Innovation and Business Incubator

Project idea

The Innovation & Entrepreneurship Incubator is a new building located within the former Nickel Smelter site in Sereď. The project creates a contemporary environment for startups, innovation, research, and collaboration while responding to the industrial character of the area. Its objective is to support the development of new ideas, foster entrepreneurship, and contribute to the transformation of the former industrial site into a vibrant innovation hub.

Project description

The project introduces a new Innovation & Entrepreneurship Incubator designed around three interconnected spatial zones: a working zone, a public zone, and a green buffer zone. The working zone accommodates coworking spaces, startup offices, meeting rooms, a prototype workshop, and supporting facilities, creating a flexible environment for innovation, research, and entrepreneurship. The public zone includes a multifunctional hall, presentation spaces, and a café, providing opportunities for networking, public events, and interaction between the startup community and visitors. Separating these functions is a green buffer zone formed by tall interior vegetation integrated within the building. This landscaped space acts as a natural transition between the public and working environments, improving privacy, visual comfort, and indoor microclimate while strengthening the connection between architecture and nature.

Technical information

The building is designed as a lightweight steel structure with a distinctive sawtooth roof inspired by the site's industrial architecture. A key architectural and functional element is the elevated side passage inspired by the original industrial conveyor systems. This circulation spine connects the incubator with two adjacent startup buildings, creating a unified complex of three interconnected structures. The industrial character of the building is further complemented by a double-skin façade system with integrated vegetation. Acting as a climatic buffer, the façade improves thermal comfort, enhances natural ventilation, and reduces solar heat gain while maintaining visual transparency. Together with generous daylight access and integrated photovoltaic systems within the sawtooth roof structure, the façade contributes to the building's energy efficiency and long-term environmental sustainability.

Documentation

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