Developer with a Difference

•      Trigema is presented as a Developer with a Difference. In your opinion, what is hidden behind such a label?

We follow our own path, we believe in development and innovation. We build housing projects, whether for sale or to rent, that go beyond established ideas and standards. We combine Architecture with Art. The latter is of great importance in Architecture and construction, and even has several different functions. This is to create beautiful, engaging buildings that inspire and enrich people's lives. Art also helps to create a unique local identity. Artworks combined with Architecture create a space for social discourse and reflection, in addition to attracting tourists. This has an impact on the local economy and the development of the tourism industry. However, in our projects we also consider the latest technologies, which, together with the design solution, contribute to the long-term sustainability of the project.

•      Being a developer has a strong economic background. But Art defies such thinking. Why does a developer "complicate" his life by including Art in his projects?

Because he wants to give people attractive buildings that are functional as well as beautiful and inspiring. You can approach development either only from an economic point of view, or you can invest the profit in other activities that are your hobbies, entertainment, desire, dreams or vision. We enjoy creating beautiful, challenging projects and also managing them afterwards. We are primarily concerned with functionality and beauty, which must be economically viable and make sense. So we don't complicate our life, but fill it with our projects and live it.

•      Where do you see the future of real estate – is rental a necessary "evil" or does it bring added value to properties?

With increasing urbanisation and migration to cities, the demand for rental residences is expected to continue to grow. Young people are less inclined to own real estate and prefer flexibility and mobility. The process of finding and renting apartments is simplified for them by technological innovations. And, last but not least, there is the phenomenon of shared dwelling, such as co-habitation and co-living, which is also supported by the current challenge of unaffordability and increase in the prices of housing. Our effort to build our own rental housing fund, with approx. 1 000 apartments for rent within 8 years, stems from the above. The pilot was the Fragment project in Energy Class A with 140 apartments of all categories from 1 kk (studios) to 4 kk (3 bedrooms) and maisonettes. It is packed with technologies that save operating costs. It is currently being completed and given final approval. Almost all residential and retail units are already leased. It is the same with Lihovar Smíchov Stage I, a project with 246 residential units. It is growing on the site of Fischl a synové, the largest original Prague distilleries. We want people to desire to experience this location. One of the largest Prague food markets will be created here. The Art and Culture scene will also be housed here. After all, in April we already opened the Mausoleum of the sculptor David Černý in Lihovar. We have currently sold 80 % of the apartments and the retail spaces are already sold out. Completion of the project is planned for I.Q. 2024. .

•      You are a purely Czech investment group, what is your primary activity?

Last year, we had the biggest numbers in our history. Consolidated turnover was CZK 2.4 billion  and gross profit before taxation was CZK 500 million. This is the result of the efforts of our Development Department. However, within the group we also have a construction company that builds all our projects for us and, last but not least, a facility company that leases and manages the projects we own. And the Black n'Arch studio, which we founded together with the sculptor David Černý, in turn designs most of the projects for us. It is such a closed system of investment construction, around which most of our activities revolve.

•      But the scope of your business goes beyond that, doesn't it?

Yes. We are launching the Flat Zone and Dataligence technology start-ups. This is a data cube concerning residential development and the current selection throughout the Czech Republic. We already have data for Slovakia and are preparing it for other countries. We have devised a project to bring the entire real estate market online. In the tourism industry (Hospitality), we have built the Monínec Ski Area, an hour from the metropolis, where we can produce artificial snow even in temperatures of up to 15 degrees Celsius. In addition, we have bought an old castle in nearby Jetřichovice, for which we have big plans. We also own the ski area in Železná Ruda, where we are preparing a major reconstruction. And we are currently finalising the purchase of a third ski resort in the Giant Mountains. And we must not forget the Dog in Dock Winery in Veselí nad Moravou, very close to the Baťa Canal. It is located right in its wharf, which will expand to accommodate 81 vessels within 2 years. It will be the largest port in the Czech Republic.

•      Your work revolves around buildings and Architecture. Do you also travel the world to absorb new motivation? Where did you last spend a few days and what excited or inspired you in that city?

If I have any spare time, I like to go on discovery trips around the world with my family or biker friends. We recently travelled all over Spain, Morocco and Portugal by motorbike. In Spain, I like Barcelona and Antoni Gaudí's Sagrada Família, Casa Milà and Casa Batlló and Park Güell. And I also like to return to London, where my son studied at university and which is a city I've often visited. London inspires me with industrial architecture. After all, it is possible to see this in our Lihovar Smíchov project.

https://www.trigema.cz