financing of building investments were foreign investors. On the other hand, housing construction, which of tunnels in Iceland, a viaduct in Croatia, or a unique usually has a leading position in west European countries, project of the construction of a factory in Russia. recorded lower levels. In the last year, building production did not show the same dynamics as in previous years. In the first three quarters of The construction industry also includes the sector 2007 the volume of construction work was worth EUR 8.8 concerned with the production of building materials, billion. A distinctly predominant part continues to be formed by works in the Czech Republic, which account for 98%. which is scoring success in connection with increasing A major part of these works was new capital construction, construction activities. It is concentrated in large reconstruction and modernisation, which made up approximately 75%. companies, which are better able to face the The development of production structure by the size of competition in the European market. Excellent enterprises reflects the changes that have occurred in the Czech economy. Non-financial Czech-controlled private properties of the materials constitute one of the entities participated in the production with a dominant prerequisites of a quality construction. The best results segment of over 80%. Works on buildings and structures accounted for just under of the Czech building industry are also due to applied 60% and the share of civil engineering infrastructure was research, the scope of which is far from exhausted, about 40%. The share of buildings and structures in new construction increased by 9%, while civil infrastructure works but its present outcome already makes a valuable grew only by 1.4%. contribution to the further development of the whole building industry. Economic Results The share of profitable firms compared to loss-making ones continues to rise. The development of enterprise economics can be termed favourable, because the share of profitable companies has increased while the share of loss-making ones CZECH BUILDING INDUSTRY

Prospects and Development Trends The future of the Czech economy will be influenced by the fact that it will develop as an integrated part of the European Union. Positive aspects will undoubtedly include the possibility of access to the wide European market, an easier adoption of new technologies and know-how, while negative sides will be a slump in domestic production or the necessity to respect various limitations and budget restrictions. Demand for building works is enormous in the Czech Republic and surpasses several times over not only the capacities of their suppliers, but especially the provision of their financing. As regards the different segments, the crucial lines appear to be the development of transport has fallen, economic result per civil engineering infrastructure. On the infrastructure, housing construction, employee has risen by almost 30%, other hand, the highest return on own and environmental projects. Financing profitability is going up and wage capital was gained by housing will be significantly aided by resources costs are declining, labour productivity construction firms. Enterprises engaged from the Structural Funds of the by value added is increasing in civil infrastructure construction European Union and participation of significantly and, last but not least, attained the highest value-added the private sector in PPP (Private Public inventory turnover time has productivity, thus leaving the Partnership) projects. shortened. companies specialised in other The highest profit yields were operations far behind. The share of achieved by companies focused on non- foreign-controlled firms accounts for housing non-production buildings and about 18% of the output.

Building Materials Production is Growing

Pavel Malinský, Ministry of Industry and Trade, e-mail: [email protected]

The building materials industry in the Republic’s accession to the EU the rise) and the manufacture of articles of Czech Republic has a long tradition and building materials production has been concrete, plaster, lime, and cement quite a high level. The producers of following the needs of construction and, (more than19.4% rise). buildings materials are the main in tune with the development in building This rising tendency is due to the good suppliers of materials and products production, recorded a very favourable raw material base for the manufacture primarily for the Czech building industry. development especially in the years of building materials in the Czech They also provide raw materials for other 2005, 2006, and 2007. Republic, and mainly to the wide range industrial and power production sectors of possibilities for their utilsation in the such as the glass and foundry industries, International Companies construction of buildings and civil desulphurisation of power plants, and Predominate engineering works. lime and limestone for the chemical and Building materials production is The raw material base for the building paper industries. A number of secondary concentrated in large international materials industry in the Czech Republic raw materials and waste such as power companies, which have the ability to is rich and distributed all over the plant fly ash, wood sawdust, used tyres face competition on the European country’s territory. Manufacturing plants and waste oil, sorted building waste, etc. market. The highest increases were are located close to the extraction sites are used in technological processes. In recorded by the manufacture of because the transport of raw materials,

the period since the Czech refractory materials (more than 50.6% large in volume and weight, is costly. Photo: Edition Department archives

5 | ANALYSIS

Modern Production Technology In million EUR Manufacturing plants of the building CPA nomenclature Exports Imports Balance materials industry are mostly equipped with modern technological lines Code Name 2005 2006 1-10/07 2005 2006 1-10/07 2005 2006 1-10/07 allowing production without direct 141 Building stone 7.1 8.1 7.1 11.3 13.7 16.1 -4.2 -5.6 - 9 participation of the human factor. The present phase of development is 142 Sand and clay 65.9 67.8 53.2 21.1 26.1 24.8 44.8 41.7 28.4 characterised mainly by the quickly 2626 Refractory ceramic goods 118.7 139.1 136.3 88.9 110.0 110.1 29.8 29.1 26.2 changing requirements of customers, their growing demands (not only on the 263 Ceramic tiles and flags 45.3 93.7 85.2 66.1 67.3 75.8 -20.8 26.4 9.4 part of foreign investors), as well as structural changes in the area of building 264 Bricks, tiles, and similar production which necessitate a quick and products for construction 22.6 22.5 28.5 23.5 26.1 39.8 -0.9 -3.6 -11.3 flexible response, a factor that 265 Cement, lime, and plaster 31.8 30.1 37.4 73.8 77.1 74.5 -42.0 -47.0 -37.1 significantly increases the need for marketing management. Another feature 266 Articles of concrete, is the fast development of technologies, plaster, and cement 144.1 170.2 161 56.3 63.1 72.9 87.8 107.1 88.1 in the area of the production of building materials as well as construction. 267 Natural ornamental and building stone 17.6 19.8 18.6 18.4 27.3 22.5 -0.8 -7.5 -3.9 The Most Successful Companies Besides large multinationals, such as 268 Other non-metallic Lasselsberger, a.s., Plzeň, Wienerberger mineral products 167.0 197.2 197.8 169.2 192.5 198.7 -2.2 4.7 - 0.9 BAUSTOFFINDUSTRIE GmbH, BRAMAC a.s., the most successful producers of Total 620.1 748.5 725.1 528.6 603.2 635.2 91.5 145.3 89.9 building materials in 2006 and 2007 CPA – Classification of Products by Activity were the following companies: Source: Czech Statistical Office

