Reconstruction, adaptation, revitalisation of a historical building.
Project
Dundjerski Palace
Novi Sad
2112 m2
2015/2016
Kataduzo LTD
Intro
Our company owns one of the Dundjerski palaces, an elite building located in the pedestrian zone of Novi Sad, dating from 1853 and covering an area of 2112 m2. We completely restored and adapted this building, which was built in an eclectic style on 3 Kralja Aleksandra Street, giving it a fresh new look.
In 1853 count Adolf Sečanj ordered a project for the construction of a storey building by architect Joseph Wild. 35 years later a plan for the readapation of the building for the new wealthy landowner Lazar Dundjerski was made. We acquired the building in 2008 and began reconstructing, redesigning and adapting by setting up new communication zones and modernizing the installation networks. After signing a contract with the world-renowned brand H&M, we began redesigning and adapting the space to fit their needs.
Project aspects
Design
A particular challenge in the designing of this project was the fact that it needed to be done within a building which holds historical, cultural and artistic value. An eclectic house was supposed to be redesigned to be a business facility satisfying all the conditions dictated by the standard of conducting business of a brand like H&M. The primary goal was to preserve the cultural and historical heritage of the building, which meant that every intervention and addition was carried out without attempting to interpret the historical style, but rather making it possible to clearly distinguish the newly added details from the existing ones.
Works
Description of works carried out: The architectural and structural interventions included covering the atrium with a glass roof, while an independent construction with glass panels was put on the first floor and loft – this intervention unified the space whilst also retaining the feeling and memory of the atrium which once existed. All the installations have been modernized according to H&M standards, and a ventilation system was added, while the interventions on the interior and facade reconstruction were carried out in accordance with the terms laid down by the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments.
Conclusion
The challenge which lay upon us as investors, designers, and supervisors to realize this project in a short time frame was successfully overcome. We applied H&M’s standards of contemporary construction and standards of conducting business to a building with great historical heritage and achieved a perfect product which complements the pedestrian zone of Novi Sad. This is now a building the citizens of Novi Sad take pride in, as well as H&M, and of course Kataduzo, who made this project possible.