Craft, the latest project by Belgian developer Ghelamco in Katowice, has been granted an occupancy permit, thereby adding 26,700 sqm of top-class office space to the local market.
Craft’s dynamic, 55-metre-high terraced body dominates over Chorzowska Street and the urban motorway. Its glazed façade features vertical elements in the shade of copper, the so-called “razor blades”, giving it an exceptional character referring to Katowice’s industrial heritage. The unconventional 13-storey design gives tenants access to as many as six terraces, one of which is located on the roof of the building, providing a unique view of the city’s skyline. The building was designed by Pracownia Architektoniczna Czora & Czora based in Katowice.
“Craft is an example of a modern and environmentally friendly building in line with Ghelamco’s ESG strategy. Katowice is gaining a building distinguished by its superior architecture, concern for the environment and offering first-class offices. The main city of the over 2-million-strong Silesian Metropolis (GZM) attracts investors with its well-developed infrastructure and access to a skilled workforce. I am convinced that Craft will be an ideal place for work and dynamic development of Polish and international companies that decide to locate their headquarters and service centres in Silesia,” says Jarosław Zagórski, Managing Director, Ghelamco Poland.
An advantage of the project, whose construction started at the end of 2020, is its location in the heart of Katowice, right next to Silesia City Center and in close proximity to Spodek. Numerous tram and bus connections and cycle paths provide excellent transport links between the office building and the rest of the metropolis. The urban motorway, which connects six cities within the Upper Silesian urban area, runs close to the building.
Smart and energy-neutral
Craft will be the first office building in a CEE regional city to boast SmartScore certification, confirming the highest standard of smart solutions. In addition to this, it will also be the first in Katowice to be assessed for technological advancement in the WiredScore system. Ghelamco’s project will also be certified under the BREEAM environmental system at the Excellent level, WELL, as well as “Barrier-Free Facility”.
The building features state-of-the-art technological solutions. One of the facility’s assets will include Ghelamco’s proprietary operating system, SignalOS, which is used for comprehensive, intelligent management of office buildings. Among other things, it allows for sustainable utility management and air quality control. Another component of the system is a mobile application that allows users to move around the building without an access card or reserve a room or parking space.
For the sake of tenants’ health and comfort, Craft’s interiors are additionally equipped with anti-pandemic solutions, such as virucidal UV lamps in lifts and ventilation systems. In addition, the building includes electric car charging stations as well as parking for bicycles with amenities such as locker rooms and showers. Drivers can expect 218 parking spaces in the underground garage and an additional 28 in front of the building.