the EU countries at valid European Serial Company Sales in EUR Sales prices. No. thousand (2006) profitability % 1 ZAPA beton a.s. 103 544 13.4 Main Task of Industrial 2 České a moravské obalovny, s.r.o. 63 023.5 7.4 3 SAINT-GOBAIN ORSIL s.r.o. 59 196.8 5.0 Production 4 Rigips, s.r.o. 41 548.8 7.8 Although the technical level especially 5 ŽPSV a.s. 41 318.6 11.2 of large producers of building materials 6 KÁMEN Zbraslav, spol. s r.o. 33 908.4 11.8 is already close or equal to the European 7 BEST, a.s. 32 050.8 18.5 standard, investment is still needed in 8 ILBAU spol. s r.o. 28 334.5 10.0 the manufacturing base, machinery and 9 Prefa Brno a.s. 27 259.5 4.4 technologies, as well as research and 10 PREFA-BETON Cheb, spol. s r.o. 23 612.6 0.2 development. 11 BETA Olomouc a.s. 17 455.7 6.4 Materials and their combinations give 12 Lias Vintířov, k.s. 16 795.7 9.5 shape to aesthetic expression and 13 CIDEM Hranice, a.s. 13 007.8 40.0 ensure the structural strength and life of 14 BETONBAU, s.r.o. 12 772.9 6.0 15 B & BC, a.s. 12 713.8 4.9 all buildings and structures. In the long term, new knowledge and a better use Source: ÚRS Praha of building materials can significantly reduce the impact of construction Foreign Trade in Building respect of the unfavourable ratio of activity on everyday life. Products transport costs to the final price of This is why the trend on which building Most producers of building materials are products, the importance of the materials research and development is now fully competitive in foreign countries neighbouring the Czech concentrated at the moment is the use markets, and have good prospects of Republic is increasing. The export shares of combined and new materials further intensification of their activities document the high standard of this (improved qualities-nanotechnologies), in the coming period. Important segment, be it aggregates, cement, fully recyclable and easily applicable in indicators are the relatively high shares ceramic products, prefabricated articles constructions, and fulfilling the aesthetic of exports in overall production (approx. and parts of concrete, bricks, or sand. function. Emphasis is placed on 25%), imports (approx. 22.5%), and Products also suitable for exports are environmental aspects, a longer service a permanent foreign trade surplus. gypsum plasterboard, dry plaster mixes, life of structures, and energy saving. The Czech Republic’s largest trade and new progressive products of the partner, in both exports and imports, is construction chemical industry (fillers, Germany. Other major trade partners adhesives). Foreign trade in building are Slovakia, Poland, and . In materials products is conducted within

| 6 EDUCATION

Quality University Education – Source of Effectiveness in Construction

Milan Huml, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Czech Technical University Prague, e-mail: [email protected], www.fsv.cvut.cz

The Faculty of Civil Engineering of the Student Competitions selected in two rounds four finalists of Czech Technical University (CTU) in Links between studies and industry are the competition, who received prizes Prague provides the building industry supported by student competitions held during a ceremony at the Cembrit CZ, with a sufficient number of quality by medium-sized and large construction a.s. headquarters in the town of Beroun. graduates in specialisations taught firms. Last year, for example, it was according to the current principles of "CEMBRIT 2007", which was organised Competition for Low-Energy structured studies, which were adopted by the company Cembrit CZ a.s. in Houses on the basis of recommendations of the cooperation with the Department of The company DEKTRADE a.s. working Bologna Declaration. The system of Building Structures of the Faculty of Civil with the DEK a.s. - AtelierDEK technical higher education makes it possible to Engineering at the CTU in Prague. The studio have currently announced complete the bachelor level after 4 years competition was focused on the another student competition, of study, in which the graduates are preparation of designs for housing "DEKHOME - a quality and quick path to trained to tackle standard problems. construction and public and industrial low-energy house". The purpose of the After another year and a half of study buildings making correct use of competition is to design a family home for a master’s degree, graduates gain the structures from fibre cement materials that would make maximum effective use competence to cope even with complex manufactured by Cembrit CZ a.s. Twenty of the built-up area, while preserving the conceptual and technological tasks of three students entered the competition aesthetic value and function of the the building profession. with their one- and two-semester work. The design is to emphasise the projects. The evaluation criteria for the advantages, beauty, and potential of the Studies and Careers competing designs were mainly correct wooden structural elements of the The current courses of Civil Engineering use of fibre cement products, rendering DEKHOME system. studies are formed by the branches of: of detail, and innovative solution of the building structures, structural and competition design. An expert jury transportation engineering, water management and water structures, environmental engineering, manage- Awarded Student Works ment and economics, information systems in the building industry, material 1st place: Miroslav Frantes, 4th year, study programme: engineering, building and environment, Architecture and Building Engineering. The expert risks in construction, and fire safety of commission appreciated the interesting solution of the buildings. Besides the civil engineering ventilated façade with the use of Cembonit fibre cement boards. Applying a steel supporting system, the author series, the faculty also runs courses in presented an unusual and very interesting inclination of the the Architecture and Building façade sheets which allowed for a smaller gap between the Engineering programme. It equips sheets and the wall in the upper part of the façade than in architectural designers with knowledge the area of the base. of the potential of available architectural and structural elements. The result is 2nd place: Jana Musilová, 5th year, study programme: Civil projects original in ideas and applicable Engineering, study branch: Building Structures. She used as well. Cembonit boards of various sizes to create an interesting Each year about 550 people graduate architecture of an irregular ventilated façade. She also applied the fibre cement material for the lining of interior from the faculty and embark on their walls and as fire protection on supporting steel columns. This careers in architecture and design represented the most extensive use of the fibre cement studios and in construction firms, often material in the competition. rising to high-level positions after gaining the necessary practical 3rd place: Soňa Korischová, 3rd year, study programme: experience. They can also take jobs in Architecture and Building Engineering. She designed public administration, and thanks to the a ventilated façade on her maisonette house. The jury faculty’s emphasis on a more universal appreciated her flawless structural design of the façade, as well as the drawings worked out with great attention to personal profile, have the competence to detail and accuracy, and including a technical report on the work well also in related technical thermal properties of the building.

branches. Photo: The author’s archives

| 8 WE ARE INTRODUCING

VCES – a Prominent Czech Construction Firm

Vladimír Ujec, VCES a. s., e-mail: [email protected], www.vces.cz

Since 1991, the company has been establishing its position of one of major building firms in the Czech Republic. By gradually extending its business activities and by acquisitions of other companies, it laid the basis of the VCES building concern, which had been formed by seven formally independent entities by 2003. By successful restructuring and further development, the company has re-affirmed its position as a strong business player in the construction sector. The latest landmark was the year 2006, when the negotiations with the strategic foreign partner, the French building firm Bouygues, were crowned with the signature of transaction documents on the takeover of 51% share in the VCES construction concern.

