KOSMALT is originally the largest workers’ dormitory of the Košice steelworks VSŽ, built in the 1960s according to the design of architects Ladislav Greč and Róbert Kandrík. The name of the building refers to a type of enameled steel, the production of which was specific to the local steelworks. The building is located in the Terasa housing estate in Košice and, thanks to its distinctive silhouette and characteristic façade, forms a dominant feature of the urban structure.

The aim of the comprehensive renovation of both the exterior and the interior of the building was to preserve the identity of the structure, rehabilitate its original qualities and at the same time adapt it to today’s housing requirements. The approach of the architects is based on the belief that even typologically utilitarian buildings of the second half of the 20th century can, after a sensitive transformation, offer full-fledged and attractive urban housing.

The thirteen-storey building is defined by a strict structural and spatial grid, which also determines the form of the exterior. The geometric grid of the façade created from prefabricated concrete modules gives the building an unmistakable expression. The strictly modular eastern and western façade, formed by a grid of 22 × 13 identical fields, became the main motif of the renovation. The reconstruction respects this principle, develops it and elevates it into one of the strongest architectural elements of the building. The monochromatic grey colour of the façade supports its monumentality and purity of composition.

An important part of the design was the uncovering and restoration of valuable original materials and details that had been covered by newer layers over the decades. The original cast terrazzo in the common corridors and staircases, marble cladding of the vestibule, travertine plinth of the façade, original steel beams in the common areas as well as the steel gallery and staircase in the entrance hall were preserved and refurbished. New interventions enter the building through a contemporary language by means of expanded metal, corrugated sheet metal, newly designed custom lighting and strong colour accents. The old and the new remain clearly distinguished from floor to ceiling, yet architecturally balanced.

The building has retained its original residential function. The layout respects the logic of the structure and at the same time fully uses its potential. The main challenge was to transform the original identical residential cells into quality private units corresponding to the current standard. Analyses in the design phase confirmed that compact XS layouts with an area of 21 m² work for individuals as well as for couples. The feeling of airiness is supported by generous glazing, loggias and views of the city, especially from higher floors. In total, the building offers 507 residential units.

In contrast to the scale of the apartments themselves, the entrance spaces, corridors and vertical communications appear generous and representative. Thanks to sufficient natural light, views and generous proportions, they acquire the character of social spaces on each of the thirteen floors. Two identical, symmetrically placed staircases continue to clearly divide the building into two parts, originally male and female.

Part of the design is also a new orientation system based on colour and symbol. Salmon, ivory and yellow colours together with plus and minus signs distinguish the individual corridor wings and help visitors intuitively read the layout of the building.
KOSMALT was not originally designed as an adaptable building; however, its renovation managed to introduce this quality into the structure. The project thus brings an approach that is still not common in our conditions – a sensitive transformation of an existing building, the “renovation of a panel building” as a full-fledged architectural strategy.

Originally, the building served as a socialist dormitory – a type of accommodation intended for single workers, which was to provide basic facilities as well as social supervision. Today, the same building enters a completely different social context and offers individual, dignified and contemporary forms of housing. The transformation of KOSMALT confirms that architecture can flexibly adapt to diverse needs and reflect the life cycles of those who inhabit it.