Erection of the Topping-Out Tree and Completion of the Roof Structure for the First Phase of Liberec’s New Nová Kunratická District

The first phase of the Nová Kunratická project has reached a major milestone. The symbolic topping-out ceremony marks the construction’s progression to its next stage and confirms the dynamic pace of work on the largest residential development in the history of the Liberec Region. More than 100 apartments in this phase, scheduled for completion in summer 2027, are now taking their final shape. The project is currently moving into its next phase, which will be the first development in the Czech Republic to be constructed using CREE, a system developed in Austria that combines timber and concrete. The new urban district, which will be developed in eight phases by 2033, will provide homes for more than 1,300 residents. The smooth progress of the entire development has also been made possible through a partnership with Československá obchodní banka.

Less than eight months after the ceremonial laying of the foundation stone for the emerging urban district, the first phase has been topped out. In keeping with tradition, a decorated tree known among construction workers as a “glajcha” was erected on the roof. “This is not only a symbolic milestone in the construction of the Nová Kunratická district, but also a clear signal to all investors, partners and, above all, future residents that the first phase is moving from structural construction to finishing works,” said Petr Syrovátko Jr., a representative of the project’s developer, SYNER Real Estate, during the topping-out ceremony.

The first phase, which is approaching its scheduled completion in summer 2027, comprises a total of 105 apartments of various sizes. Nearly 70% of the residential units have already found their owners. Larger apartments suitable for families with children are still available, offering an ideal environment for everyday life and leisure activities. “The Nová Kunratická project puts its future residents first. Among other amenities, a children’s playground and sports facilities will be created near the future square. We will also build a nursery school,” Syrovátko Jr. explains, adding that the project also includes “the revitalisation of more than 30,000 m² of green space, as well as several kilometres of cycle paths, pavements, roads and walking trails.”

“Housing affordability is one of our key priorities at ČSOB, and banks play an important role in this area. We therefore particularly value projects such as Nová Kunratická, which take a comprehensive approach to high-quality housing and introduce innovative solutions, including new construction technologies. We believe that this approach makes sense and helps improve housing affordability in the regions,” says Ján Lučan, member of the Board of Directors of the ČSOB Group.

Phase Two and the CREE System

The second phase will provide a further 75 apartments, and preparatory groundworks have already commenced. This part of the project will also be constructed using the hybrid CREE system, which will be deployed in the Czech Republic for the very first time. “This makes the project truly groundbreaking. It is essentially a modular system that combines the best properties of timber and concrete. The result is a structure that is environmentally responsible while also being strong, stable and safe,” says Lukáš Urban of the construction company Syner, s.r.o., which is the authorised partner and general contractor for CREE Buildings hybrid construction projects in the Czech Republic. Thanks to the modular system, the construction process itself is faster and less disruptive to the surrounding area. “The prefabricated components are manufactured off-site in production facilities. The individual parts are then simply assembled on site. This makes construction not only faster and more efficient, but also reduces noise, dust and traffic around the construction site,” he explains.

The modular CREE system also meets stringent safety standards. The individual components are tested and certified and comply with the building’s fire safety requirements. The system is also approved for the construction of multi-storey buildings and meets all the requirements of modern, safe housing. The combination of advanced construction methods, high-quality materials and the natural durability of timber also ensures a long service life for the building. The structure itself will also influence the building’s appearance. Timber will not be visible from the exterior, but exposed wooden elements in the interiors will enhance the atmosphere and contribute to a pleasant aesthetic impression.

Cooperative Housing Option

Nová Kunratická will also offer a cooperative housing option, providing a well-designed and more affordable route to owning a home. “We want to make the project accessible to the broadest possible range of clients. Cooperative housing is a way for us to provide a high-quality home to people seeking a more flexible alternative to a traditional mortgage,” says Lukáš Kobrle, Sales Manager for the Nová Kunratická project. It also involves a simpler administrative process, as instead of undergoing a complex registration procedure with the Land Registry, only the membership share in the cooperative is transferred.

The developer of the Nová Kunratická project is SYNER Real Estate, which now oversees all development projects under the SYNER Group umbrella. SYNER is the general contractor. Československá obchodní banka is the financing bank and project partner.