Residential and Transport Constructions The main areas of the company’s Philharmonic Orchestra building in Hradec Králové construction activities are residential, industrial, environmental, and civil construction at present include the Labe Pardubice area), reconstruction and engineering constructions and transport – Loučná project (restoration and completion of the sewerage network in structures. Significant projects under construction of a sewerage system in the the town of Olomouc (2nd stage), Na

Labour Exchange in Frýdek-Místek Photo: VCES archives

| 10 CZECH BUILDING INDUSTRY

Slovanech residences at Úvaly near Králové Region, Svitavy hospital placed which "perforate" the shell. The Prague, the Hostivař commercial and 2nd, and the regional library in windows create an intimate and residential complex in Prague, and Pardubice placed 3rd in the Pardubice concentrated internal environment. a hospice in Chrudim. Region. As the structure is a monolithic VCES won an important prize by the reinforced concrete skeleton with visible Contracts Abroad award 2005 Construction Company of architectural surfaces, the construction At present, VCES works almost the Year in the category of large building placed high demands on the exclusively on contracts in the territory firms. The fact that VCES has been coordination and teamwork of all of the Czech Republic – projects of the regarded favourably by experts not only subcontractors in the execution of the Consulate General building in Munich in the construction industry, but also in monolith. Everything had to be crystal and Czech Embasy building in other business sectors is documented by clear before concreting began, because Luxembourg have been exception. In its winning a place in the CZECH TOP additional alterations on the skeleton Luxembourg, the work consisted of 100 competition. were not possible. The quality of the a reconstruction and extension of work was confirmed by a prize won in a historic building, in Munich it Project X the competition "2005-2006 represented the construction of a new Interesting projects include the building Outstanding Concrete Construction" of building. of the Library and Information Centre in the Czech Concrete Society (CBS), in the Hradec Králové. The house of an X- category of buildings. Construction Company of the shaped ground plan is completely "cast" Year and CZECH TOP 100 in concrete. The character of the VCES is a regular participant in the building’s shell underscores the dynamic Construction of the Year competition on and legible form (cast letter). An both the regional and national levels. Its interesting architectural element is participation in these competitions is represented by the circular windows a matter of prestige for the firm and the titles the construction company has won in the past reflect not only the level of architectural design, but also the standard of work it has executed. In About Bouygues Construction Group 2006, the project for reconstruction of The Bouygues Construction group is a global leader in the building, civil works, the building of the Hradec Králové electrical contracting, and maintenance sectors. With references in some sixty Philharmonic received a nomination for countries, it combines the power of a large group with the responsiveness of a network the title Construction of the Year. The of companies. The group is made up of seven complementary entities capable of company regularly achieves a medal- offering their customers comprehensive solutions by managing projects from the winning position in regional design and construction phases to maintenance and operation, including finance. competitions – the school complex at Bouygues Construction endeavours to expand by reconciling economic profitability Rokytnice v Orlických horách was 2006 with real concern for social and community issues and protection of the environment. Construction of the Year in the Hradec

11 | ENTERPRISE

Largest Exporter of Building Activities

TCHAS, spol. s r. o., a new member of the French construction the largest Czech construction firms, the only company group EIFFAGE, is the seventh largest building company in the completely owned by domestic capital to achieve this position. Czech Republic and the largest domestic exporter of In order to further develop in the Czech Republic as well as construction work. With its plants and establishments, TCHAS abroad, it urgently needed the financial backing and know-how operates in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland. In 2007, of a strong construction group. With EIFFAGE, number seven in the company won first place in the Exporter of the Year, Europe, we are rising to another level of thinking - besides competition 2005-2006 Increase in Exports category. In the development in branches where we have the expertise, we can same year, the company further augmented the exports for start considering for example participation in PPP (Public Private which it had been awarded the above-mentioned prize by Partnership) projects, of which EIFFAGE has wide experience in another 100%, to about EUR 90 million. We talked with the France, Spain, Portugal, and other countries. We are currently Managing Director and Chief Executive of the company, Mr Jaroslav Paclt, about business in the Czech Republic and abroad.

Your building activities are extensive. Which part of the construction works is a priority for you? We have three traditional pillars of our activities, which are rail construction, water projects, and buildings and structures. It is so not only on the Czech construction market, but also in Slovakia and Poland, where we have been successfully operating for several years.

What major building projects are you carrying out at present? Among the most important transport contracts in the Czech Republic I can mention the electrification and modernisation of two railways in , which we have realised in the position of a general supplier. In Prague, we have -Mošnov Airport completed one of the most modern washers of rolling stock in Europe. Abroad, we have reconstructed the seeking engagement in PPP projects announced in Slovakia, and Slovak railway junction Poprad-Tatry. In Poland, we are hoping that similar ones will soon appear in the Czech Republic, continuing the modernisation of the LOT A Siedlce - Luków where we also want to be active in this area. railway section, which is a part of the Trans-European Railway Corridor II from Berlin to Moscow. In the area of water What is crucial for successful exports? management projects, we have started an extensive At the very beginning of its business activities TCHAS decided reconstruction of the sewerage networks and sewage to disregard national borders. The company is based in Ostrava, treatment plants in Karviná and Kravaře, worth a total of EUR and thus we have focused on the close territories of Slovakia 59.2 million. New sewerage systems are also being built in and Poland. In both countries we work by means of local several stages in Rybnik, Poland, and in the Trnava region in specialised firms that we have entered with out capital. This has Slovakia. A very interesting project was a bypass canal on the proved useful. On foreign markets, we always employ people Morava River to protect the Moravian town of Olomouc against from the given country. And not just manual workers; in Polish floods, which was completed in 2007. In the segment of and Slovak firms, e.g., we leave the former managers in their buildings and structures, a major project was the construction posts. At the same time we are trying to keep a balance of 493 flats within the Jégého alej residential complex in between our three basic building commodities, i.e. rail Bratislava for a private investor, FINEP. We are constructing the construction, water projects, and construction of buildings. Science Faculty of Palacký University with a consortium of contractors in Olomouc, and completing an addition to the What will the year 2008 bring for the TCHAS AVION Shopping Park for another private investor - Inter IKEA construction firm? Centre - in Ostrava. Each of these constructions is worth about We expect a year of great opportunities and continuing EUR 35.2 million. development in construction. For example, rail contracts being prepared in Poland in connection with the modernisation of the In 2007, the French EIFFAGE construction group Polish transport infrastructure before the 2012 European became a strategic investor in TCHAS. What does Football Championships appear very interesting. this mean for your firm?

