An urban-architectural design for a residential block of terraced apartment buildings, situated in the sloping topography of the Za Kalváriou locality in Prešov, incorporating modern community and civic amenities.
Conceptually, our proposal is anchored in several fundamental design principles. These encompass the strategic positioning of the site entrance, the programmatic alignment of an on-grade access street flanking the stream bed, and the integration with a newly proposed pedestrian and cycle path along the primary artery via dedicated linkages. Furthermore, the design addresses legible visitor parking, a mixed-use street-level plinth, and a secure community realm situated on the green roofs of the parking structures, where a strong emphasis is placed on passive social surveillance. This masterplan is complemented by a trio of residential tower blocks, meticulously oriented to optimize solar gain and capture compelling panoramic views. The structural mass is embedded into the toe of the slope to mitigate complex geological conditions, deliberately minimizing the need for massive retaining structures and extensive external vehicular ramps.
The condition of the site is defined by its immediate urban and natural context. The plot is located at the geographical and infrastructural convergence of multiple valleys characterized by detached residential ribbon development. The natural context is dictated by a stream delineating the northern boundary of the site and a steep, north-facing forested slope that yields scenic vistas of the surrounding landscape and cityscape. Conversely, solar orientation operates from an unfavorable angle over the crest of the hill, and the area currently lacks dedicated pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.
Vehicular connectivity is achieved via a road bridge spanning the stream at the corner of the site, adjacent to the existing intersection. The internal circulation framework is organized as a primary street trace parallel to the stream. This spine accommodates vehicular access, surface parking, pedestrian paths, and a dedicated utility green belt, running parallel to the primary facade and the mixed-use plinth of the residential complex.
In the affected area, running parallel to the site and the high-traffic Za Kalváriou street, we propose the implementation of a combined pedestrian and cycle path, connected to the forecourt of the new development by a lightweight pedestrian bridge over the stream. This access street motif is pivotal to our design typology. It provides direct entry to three semi-subterranean parking levels, as well as to three independent vertical circulation cores. Rising above these cores are three residential blocks—Towers A, B, and C—corresponding with the three planned phases of construction. The capacity requirements stipulated in the brief have been strictly fulfilled, providing 152 parking stalls within the sub-grade structures and 44 on-grade spaces within the building's forecourt.
Access to the community deck for the wider local public is provided via external staircases from the street, complemented by barrier-free access from the flanks of the development via integrated terrain pathways. The vertical grade separation of this podium level from the street forecourt and the heavily trafficked surroundings of Za Kalváriou Street enhances both privacy and passive social control. This level is seamlessly integrated into an inviting, landscaped community roofscape with a central pedestrian promenade. From this secure community realm, paths extend further up the slope toward the woodland and recreational vantage points on the hillside.
The massing and articulation of the three residential towers directly respond to the objective of ensuring adequate solar exposure for all residential units while framing compelling views of the natural landscape. The geometric configuration of the structures satisfies the brief's program regarding the volume and mix of typologies, while providing a significant amenity for larger units in the form of south-facing roof terraces. Through the horizontal spatial and material decoupling of the three residential towers from the parking plinth and the community deck above it, the design mitigates the volumetric scale of the development, preventing a monumental expression. The six storeys of the striking residential towers appear to float elegantly above their podium, set against the backdrop of the forested hillside.
Braňo Hovorka, Martin Paulíny, Rado Krajňak, Karol Ličko, Petra Sitárová
competition design
2026
