Modern administrative and shopping centre FORUM POPRAD stands on the site of the former department store Prior. The lucrative location in the historic city centre and the ground on the hill were the decisive elements for the architects when creating the design. In addition to the investor's clear ideas about the capacity and functionality of the building, the location played a key role as well.

In this case, finding the ideal compromise was a bit harder than it initially seemed. Finally, they created a three-storey building with three entrances, one being on each floor. The structural design of the building allows for a high variability of the interior space. And this is a real added value for the building of this type.

Taking into account an immediate contact of the building with the historic city centre, it was clear from the beginning that the special aesthetic emphasis would be given on the facade itself. The most important thing was to create a minimalist design, respecting local materials, such as wood and stone. At the same time, the architects needed to complete the centre with a functional and efficient parking house. It was supposed not only to "harmonize" with the overall exterior of the building, but also to have an attractive surface finish. Their choice was unambiguous. They decided to reach for expanded metal.

And at this stage of the project we came to the scene with our advice and recommendations. After consulting our team of experts the aluminium expanded metal with hexagonal mesh ME 200 x 70 x 20 x 2 mm was used to clad the three-storey parking house. In this case the big advantage is its high resistance, strength and easy maintenance. Besides that, the ventilated facade also decreases temperature differences in winter and summer.

The parking house perfectly and especially naturally completed the building exterior.

Moreover, by combining wood, stone, expanded metal and surrounding greenery, they succeeded in creating a compound that fits perfectly with the city concept.

Thanks to its strategic location within the urban area, minimalist design and harmonious architecture, the FORUM POPRAD shopping centre managed to return vibrant life to the city centre. That is why we are happy to be part of such projects. We do it first and foremost for people.