In its sixteen years of its existence, TCHAS has become one of Naďa Vávrová Photo: TCHAS archives

| 12 CZECH TOP

Overview of 20th-Century Czech Architecture

Radomíra Sedláková, National Gallery in Prague, e-mail: [email protected], www.ngprague.cz

The 20th century brought an in a way random. There unprecedented acceleration in all areas are scores and scores of human activity, including architecture of interesting and and construction. extraordinary buildings in At the beginning of the 20th century, the Czech Republic. new movements were still reverberating in architecture. was At the Beginning dominant, decorating buildings’ façades there was Art with its winding flowers and Nouveau and sculpturesque female figures. In The first years of the contrast, the close of the century was century were a time of characterised by a medley of styles, rivalry between Art dominated by purism of shape and Nouveau and cubism. An material, glass and steel cubes. In spite example of Art Nouveau of the long list of styles that appeared in architecture of that time is the 20th century, structures can be Prague’s magnificent Main divided into two main groups. One Railway Station (architect group encompasses all that is based on J. Fanta, 1901 – 1909), historical monastic heritage, the other where buoyant Art includes all that sought to adopt a new Nouveau playfulness approach and can be included under the complements the grand inexplanatory yet pregnant title: Modern style of the metal platform Architecture. roof structure, which spans Buildings constructed in cubist style 33.3 m (J. Marjánko and were built at the time when Art Nouveau R. Kornfeld, 1905 – 1906). was at its peak. The first functionalistic Cubism is represented for structures date back to the same period instance by the House of Main Railway Station in Prague as decorative structures. the Black Madonna in founded on never left the Prague (architect J. Gočár, 1911 – 1912). buildings of a very decorative style. scene. All elements are mingled, This building, located on a modest corner However, the European trend in general sometimes recurring, mutually allotment, sports a façade of angulated was heading rather towards smooth, influencing one another. With the pillars, capitals, window sills, and pure, and plain buildings expressing gradual expansion of information windows crowned by two floors of function and structure. Functionalism channels, architecture clearly became angulated dormer windows. Today it became widespread by the middle of the more and more international, though it houses the Museum of Czech Cubism of 20th century. never lost its immediate connection with the National Gallery in Prague. After the On the 10th anniversary of the a particular place. independent had been existence of the state, two complexes of Each selection which aims to present established in 1918, the new state identical purpose and function were the most important examples of Czech began to seek its own style of "devoted" to the occasion – the architecture of the 20th century is architecture. Attempts were made at Veletržní palác (Trade Fair Palace) in Prague (architects O. Tyl and J. Fuchs, 1925 – 1928) and the entire premises of the Výstaviště Brno (Exhibition Centre), the construction of which was the work of many architects (1926 – 1928). These buildings were founded on a new poetic flawlessness of reinforced-concrete structure. The structure of Prague’s Veletržní palác is straight, while the Brno Výstaviště boasts a dominant dome structure comprised of parabolic cross- beams. Shortly before that, the building of the Průmyslová škola (Industrial School) was erected in Mladá Boleslav

Industrial School in Mladá Boleslav Photo: ©copy Nakladatelství Titanic

| 14 CZECH BUILDING INDUSTRY

(architect Jiří Kroha, 1924 – 1926). The J. Krauz, 1954 – 1955) - a grand The architectural design of this building’s purpose was to serve future classicist composition in the centre of structure is timeless, as if from another technicians of general specialisation and a newly established town. world - a world with sophisticated offer them a dynamic building, highly technology and yet perfectly integrated expressive, plastic with a varied study European Style and the Return in its natural surroundings. It appears as programme, which is still available today. to Tradition if the architect (K. Hubáček, 1933 – The thirties are perhaps best Fortunately, the trend rather tended to 1970) had only slightly elongated and finished off the mountain peak. The Prague underground followed in second place (the first stations were opened in 1975).

Postmodernism and Neofunctionalism The last quarter of the century offers an abundance of interesting architecture: the ČKD House (Dům ČKD) in Prague - an icon of postmodern and neofunctionalistic architecture (architects J. and A. Šrámek, 1972 – 1983), the House of Culture in Teplice with its uncommonly simple design (architect K. Hubáček, 1988) complemented by a grand glass Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry in Prague colonnade (architect O. Binar), and the so-called (Tančící dům) in characterised by the construction of the follow the European direction and at the Prague, built at the close of the century town of Zlín, closely linked to the end of the fifties, architecture began to (architects F. O. Gehry and V. Milunič, development of the Baťa company, revert to its former tradition. At the 1989 – 1996) - the first great feat on the which created its own construction style: same time, new methods of construction domestic scene by an architect of world a building with a monolith reinforced- and new construction materials were renown and exceptional in terms of concrete skeleton structure with brick sought after that would enable greater sculptural architecture. window sills and metal windows – precision and speed of construction. a system used for factory, school, and Unfortunately these efforts led to sterile boarding school buildings (architects production of boring F. L. Gahura, V. Karfík). residential panel buildings, although non- From Functionalism to Realism residential structures The period following World War II was built at that time were marked by a change in the social make- interesting to a certain up of the country. At first, a number of degree. Such buildings buildings were still designed in the include, for instance, fading functionalistic style – among the Institute of them the so-called Koldům in Litvínov Macromolecular (architects E. Linhart, V. Hilský, 1947 – Chemistry in Prague 1959), the design of which won world (architect K. Prager), renown due to its functional which was the first to arrangement as well as its poetics. Soon, incorporate light drape however, historicist structures began to partitions, designed and appear under the so-called socialist produced at the Institute realism and prototype designs were itself. readily served up by the Soviet Union. When the decision was Although this was a short chapter, it being taken in the marked the face of Czech towns, Czech Republic on especially residential buildings. As for which building deserves non-residential structures, far more were to be awarded as designed than were in fact erected. Building of the Century, Characteristic works of this period the title went include the Prague Hotel International unanimously to the (architect F. Jeřábek, 1953 – 1958) and, television tower and the for instance, the House of Culture hotel situated on Ještěd (Kulturní dům) in Ostrov (architect Mountain near Liberec. The Dancing House Photo: ©copy Nakladatelství Titanic

15 | CZECH TOP

Prize for Professionality and Beauty

The best constructions erected on the territory of the Czech and structures have been evaluated in the competition. A total Republic in the year 2007 competed for the fifteenth time for of seventy of these can pride themselves on the title the prestigious Construction of the Year prize, which is awarded Construction of the Year. by the Architecture and Building Foundation (ABF, a.s.). Every An expert jury judged the buildings according to the following year the title is awarded to five structures, without distinction of criteria: architectural impression of the work, general benefit, their order, as an appreciation of the universal quality of the quality of construction work, appropriateness of the use of completed work of construction – architecture. building materials and products, professional aspects of integration of the building work with the given environment, Professional Prowess Combines with Quality and duration of construction work, achieved quality of construction Beauty in relation to total cost, satisfaction of builder and user, and In the fifteen years of its existence, more than 700 buildings standard of investor‘s concept.

The title Construction of the Year 2007 in the Czech Republic has been awarded to:

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Prague Contractor: Metrostav a.s. Designer: DŮM A MĚSTO architects – studio Investor: KARMELITSKÁ HOTEL, s.r.o.

