Lasvit Headquarters, Czech Republic

Nový Bor, a small town in the Czech Republic countryside on the edge of the Lusatian Mountains, has been a centre of the Bohemian glass industry for centuries. As a relative newcomer, Lasvit transformed the tradition of North Bohemian glass blowing and has become known for its daring contemporary works – developing lights and glass for architecture with designers and architects such as Arik Levy, Nendo and Daniel Libeskind.

Nový Bor’s design heritage is important to Lasvit‘s founder Leon Jakimicˇ, this is reflected within the design for its new headquarters. Two listed buildings from the early 19th century have been harmoniously combined with two new buildings. The most intriguing of which is completely encased in translucent glass tiles fixed to a galvanized steel frame, serving as an office café and an archive of design samples.

Made at Lasvit, it took months of trials in order to create the ‘glass slate‘ tiles that mimic the texture of slate roofs found locally. In the evening, the building glows revealing its internal frame, creating a metaphorical lighthouse of glassmaking for all the region.

Posted on January 22, 2021 by Galvanizers Association