Perspektiv and NOVATOP present a modular system for wooden office buildings

The European market for timber buildings is experiencing dynamic growth. While in Germany or Scandinavia the share of wood in new construction is approximately one fifth, in the Czech Republic it is only 13.6%. However, recent studies confirm that multi-storey wooden buildings can be a way to bring the Czech construction industry closer to European trends. This direction is also supported by NOVATOP BLOCK, which responds to the growing demand for premium office buildings. The NOVATOP system manufacturer developed it in cooperation with the Perspektiv studio and a team of experts in fire safety and structural engineering.

Strong numbers and potential for investors

According to a recent report by IMARC Group, the European market for one of the most progressive building materials – cross-laminated timber (CLT) – will reach 1.9 million m³ in 2024. By 2033, this volume is expected to rise to 4.2 million m³, an annual growth rate of almost 9%. The EOS Annual Report 2023-2024 confirms a similar trend. According to data from the Czech Statistical Office and ADMD, 14,013 houses were completed in the Czech Republic in 2024, of which only 13.6% were timber houses, whereas in Germany, for example, timber accounts for around 22% of new housing construction. In the case of residential buildings in the Czech Republic, the number of projects is only a few per year, while in public buildings it is dozens, most of which are kindergartens, and the use of wood in development projects is still rather marginal.

“The figures clearly show that the Czech market has huge room for growth. Moreover, premium wood rental environments are becoming a sought-after reality and a strategic asset. High-end architecture – aesthetically exceptional and healthy – strengthens the image of tenants, reduces turnover and at the same time brings above-average rents. However, the real transformation of the Czech construction industry towards wooden buildings will require an enlightened approach from investors,” says Jiří Oslizlo, CEO of AGROP NOVA, the manufacturer of the NOVATOP system.

According to a study by global real estate firm CBRE, 32% of European investors are willing to pay a premium price for ESG-friendly assets. Other European studies report average rent increases of 8% and property value growth of 14-16%.

Architecture that admits wood

The architecture, designed by Perspektiv, is based on efficiency, variability and an emphasis on user comfort. The modular concept allows for a flexible interior layout and optimization of both operational and rental space. Wood as the main construction material remains acknowledged in the interior, contributing to the creation of a natural, healthy and high-quality environment. Its texture, scent and warm character have a positive effect on the atmosphere of the space, which promotes concentration, creativity and well-being.

“Our cooperation on the NOVATOP BLOCK system is a continuation of our joint project BudexHUB, where we first met on the topic of design and implementation of wooden buildings. Based on our experience in the design of office buildings and office interiors, we helped define the logic of modulation of the entire system – from the dimensions of individual modules (S, M, L), through column spacing, optimization of the layout grid and facade variants to coordination with the requirements for statics, fire safety or technical equipment of buildings. The result is the NOVATOP BLOCK building system with a high degree of typological flexibility, which enables the rapid construction of office buildings without the need for major modifications. As architects, we brought a practical perspective to the design – that is, how to adjust the construction system to suit the real-life operation of office buildings and their tenants,” says Eva Schilhart Faberová, Senior Architect from Studio Perspektiv, author of the architectural concept of the NOVATOP Block modular system and co-author of the BudexHUB wooden office building.

Hybrid construction with maximum use of wood

BLOCK office buildings are based on a sophisticated hybrid structure that combines a heavy timber frame, CLT panels and sophisticated NOVATOP ribbed ceiling elements with a lightweight envelope of highly prefabricated NOVATOP panels. Reinforced concrete is only used where it has an irreplaceable place. One of the greatest benefits of the BLOCK system is the high proportion of admitted timber in the interior. This key architectural element presented the greatest technical challenge in terms of acoustics, fire safety and the integration of heating, ventilation and cooling systems. Thanks to a sophisticated solution, everything is fully integrated into the structure, allowing the pure design to fully stand out.

“Personally, I believe that for high-rise buildings we should stick to hybrid structures and use wood only where it can fully exploit its strengths. Although Czech legislation allows for the construction of wooden buildings up to 18 metres high, changing the standard alone will not bring a revolution. Investors’ attention should therefore be focused on meaningful buildings up to four storeys. The key is not the number of storeys, but the quality and thoughtful design of construction systems that respect technical, economic and operational requirements. I base this statement on our more than 30 years of experience in the most demanding European markets – especially Switzerland, where quality is the standard, not just an ambition.” adds Radek Oslizlo, Technical Director of NOVATOP, author of the technical concept of the BLOCK system.

AGROP NOVA a.s. is a Czech manufacturing company specializing in the production of three-layer boards and complex building systems under the NOVATOP brand, which successfully competes with leading European players in the field. The history of production of three-layer boards in Pten dates back to 1992 and this product still forms the mainstay of production. The company’s strategy focuses on high quality, which has long proven to be a key argument in business relations, thus positioning AGROP NOVA as a respected partner not only in the Czech Republic but also on the global market.

A strong focus on exports, which today account for approximately 85% of sales, but with the growing popularity of wooden buildings, an increasing share of production remains in the domestic market. The company’s annual sales amount to approximately three quarters of a billion crowns. Key export destinations include mature markets such as Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Italy, France, Norway, USA, Canada and Japan. More than 230 employees currently work at the Ptení production plant, contributing to the company’s high standards and further development.

Today, three men are behind the success of this strong family business – the father and his two sons, Jiří (CEO), Jiří Jr. (COO) and Radek Oslizl (CTO). More at www.novatop-system.cz

About Perspektiv Studio

Since 2015, Perspektiv Architecture and Design Studio is based on a multidisciplinary approach and highly specialized teams with approximately 80 professionals who focus on three main typologies – Interior (offices and other types of commercial real estate) Architecture (residential projects, amenities and international competitions) and Planning (urban planning). The studio also provides in-house design activities in the Engineering team. The quality of the studio’s work has been recognized by more than 20 domestic and international competitions, such as FRAME Award, Dezeen Award, German Design Award, Interior of the Year and others. Studio Perspektiv is part of the FRMWRK holding founded by Ján Antal. For more information visit www.perspektiv.cz.