Architecturally unique sensitive reconstruction of a complex of diverse historical buildings, with regard to the exacting new building input.

Airport Terminal Brno Contractor: Consortium of firms: Kaláb – stavební firma s.r.o. Přemysl Veselý – stavební a inženýrská činnost s.r.o., Brno Designer: FA PAROLLI, s.r.o. Investor: South Moravia Region, Department of Regional Development Original architectural work symbolising the aerodynamic nature of fast movement, with regard to the structural solution.

Archdiocese Museum Olomouc, 2nd stage Contractor: UNISTAV a.s. Designer: HŠH ARCHITEKTI, s.r.o. Investor: Muzeum umění Olomouc (Olomouc Museum of Art) Unique complex of buildings used for cultural purposes, with regard to the mode of the linking of historical and new structures.

New headquarters of the ČSOB bank Contractor: Skanska CZ a.s., Project Development Division Designer: AP – Atelier, s.r.o. Investor: ČSOB, a.s. Rare and non-traditional office buildings with prominent environmental aspects, with regard to the required and achieved friendliness of the workplace.

Cycle bridge across the Vltava River, in E. Pitter Street Contractor: JHP spol. s r.o. Architect: Prof. Ing. Jiří Stráský, CSc. Designer: Atelier 8000 s.r.o. Investor: Statutory town of České Budějovice Dynamic, entirely modern and artistically very impressive bridge structure, with regard to the friendly size of the construction.

Naďa Vávrová (Source: ABF Foundation) Photo: ABF archives

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Most Beautiful Wooden House of the Year 2007

Wooden houses are steadily strengthening (Dřevostavby) Fair. The competition is the competition was prepared by the fair their position in this country. This has been aimed at providing a survey of existing organiser Terinvest with a support of the one of the reasons for the birth of the wooden houses and enhancing the Dřevo pro život (Wood for Life) Most Beautiful Wooden Building of the favourable perception of this modern Foundation and the company Xella Year competition, as a fringe programme technology of construction of residential Trockenbau-Systeme Praha, spol. s r.o. at the international Wooden Buildings and public buildings. The second year of

Award-winning Designs in the 2nd Year of the Most Beautiful Wooden Building Competition

The category of prefabricated structure a generously conceived modern make it possible to use sunshine to heat of wooden houses has been won by the spacious house full of light, designed the house. The advantage of the Artexa Praha, s.r.o. company according to the Feng Shui concepts. In structure is an easy access to all the e-mail: [email protected] summer, the dominant windows of the rooms, which are situated along the www.artexa.cz house are protected by partly sliding semi-atrium living area (the nodal part slatted shutters preventing excessive of the composition). The impression of The Jantar (Amber) family house is heat gain. In winter, the large windows the space is enhanced by large glazed walls, which open for direct access to a garden or terrace. A natural and delightful effect is achieved by the wooden facing of the facades, which underscores the environmental and natural aspects of the wooden building. The house is designed as an energy- saving structure with thickened insulation and triple window glazing, with a heat-recovery ventilation system by a recuperation unit, the so-called low-energy house.

The category of log structure of wooden houses has been won by the Haniš - Srubové domy s.r.o. company e-mail: [email protected] www.srubovedomy.cz

A single-storey log house, with living space in the attic and no cellar floor, is situated on the outskirts of the village of Solnice (Kvasiny), on a mild slope below a forest. The simple form of the log house with a saddle roof is dominated by a front glazed gable wall facing south, towards the road. Both the exterior and interior were designed in such a way as to meet the investor’s requirement to achieve the optimum ratio of construction price - maximum living area - low energy costs of use - practical function - appearance. Photos: Terinvest archives

Source: Terinvest

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KMB SENDWIX – Clever Masonry

KM Beta a. s., e-mail: [email protected], www.kmbeta.cz

KM Beta is a traditional Czech producer of concrete roofing systems and the largest Czech manufacturer of sand-lime blocks. Attention in its production is paid to both environmental and energy aspects. This is why it has placed on the market its unique certified multi-layer wall system KMB SENDWIX, which is an effective solution to several technical problems.

Thermal Insulation and Storage, No Health Hazards KMB SENDWIX provides a high thermal accumulation of masonry, which makes it possible to easily overcome day and night temperature fluctuations and in the transitional periods, such as spring and autumn, to use buildings without turning on the heating. At the same time it significantly helps to prevent overheating of the interior during hot summer days. Thanks to the extraordinary volume weight of the sand-lime blocks, this masonry is notable for high heat storage, excellent noise control, is safe, and has favourable parameters of moisture absorption and emission. Another significant property is the very low level of radioactive elements in the Multilayer SENDWIX masonry construction material. To give an example, the upper limit according to standards is I=0.5, the value measured on KMB SENDWIX masonry was I=0.18. sand-lime blocks of a high strength and contact mineral insulation, KMB SENDWIX only 240 mm thickness. On the exterior, L – ventilated structure covered with Cost-Saving and Effectiveness this load-bearing masonry is faced with a cladding of architectural jointed sand- Sand-lime blocks have ergonomic pockets a thermal-insulation envelope of 100 to lime bricks. which greatly facilitate manipulation 240 mm thickness, in the following during building. The vertical surface of the options: KMB SENDWIX P – contact blocks is constructed as a tongue and stabilised polystyrene; KMB SENDWIX M – groove system for "dry" jointing. The masonry from the blocks is built with thin- layer mortar and merely 2 millimetre bed jointing. These parameters of KMB About KM Beta a. s. Company SENDWIX masonry walls obviously bring KM Beta was founded in 1996 and followed in the many years‘ tradition of the high productivity in building. A normal manufacture of sand-lime bricks and concrete roofing systems in south Moravia. This building is thus assembled from blocks of dated back to 1912, when a plant manufacturing sand-lime bricks was built at Bzenec- only three shapes and system lintels. Přívoz. This factory was based close to a large site of wind-blown silica sands, which has been serving an optimum raw material resource to this day. The site is well-known Variability of Masonry for its quality sands of uniform grain size, which allows a high quality of products to be The above-mentioned facts show clearly achieved. The construction of a concrete roofing manufacturing plant began at Bzenec- that this masonry wall system supports Přívoz in 1982, and production of the roofing material was launched in 1983. A second current purpose-oriented and cost- plant producing concrete roofing systems was built in Kyjov in 1988-1989. effective trends. The load bearing After acquiring these plants, the KM Beta firm has further modernised its production structure of the outer shell is formed by and developed it up to the present level. Photo: KM Beta archives

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UNISTAV’s Building Works Range from an Aqua Park in Prague to a Factory in Russia

UNISTAV was founded in 1990 and currently ranks among leading construction companies in the Czech Republic. It operates chiefly as an all- round contractor not only for new construction, but also for the renovation of residential, public, and industrial buildings as well as civil engineering infrastructure.

