In Prague, five years of intensive work saw the completion of a comprehensive redevelopment of the former InterContinental Hotel, one of the most important examples of post-war modernism in the Czech Republic. The building, today operating as the Fairmont Golden Prague, underwent a total transformation, which combined the preservation of the building’s most precious qualities with new architecture, contemporary art and environmentally friendly solutions.
Behind the realisation is a trio of Czech investors: Pavel Baudiš, Eduard Kučera and Oldřich Šlemr. The men decided to save the building from demolition. The project, designed by TaK Architects in collaboration with the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts chain and Metrostav, restored the hotel to its former prestige while opening it up to the city through new public spaces, greenery and a link to the Vltava waterfront.
History of the InterContinental hotel in Prague
The InterContinental was built between 1968 and 1974 as the first five-star hotel in what was then Czechoslovakia. Designed by a team led by Karl Filsak, it was one of the most important examples of Brutalism in this part of Europe. Its construction coincided with a period of great ambition and a desire to showcase indigenous creative potential. The new building on the Vltava River instantly became a symbol of luxury and modern lifestyle. In addition to its hotel function, it served as a venue for meetings, exhibitions and concerts, attracting visitors from all over the world. Despite this considerable prestige, its technical condition deteriorated over the years. The long-awaited modernisation that came in the 1990s, however, was not a saviour, as it stripped the hotel of many of its original details and partially obliterated its unique character.
Transformation at the Fairmont Golden Prague
The new owners, aware of the building’s importance to Prague’s architectural history, decided to restore its value and make it an important point on the city’s map once again. The competition for the modernisation of the iconic building resulted in a proposal from TaK Architects, led by Marek Tichého. The project envisaged not only the renovation of the structure, but also the revitalisation of the entire surroundings and the introduction of new functions. The redevelopment included a new wing with restaurants, a conference hall, a terrace with a swimming pool and open spaces for various forms of recreation.
Opening of the Fairmont Golden Prague to the city
One of the main objectives of the project was to create a closer relationship between the hotel and its surroundings. The new ground floor concept integrates with the space of Pařížská Street, and the glazed facades gradually open towards the Vltava riverfront. Terraces and a sloping green belt that leads towards the river have been integrated into the landscape. In the ground floor, however, an art gallery accessible from the street and Dvořák Boulevard has been arranged. Its space was designed as a meeting place for artists and residents, in keeping with the original spirit of integrating art with architecture.
Arts and crafts in a new form
The reconstruction of the historic building required a combination of conservation work and new artistic realisations. Among others, the ceramic façade by Zbyňek Sekal, the coffered ceiling of the ballroom by Jan Šrámek with chandeliers by René Roubíček and wooden sculptures by Čestmír Kafka and Josef Klimeš were restored. The interiors were also enriched with new works. Jan Kukla created the light installation Heavens consisting of 600 glowing rods, and Martin Janecký designed the glass wall House Signs of Prague. Zdeněk Lhotský, Jan Černohorský and the Czech brands Bomma, Preciosa and Lasvit also participated in the project. As a result, the hotel has once again become a place where architecture and art create a common story.
Ecological solutions in the new hotel
The new Fairmont Golden Prague has been adapted to modern energy efficiency standards. A geothermal system uses energy from the river to heat and cool the interiors. Technologies have also been introduced to recover heat from the kitchen, laundry and wellness area. Gardens have appeared on the roofs and vertical walls of greenery improve air quality and microclimates. In addition, the hotel has rainwater harvesting systems that are used for irrigation.
The future of the Fairmont Golden Prague
The final stage of the development will be the redevelopment of the public space in front of the hotel entrance. An international RaumScape competition was announced this year, in which 197 studios from 42 countries participated. The jury, with the participation of Mark Tichého, selected six teams for the next stage. The results are expected to be announced at the beginning of 2026. The winning design is expected to finally integrate the renovated hotel into the urban fabric and restore this part of Prague to its former status as a place of meeting, culture and architecture of the highest level.
Design: TaK Architects
Redevelopment: 2019-2025
Photos: BoysPlayNice
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