1960s workers' dormitory transformed into 507 modern homes
A historic industrial building in Slovakia gets new life as contemporary housing.
1Rebirth of industrial heritage
Atrium Architekti transformed KOSMALT, a 13-story workers' dormitory built in the 1960s for VSŽ steelworks employees in Košice, Slovakia, into 507 modern homes. The building, originally designed by architects Ladislav Greč and Róbert Kandrík, takes its name from a type of enameled steel once produced locally. Located in the Terasa housing estate, this structure had long been a recognizable icon in the city's skyline. The renovation project aimed to preserve the building's existing architectural qualities while adapting it to contemporary living standards.
2Preserving the original facade
At the heart of the project are the eastern and western facades organized as strict 22x13 grids of prefabricated concrete modules. This geometric pattern was restored with a monochromatic gray treatment that emphasizes the original composition's monumentality and clarity. The building's distinctive concrete facade and repetitive modules reflect typical features of industrial architecture from that era. Rather than concealing these characteristics, the renovation chose to highlight them.
3Uncovering historical materials
The architectural team removed later additions inside to reveal original materials and details that had gradually disappeared. Preserved elements include cast terrazzo flooring in common corridors and staircases, marble cladding in the vestibule, the travertine plinth running along the facade, and original steel beams in shared spaces. The steel gallery and staircase in the entrance hall were also refurbished, keeping the building's material history visibly present rather than replacing it with uniform new finishes.
4Dialogue between old and new
Contemporary interventions were deliberately designed to be distinguishable from the existing fabric. Expanded metal, corrugated sheet metal, custom lighting, and bold color accents introduce a new architectural vocabulary while maintaining clear dialogue with the original structure. A wayfinding system using salmon, ivory, and yellow colors with plus and minus symbols differentiates corridor wings and aids navigation. Old and new elements remain visibly separate from floor to ceiling without turning the distinction into competition.
5Compact living units
While maintaining its residential function, KOSMALT's original identical accommodation cells were reorganized into 507 private units of about 21 square meters each. Testing different configurations during the design phase proved these compact XS apartments could function for both individuals and couples. Generous glazing, loggias, and views across Košice help expand the perceived space of these relatively small interiors, particularly on upper levels. Common areas operate on a markedly different scale.
6Spaces for social interaction
Naturally lit corridors, staircases, and entrance areas were made spacious enough to function as social spaces across all thirteen floors. Two identical staircases continue to divide the building symmetrically in half, following its original organizational logic. The generous dimensions of shared spaces encourage chance encounters and social interactions among residents. This approach offers a contemporary interpretation of industrial-era dormitory layouts.
7Flexibility for postwar architecture
Although KOSMALT wasn't originally conceived as an adaptable structure, this renovation project demonstrates how rigid postwar buildings can accommodate new living patterns without surrendering their defining architecture. The project proves it's possible to meet contemporary needs while preserving a building's essential character. This successful transformation creates a model for conserving and repurposing industrial heritage.
8Exemplary urban regeneration
Atrium Architekti's KOSMALT project serves as an important example of how historic industrial buildings can be sustainably transformed. This approach that preserves original architectural character while providing modern comfort standards could guide similar conversion projects. The project strikes a successful balance between maintaining urban memory and meeting contemporary living requirements. By preserving part of Slovakia's industrial heritage for future generations, this work expands the boundaries of architectural adaptation.