From Housing Complexes to a Water Park Over the period of its operation in the construction market, UNISTAV has built as a general contractor more than 170 constructions all over the Czech Republic - from residential complexes and family homes, to industrial buildings, Visualisation of a water park hypermarkets and health facilities, to reconstructions of historical buildings. attractions, the complex will house UNISTAV and the integral financing by One of its major contracts is for the a sauna, a fitness and wellness centre, two means of a single credit contract. EGAP completion of an aqua park and hotel restaurants, and several bars. Two multi- also worked together with foreign next to Prague’s Průhonice-Čestlice storey car parks will be available for the insurance companies, namely EULER commercial zone. The construction started visitors of the commercial and leisure area. HERMES and COFACE, which shared the in May 2007 and the complex is to be The hotel will have 240 double rooms, risk of the transaction by insuring their opened for the public in 2008. The work parking for 118 vehicles, a restaurant, bar, national shares, i.e. the supplies of is worth about EUR 50 million. and a congress centre. German and French firms. Major The water park consists of three European insurance houses thus thematic sections linked by an artificial Gofrokarton - Factory confirmed their confidence in the entire river: The Palace of Waves, the Palace of Manufacturing Packaging financial structure. The factory in the town Adventure, and the Palace of Relaxation. Material in Russia of Dmitrov currently manufactures Besides classical interior and exterior UNISTAV won the contract to build the environmentally-friendly cardboard factory in 2004 and the construction was packaging on new technology in the new completed in December buildings. 2006. The contract was unique, as it was carried Construction of the Year Award out through the first UNISTAV has won the Construction of the ever multi-source Year title several times. In 2005, e.g., it financing of exports in succeeded in the competition with the the history of the Czech construction of Mendel University of Republic involving Agriculture and Forestry in Brno. The Czech financial company won the award for creating institutions, where the a completely modern university complex cooperating partners with respect to urban development were the Komerční solutions and interior space design. In banka bank and 2007, the prize was awarded to the the EGAP (Export construction of the Archdiocese Museum Guarantee and in Olomouc, for the creation of a unique Insurance Corporation). complex of buildings used for cultural Also unique was the purposes, with regard to the mode of the joining of six prominent linking of historical and new structures. suppliers from various countries in a single Naďa Vávrová consortium led by Source: UNISTAV

Gofrokarton factory in Russia archives Photo: UNISTAV

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New Technologies and Trends

Jaroslava Ledererová, Michaela Suchardová, Research Institute of Building Materials, e-mail: [email protected], [email protected], www.vustah.cz

Development in the area of building programme (Ministry of Industry and Materials completed a project within the materials has largely been based on an Trade). Impulse programme (Ministry of Industry increasing production of existing and Trade), which resolved the classical building materials by well- Environmental Trends technology of production of structural- established technologies. However, the A global effort is aimed at the insulation and heat-resistant composites present period sees a rising demand for economical use of non-renewable replacing unsuitable asbestos and innovative technologies based on the natural resources, i.e. at their more asbestos-cement products. The new output of research and development. effective utilisation. This includes products are resistant without change to Applied research and development in reducing the surplus of building permanent heat stress and thermal construction in the Czech Republic is materials at construction sites, reducing shocks of temperatures of up to 700 °C, concentrated especially at two research building waste and pressing for its which allows their use for instance in the facilities - Výzkumný ústav stavebních repeated use. A contribution to the glass industry. hmot, a. s. Brno (Research Institute of saving of non-renewable natural Building Materials in Brno), and resources is the exploitation of Alternative Bonding Agents Centrum stavebního inženýrství, a. s. secondary materials, which can be used The issue of alternative bonds is focused Praha (Centre of Construction with a certain economic effect in especially on inorganic polymer materials Engineering in Prague). It is also construction as bonding agents, which, dependent on the origin of the conducted at research sites in the additives and fillers, especially for the material, are characterised by high business sector, and at all the three manufacture of light and ultra strength, and resistance to fire and high faculties of civil engineering - at the lightweight artificial aggregates, various temperatures, acids and bacteria. Similar Czech Technical University in Prague, types of concrete and products of properties can be attained through the Brno University of Technology, and concrete, cement, dry mixes, etc. alkali-activated slag. This area includes the Technical University of Ostrava, Technologies using secondary raw research into new types of cements – which are engaged especially in basic materials can help improve the use limestone slag cement (slow-setting and research in this area. qualities of the final product and, in strength-increasing), sulphate slag some cases, contribute to the reduction cement (with greater resistance to soft Increasing the Long-term of the volume of emissions. Attention is and high-sulphate waters, organic acids Durability of Construction also being given to the replacement of and oils) and calcium sulphoaluminate Products gravel-sand by finely crushed stone, with cement (non-permeable and resistant to Durability performance is the basic regard to the limited usability of most sulphate corrosion). Research is also economic and ecological prerequisite for gravel-sand deposits because of focused on metakaolin as a partial the practical use of building materials. farmland protection. replacement of cement, the use of which The objects of study in this respect are is to help achieve long-term durability of especially the causes and effects of Applications of Composite concrete, reduced permeability by volume changes and corrosion of Materials solutions and gases, and control of building materials. The effects of volume A major current trend is the use of alkali-silica reaction and efflorescence. changes caused by the utilisation of composites, where the wide range of The use of clay for construction purposes various types of secondary materials are various mineral admixtures and chemical is also being examined. being studied by workers of the additives makes it possible to prepare Research Institute of Building Materials, materials of a non-traditional Futuristic Inorganic-Organic within the VEZPOM (Research in composition to meet exactly the users‘ Copolymers Ecological Processing of Industrial Waste requirements. The possibilities of Research in this area is focused for Materials) project funded by the Czech creating various special matrices from example on the study of the composition Ministry of Education. The same institute raw materials available on the Czech and structure of vegetable and animal is conducting research into the market are being sought and tested in biomaterials of outstanding physical and resistance of building materials to response to the requested parameters. In mechanical properties, which had been biocorrosion, within the Tandem 2007, the Research Institute of Building optimised by nature over hundreds of thousands of years. The outcome of At the present time, research and development is concentrated especially these studies can be applied for instance on increasing the long-term durability performance of construction products and to research into concrete without macrodefects, and other similar the thermal insulation properties. It is also focused on environmental trends, and on problems. the application of composite materials and alternative bonding agents.

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Poll of Successful Companies Operating in the Building Industry

Building Companies

GEOSAN GROUP a. s.

