CirkArena

Sustainable Approach

CirkArena isn’t just a project about sustainability — it’s a real-life example of how circular principles can be applied from the first shovel in the ground to everyday operations.

A Second Life for the Old Indoor Ice Hockey Arena

CirkArena is being built on the site of a former indoor ice hockey arena in Třinec, which served sports, children, and the public for decades. A place with its own story and atmosphere is now gaining new purpose. Where people once skated, cheered, and celebrated, visions of a sustainable future are now taking shape.

Original construction materials like steel and concrete are being partially preserved or recycled directly on-site. This reduces the building’s carbon footprint, respects the site’s history, and gives it a new, environmentally conscious function.

A Resource-Efficient Building

Solar Power

„At peak production, the photovoltaic system will cover up to 15% of the building’s average electricity needs.“

The maximum available roof area is equipped with solar panels — both integrated into the roof structure of the multifunctional space and mounted on separate frames. The system is expected to deliver around 200 kWp, covering approximately 15% of the building’s average electricity consumption at peak output.

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater is used throughout the building. Several retention tanks are integrated into the drainage system, exceeding legal requirements by 130%. Collected rainwater is used for irrigation, replenishing an artificial water stream, and as greywater (e.g., for flushing toilets or technical use).

Geothermal Heating and Cooling

Deep geothermal wells beneath the building serve as the energy source for heating and cooling via a ground-source heat pump system. These wells allow efficient use of renewable geothermal energy, significantly reducing fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The system uses the earth’s stable temperature to provide high-efficiency heating and passive cooling. The long lifespan of the wells ensures low operating costs and sustainable performance for decades.

All suitable roof areas — except those with solar panels or technical equipment — are covered with a mix of extensive and intensive greenery. Green roofs improve thermal insulation, reduce energy demand, retain rainwater, and enhance the microclimate by cooling the surroundings and reducing the urban heat island effect. They also support biodiversity and extend the roof’s lifespan by protecting it from UV radiation and mechanical damage. Green areas connect to outdoor terraces accessible from shared spaces and offices, improving the working environment.

Artificial Water Stream

An artificial stream runs along the front facade, where pedestrian traffic is concentrated and where the building connects to the city pool and forest park. The stream improves the microclimate by cooling the air and increasing humidity, especially in summer. It also adds aesthetic value and creates a relaxing atmosphere. Seating areas along the stream encourage social interaction.

Outdoor Pond and Park

Near the building is a park featuring a soakaway pond, existing and new greenery, permeable walking paths, and seating areas. The park is designed for relaxation and study. Vegetation is arranged to create partial visual barriers, offering privacy while maintaining openness. The pond is connected to the rainwater system and helps cool the area. Together, the pond and greenery retain rainwater, improve the microclimate, reduce dust, and provide shade. The pond also serves as a natural habitat, supporting biodiversity.

Greenery in the Multifunctional Space

The multifunctional area includes significant greenery that improves the climate and helps prevent overheating. Irrigation is automated.

Permeable Paving for Parking

Permeable paving allows rainwater to soak into the ground, easing pressure on the drainage system. It reduces surface runoff, lowers flood risk, replenishes groundwater, and maintains the natural water cycle. It also helps prevent overheating of the parking space.

EV Charging Stations

Electric vehicle chargers are part of the newly built transport infrastructure. They support sustainability by promoting electromobility, which produces fewer local emissions than combustion engines and improves air quality.

Building Shading

Architectural overhangs around the building provide natural shading, reduce overheating, and help optimize operating costs. 

Circularity in Construction and Operation

CirkArena embodies what it promotes: circular economy in practice. From the construction phase, the goal was to minimize waste, reuse materials, and find solutions that make sense both technically and socially.

The result is a building that doesn’t burden — it inspires. It’s not just about what will be researched inside, but about the building itself being proof that circularity isn’t just theory — it’s a working path forward.