New Žofinka district , Ostrava/ Tschechische Republik

Press release by ADEPT | August 11th 2025

ADEPT reveals winning design for transformation of former brownfield area in Ostrava

Ostrava’s new mixed-use neighbourhood, the development of the Žofinka ironworks, will be based on the winning masterplan and architectural concept by ADEPT. The first phase of the development, located by the waterfront of the Ostravice river, is scheduled to begin construction next year following an urban design that encourages human scale and social interaction.

The new Žofinka district in Ostrava, one of the most ambitious one-off developments in the third largest city of the Czech Republic, will transform a currently unused brownfield site located between the city centre and its river into a vibrant and resource conscious urban environment. The 20 hectares development area is located just a few minutes from the city centre, on the site of the former slag heap of the local ironworks.

With its significant focus on high-quality public space and a large variety of housing typologies and supporting functions, as well as a seamless integration with the surrounding neighbourhoods and natural landscapes, the winning proposal by Danish studio ADEPT and Czech partners ohboi, atelier.tečka, VEN.KU architekti, VECTURA Pardubice and AFRY was selected from a total of 29 teams that took part in the competition process.

According to Martin Laursen, founding partner ADEPT, the transformed area will weave together the green qualities of its surroundings with the scale of the historic city and site turning it into an attractive neighbourhood. Outlining the main principles of the plan, Laursen explains: “The masterplan was inspired by the character and understanding of the site, mixing it with a distinct human scale where residential blocks and green structure clearly define a pedestrian- and bicyclist prioritized neighbourhood with lots of public space qualities”

Žofinka is formed as a model for how post-industrial sites can be reimagined as inclusive, climate-smart urban neighborhoods. The long-term vision is supported by robust guidelines and governance frameworks that allow for innovation without compromising the plan’s integrity. By integrating landscape, mobility, housing, and heritage into a coherent strategy, it demonstrates the value of holistic thinking in shaping the future of cities. It offers a robust framework for urban development that meets the complex challenges of brownfield transformation while grounding itself in DNA of the place.

The technical design emphasizes resource conscious principles, integrated climate solutions and long-term resilience. Targets involve strategies for energy-efficiency, low carbon construction, green retention systems, and passive solar strategies. Water management and enhancing biodiversity are essential parts of the layout, just as public space layouts will consider infiltration, micro climate and natural cooling.

The first phase of construction, basic infrastructure as well as approximately 300 apartments also designed by ADEPT, is scheduled to begin in 2026. Completion of the entire development of Žofinka is expected to take approximately two decades.

Project name: Žofinka
Lead Architect / Urban planner: ADEPT
Collaborators: ohboi, atelier.tečka, VEN.KU architekti, VECTURA Pardubice and AFRY
Client: Pod Žofinkou Holding
Size: 20 ha masterplan + 60.000 m2 housing (1st phase)
Location: Ostrava, Czech Republic
Year: 2025 – 2045
Visuals: VividVision + Doug and Wolf
Illustrations + drawings: ADEPT

More information about the project on the ADEPT Website:
adept.dk/project/zofinka