U Nemocnice 430, 280 02 Kolín III, phone: +420 246 006 111, fax: +420 246 006 000, e-mail: [email protected], www.geosan-group.cz

Turnover (2006): CZK 6.5 billion – approx. EUR 229.3 million Number of employees: 286 Contact: Ms Vlasta Končelová, e-mail: [email protected]

The GEOSAN GROUP joint stock company is a Czech construction firm. It operates mainly as a general building contractor, not only in Czech territory. The results of its work implement the ideas of private and public investors, by the use of modern methods and procedures respecting the environment.

You are currently constructing a cultural centre in Tunis. Can you provide details of the project?

The cultural centre will be a feature visible already from afar. It will Photo: GEOSAN GROUP archives be dominated by a 70-metre-high observation tower topped by Visualisation of the cultural centre in Tunis a glass and steel dome 20 metres in diameter, which will house a café. Visitors will thus have a view of the whole of Tunis and an Central Park Praha, at the boundary of Žižkov and Vinohrady near adjacent lake from a pleasant environment. Furthermore, the Parukářka Park in Prague. The Central Park Praha project will complex of the centre, including access driveways, parking lots, comprise 550 residential homes, and will be the largest project of gardens and fountains are situated on an area of 90 000 square luxury housing in the Czech Republic, at a total investment of metres. approx. EUR 132 million. Investor of this major project is the Tunisian Ministry of Culture In January 2008, the company signed a new work contract for and Heritage Preservation. The contract with GEOSAN GROUP a. the Cidlina project. According to this contract, won by GEOSAN s., which won an international tender, was signed on 5 January GROUP in a tender, the joint stock company will build sewage 2006, construction began in March, the period of the contract treatment plants and sewerage systems in the conurbation of Jičín, implementation is two years and a half, so that the cultural centre Lázně Bělohrad, Miletín, Pecka, Libáň, and Ostroměř. The investor of the Republic of Tunisia is to be finished in the second half of is Vodohospodářská a obchodní společnost, a. s. (Water 2008. The total amount of the project equals about EUR 49 million. Management and Trade Company), and the project will be co- The unique nature of the complex is underscored mainly by the funded by a subsidy from the EU, namely the Cohesion Fund, in the concert and theatre halls with the capacities of 1800, 700, and 300 amount of EUR 11.136 million, a loan of EUR 0.8 million from the seats, the execution of which is amongst the most difficult parts of State Environment Fund (SFŽP), and from the investor’s own the construction in both technical and artistic terms. Interior and sources to the tune of EUR 13 million. The total investment is thus exterior decorations are also quite exacting. The designed worth almost EU 25 million. ornamentation reflects the local cultural heritage and traditions. An This project, which is the largest in the history of interesting feature is the incorporation of original grown palms in Vodohospodářská a obchodní společnost, a.s. and one of the the interior of the entrance hall. largest current investments in the Hradec Králové Region, will bring the construction of more than 55 km of sewers, and the What further interesting contracts do you have for reconstruction and building of 6 sewage treatment plants. This will 2008? considerably contribute to environmental protection in the area of The completion of the largest project in the current Czech market the Bohemian Paradise, and especially the Cidlina River, which of residential real estate - the construction of a new quarter, belongs to the Labe River basin.

OHL ŽS, a. s.

Burešova 938/17, 660 02 Brno, phone: +420 541 571 111, fax: +420 541 212 166, e-mail: [email protected], www.ohlzs.cz

OHL ŽS, a.s. is a dynamic multi-profession company with more international Spanish construction and investment group OHL. than fifty years‘ tradition. It ranks among the largest and most In 2007, the sales of OHL ŽS, a.s. increased by 16%, according important building firms in the Czech Republic. It is part of the to international accounting standards. One quarter of the

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company’s sales were generated abroad. Currently OHL ŽS, a.s. has two divisions specialising in the construction of buildings and transport projects.

Could you mention your latest major foreign building contracts? These undoubtedly include the reconstruction of the Mezötúr – Gyoma railway. This involves modernisation of a part of the International Rail Transit Corridor crossing Hungary. We are executing it together with the OHL ŽS Középszolg subsidiary, according to FIDIC (International Federation of Consulting Engineers) conditions. The construction will start in March 2008. Another major contract is the water and sewerage network in Ruse (Bulgaria). It consists of reconstruction and Photo: OHL ŽS archives extension of the existing networks, including the construction A new university campus in Brno of ducts. The Ruse investment is financed by the Ministry of Regional Development and Construction and ISPA (Instrument Montenegro. They are executed through export and for Structural Policies for Pre-Accession, EU). The second part of commercial credits which are provided to foreign partners of the works was launched at the beginning of 2008. The third ČEB (Czech Export Bank) and guaranteed by EGAP (Export major current project is a motorway from Baku to the Russian Guarantee and Insurance Corporation). Similar models are Federation border (Azerbaijan), which combines being prepared and negotiated in countries of central and a reconstruction and the construction of new sections in southeast Europe. a difficult terrain. The works are divided into three constructions in a total length of 90 km, in an 8-degree earthquake zone. Turnover: CZK 10. 2 billion – approx. EUR 360.08 million Number of employees: 1 852 What successes can you report at present? Contact: Mr Zdeněk Zedníček, e-mail: [email protected] They are primarily the project for the motorway in Baku, and Exports: 25.1%, Slovakia, Hungary, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, the reconstruction of the Podgorica – Nikšić railway in Croatia, Montenegro

Producers of Building Materials

ŽPSV a. s.

Třebízského 207, 68724 Uherský Ostroh, phone: +420 572 419 311, fax: +420 572 419 308, e-mail: [email protected], www.zpsv.cz

Turnover (2007): CZK 1.5 billion - approx. EUR 57.7 million Contact: Mr Michal Šůcha, e-mail: [email protected] Exports: approx. 10%, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Serbia

The ŽPSV joint stock company has 55 years’ experience in the manufacture of prefabricated reinforced concrete elements, especially for railway construction. In the last few years its operations have extended to the construction of roads and buildings, and the production of crushed aggregates. Since 2003, ŽPSV has been a member of the Spanish OHL construction group, which gave an impulse for the company’s expansion to southeast Europe. Capacities are to be added to the existing plant making concrete sleepers in Varna,

Bulgaria, to produce prefabricated railway elements and parts Photo: ŽPSV archives of skeleton structures. The company has about 750 employees. Construction of a hall-type building

Could you briefly introduce your production sleepers, an important line in our range is the production of programme? switch sleepers, which can be made to order according to Our fundamental programme is the production of cross railway customer specifications. sleepers from pre-stressed concrete, labelled B 91, which are Rail support panels are also being developed for tram lines, manufactured in three plants in the Czech Republic, one plant especially the light B 03 sleeper, which can be used for light in Slovakia and one in Bulgaria. The product is fully competitive railway or municipal transport. all over Europe, in the construction of the high-speed tracks of European railway corridors. They have proved their reliability in Could you mention your major foreign contracts of more than 10 years on the railways of the Czech Republic, the present time? Slovakia, Hungary, and Bulgaria. The sleeper is compatible with Major contracts include the supplies of cross and switch panels all well-known types of rail attachments, and is designed for for the modernised corridors of the Slovak railways, and the normally used types of rails. Besides the above-mentioned cross delivery of B 91 sleepers being prepared for Hungary. Demand

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has also recovered for sleepers from the manufacturing plant in elements is being negotiated in Serbia, with the intention to Varna, and the sale of about 50 000 is expected in 2008. The invest in the modernising of the existing capacities and start the acquisition of a manufacturing plant of prefabricated skeleton manufacture of switch sleepers there.

