The Savarin project, Heatherwick Studio's first landmark in continental Europe, in Prague, has been approved to begin construction. After receiving its final zoning permit in August, Crestyl Group's flagship Savarin project has advanced significantly, opening the door for the renovation of a historic inner block adjacent to Wenceslas Square in Prague, Czech Republic.

Savarin, created by the highly regarded London-based Heatherwick Studio and designer Thomas Heatherwick, will be the studio's first project to be built in continental Europe.

One of the biggest urban development projects in the heart of Prague is the 15,000 square meter Savarin project. The meticulous restoration of the existing historic structures and the development of a brand-new public area with greenery, a courtyard, and commercial spaces are its four interrelated components. 

Image © Heatherwick Studio

British architect Thomas Heatherwick is in charge of the overall architectural vision and form. Work began in 2021 when the Baroque Savarin Palace was renovated, and it was officially completed in September 2024. 

"Prague is one of the most beautiful and inspiring cities in the world, and me and my team has felt a deep responsibility working on such a significant site,” said Thomas Heatherwick, founder and design director of Heatherwick studio. 

"Our design for Savarin is rooted in the incredible details, materials and craftsmanship of the city but it’s also about creating something new – a public space that feels alive, open and generous," Heatherwick explained.

"Savarin represents exactly the kind of project Crestyl was built to deliver – one that respects history while boldly shaping the future of our cities," said Omar Koleilat, co-founder of Crestyl Group. 

"This milestone represents a long-held dream to transform a closed-off block in the heart of Prague into an open, welcoming space where culture, architecture, gastronomy, and community meet. With Heatherwick Studio’s extraordinary design and our commitment to quality, we will create a world-class destination that Prague – and Europe – can be proud of," Koleilat added.

The goal of the project is to reopen a closed courtyard in the center of Prague by fusing exciting new public areas, gardens, cultural venues, shops, and dining options with meticulously restored baroque structures. The recently refurbished Savarin Palace and the old riding hall, which are both skillfully incorporated into a modern urban plan, will serve as the focal points.

"The Savarin project is a matter of the heart for us," said Simon Johnson, CEO of Crestyl Group. 

"From the outset, we have aimed to deliver world-class architecture to the centre of Prague, and that’s why we partnered with Heatherwick Studio. Achieving zoning approval confirms our vision and gives us the green light to move forward. We expect to begin construction next year, with completion planned for 2029," Johnson.

Once completed, Savarin will connect Wenceslas Square with Na Příkopě, Jindřišská, and Panská Streets by means of a system of roof gardens, terraces overlooking Prague, and publicly accessible passageways. 

The project also consists of Time Out Market–style food hall with plans for more than a dozen culinary experiences, a new metro entrance for improved accessibility, and public gardens and fountains with cultural and leisure spaces.

Beginning at the end of 2021 and ending in the fall of 2024, Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer's painstaking repair and restoration of the old Baroque Savarin Palace was the first phase of the Savarin project. In close contact with conservation specialists, many important architectural elements were discovered and restored throughout the work. 

One such detail was the installation of repaired reproductions of eleven original Baroque statues by famous sculptor Ignaz František Platzer on the façade.

The Mucha Museum, created by AI DESIGN co-founder Eva Jiřičná, opened at the Savarin Palace in February 2025. 

"Alfons Mucha: Art Nouveau and Utopia," its permanent exhibition, features pieces from the Mucha Foundation's collection. A boutique for the renowned French luxury brand Chanel is among the commercial areas that have opened within the rebuilt palace; more businesses are scheduled to launch in the upcoming months. 

Savarin will reimagine the center of Prague by fusing imaginative modern design, lively public areas, and sensitive historical restoration. It will honor Prague's complex past while fostering a lively conversation that honors its past and advances the city's changing urban narrative.

Thomas Heatherwick established the London-based design and architecture firm Heatherwick Studio in 1994. 

The studio, which is well-known for its creative thinking and human-centered design, has completed projects in ten countries, encompassing infrastructure, cultural landmarks, and huge urban developments.

Heatherwick Studio unveiled design for lantern-inspired towers in Bangkok, Thailand. In addition, the firm remodeled the Coex Convention Centre with "a fortress-like façade" in Seoul, South Korea. Moreover, the studio revealed plans for the transformation of South Miami’s Sunset Place with "permeable buildings" in Florida.

All images © Heatherwick Studio and Pixelflakes unless otherwise stated.

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