Reynaers supplies bespoke aluminium systems for Prague’s Crystal building

Prague’s desirable Vinohrady district has got a striking new addition to its skyline – The Crystal offices, a project that demonstrate how far boundaries can be pushed with aluminium curtain walling to create original spaces and bespoke shapes.

Crystal is made up of two main parts, which together create a compact unit. They are sliced by a striking sharp chasm, leading to the inspiration behind the name. Supported by bespoke aluminium systems from Reynaers, the significant height and distinctive shape means that this building has a unique and unexpected look, from every angle.

The innovative build is found beside the busy Vinohradská Boulevard opposite one of Prague’s largest cemeteries, Olšany, and the post-modern 1990s Don Giovanni hotel. It was commissioned by the GES REAL development group and was completed last summer.

High-performance, bespoke glazing solutions were essential to ensure the building’s design features could be met. Its unconventional curtain walling was a unique system from Reynaers, based on its CW 86-EF aluminium curtain wall solution. By using a modular façade, a complete skin for the entire Crystal building was produced. Reynaers’ multi-chamber, high insulation CS 86-HI aluminium floating windows were also included in the build.

The implementation was relatively complex, and some elements had to be custom-made for the project. The shape of the object did not allow the use of standard system profiles, so bespoke elements were designed instead, including corners, gaskets and special glazing beads.

The shape of these profiles was prepared using 3D models of the objects and Reynaers helped to develop a solution that incorporated custom-built drainage modules, used on different aspects of the building, including sloping surfaces.