Wienerberger cihlářský průmysl, a. s.

Plachého 388/ 28, 370 46 České Budějovice, phone: +420 383 826 111; fax: +420 383 826 115, e-mail: [email protected], www.wienerberger.cz

Number of employees: approx. 700 What successes Contact: Mr Richard Slavík, have you e-mail: [email protected] achieved lately? Ten years ago, the The Wienerberger company has been operating in the Czech firm became general Republic since 1992 and currently is the largest producer of partner to the burnt bricks in the country. Its production range is centred on Competition of the comprehensive POROTHERM brick system (bricks for Building Trades external and internal walls, ceramic ceilings and lintels, mortar Apprentices. The and plaster), and to complement it is supplying ceramic tiles idea was not only to and facing bricks of the TERCA Klinker brand. The firm’s know- acquaint students how is applied to manufacture quality products from quality with new techno- Czech materials for the Czech market, with the use of modern logies and technologies, knowledge, and experience of Czech experts. procedures, but also

to restore the good Cross section of a Wienerberger brick house Photo: Wienrberger cihlářský průmysl archives What new technologies are you using in the name of the branch production? and increase the awareness of vocational education. After ten Particularly appreciated is the start of the production of years of cooperation, it can be stated that the competition has POROTHERM CB ground bricks in a new plant in Jezernice. gained considerable prestige. More than 2 700 students of These bricks are revolutionary thanks to the unique technology Czech, Slovak, German, and Polish schools have participated in of thin joint systems where the bed joint is only one millimetre it over the years of its existence. Another success is that the wide. This makes construction more accurate and reduces costs. company still maintains its leading position in the brick products The high interest of builders confirms that this has been a step market. This does not reflect only a quantity placed in the in the right direction. A further improvement of the technology market, but above all a quality that is being permanently is thus being prepared. improved, especially by the development of new products. KERAMOST, a. s.

Žatecká 1899/25, 434 30 Most, phone: +420 476 442 511, fax: +420 476 704 405, e-mail: [email protected], www.keramost.cz

Turnover: approx. CZK 500 million – approx. EUR 17.6 million Number of employees: 340 Contact: Mr Zdeněk Vyskočil, e-mail: [email protected] Exports: 45% - mainly European Union countries

KERAMOST, a. s. is engaged in the quarrying, processing, and treatment of raw materials – namely bentonite, ceramic materials and clays, kaolin, metakaolin, phonolite, aggregates and sand. These products are used in construction, the foundry, geological and ceramic industries, paper industry, etc.

Your production portfolio is wide-ranging. Which Photo: Keramost archives products are used in the construction industry Raw materials quarrying and where? finished products by up to 20% and ensures a high resistance Main products are bentonite and metakaolin - exceptional to the effects of chemicals and pressure water seepage. natural raw materials the use of which for building purposes has been steadily growing since the early 1990s. Bentonites of Which of your products attract special interest of the G series can be used as plastification additive for concrete foreign customers? and plaster, sealing of buildings and water works, earth The greatest interest is in the above-mentioned products – stabilising injections, hydroinsulation materials, etc. The metakaolin and G type bentonites, precisely for their second remarkable product is metakaolin, which can be used extraordinary properties. The highest demand for these in the construction industry as additive to concrete, mortar products is primarily in the west European markets, but and plaster, where it increases the mechanical strength of expansion is also being planned to other parts of the world.

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Fairs and Exhibitions in the Building Industry Sector in 2008

MY HOUSE, MY CASTLE Official participation of the Czech Republic in international 16th general building exhibition and best exhibit and best trade fairs and exhibitions abroad exposition competitions. 1 - 4 May 2008 Litoměřice – Exhibition Grounds Kunming – China Výstavy spol. s r. o. Czech National Exhibition e-mail: [email protected] 6 – 10 June 2008 www.zahrada.cech.cz www.mpo.cz

FOR ARCH 2008 Ufa-Bashkortostan 19th International Building Fair Czech National Exhibition 23 - 27 September 2008 PVA Letňany 17 – 20 June 2008 ABF, a. s. www.mpo.cz e-mail: [email protected] www.abf.cz JMZV Zagreb International Trade Fair FOR WOOD 2008 16 – 21 September 2008 3rd Fair of Progressive Building from Wood www.mpo.cz 23 - 27 September 2008 PVA Letňany ABF, a. s. Volgograd – Russia e-mail: [email protected] Czech National Exhibition www.abf.cz September www.mpo.cz

TIB Bucharest International Technical Fair 7 – 11 October 2008 www.mpo.cz

Important Contacts

Ministries Ministry of Industry and Trade www.mpo.cz [email protected] Ministry for Regional Development www.mmr.cz [email protected] Associations and Unions Association of Building Industry Contractors in the Czech Republic www.sps.cz [email protected] Centre of Building Construction, Engineering, a.s. (CSI) www.csias.cz [email protected] Czech Chamber of Certified Engineers and Technicians Engaged in Construction www.ckait.cz [email protected] Research Organisations and Institutes Research Institute of Building Materials, a. s. www.vustah.cz [email protected] Construction Technical and Testing Institute Prague, s. p. www.tzus.cz [email protected] PAVUS, a. s. - Construction Fire Attestation and Research Institute www.pavus.cz [email protected] National Research Institute for Materials – SVÚM, a. s. www.svum.cz [email protected] National Research Institute for the Protection of Materials, s. r. o. (SVUOM) www.svuom.cz [email protected] Research Institute of Binding Materials, Prague, spol. s r. o. www.vumo.cz [email protected] Universities Czech Technical University, Faculty of Civil Engineering www.fsv.cvut.cz [email protected] VŠB – Technical University of Ostrava www.fast.vsb.cz [email protected] Academy of Arts, Architecture, and Design Prague www.vsup.cz [email protected] Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Civil Engineering www.fce.vutbr.cz [email protected]

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