The building of the Trenčín Business Academy is a protected monument and one of the most significant treasures of Slovak architecture that reflects the legacy of functionalism. When it was built, it was considered a state-of-the-art school building in Slovakia, designed by architect Ferdinand Silberstein. Today, its qualities stand out even more thanks to a major modernization that has restored its sense of uniqueness.
The Trenčín Business Academy first opened its doors in 1937 and still ranks among the most treasured buildings of the regional capital. It is marked by simplicity and lightness, and its interiors radiate postwar architectural creativity. Responsible for the school, the Trenčín Self-governing Region carried out the restoration of this rare landmark with great respect. The aim was to create a modern, energy-efficient school that aligns with new trends and requirements for educational spaces, while representing with dignity its origins and the era it comes from. After more than three years and a change of contractors, the construction work was completed during the summer, allowing students to begin the new school year in upgraded facilities without any restrictions.
Saving energy through modernization
New windows, outer walls, and roof, along with upgraded ventilation and heat recovery units, plus a renovated boiler room and modernized heating system – all of this is intended to reduce the school’s future energy consumption. The money saved can then be invested back into teaching and further innovation. “We are extremely grateful for this reconstruction. The most important parts for us were the windows and roof, but the whole look of the school has changed as well. The insulation will also bring significant energy savings,” said principal Monika Bulková. “When the students came back, they couldn’t stop marveling at how beautiful everything looks,” she added enthusiastically. The construction work affected all parts of the school. In addition to energy savings, the project included restoring the multifunctional playground in the courtyard, the fencing, the main entrance, and even the gym floor. Most of the construction work went on alongside regular classes, so the school leadership had to carefully organize teaching and cope with demanding conditions. “I want to thank the principal and all employees for their patience and for how well they handled everything, since the work was carried out with the school fully operating,” said regional governor Jaroslav Baška at the opening of the school year. “The investment in energy efficiency amounted to roughly 3.8 million euros, financed entirely from the regional budget,” he added.
Opening ceremony of the refurbished academy building.
A demanding renovation with a positive outcome
The preparation and execution of the reconstruction of this functionalist landmark was challenging, and several unforeseen problems arose along the way. The first contractor ran into financial difficulties during the works, which halted construction completely until the situation was resolved. The cooperation was eventually terminated, and the region had to select a new contractor through a tender. “We stepped into a half-finished building and had to get to grips with many incomplete tasks,” explained Peter Štofaňák, production director of the company that ultimately finished the reconstruction. The biggest challenge was to complete most of the work before the start of the previous school year so that classes would face as little disruption as possible. “We managed to achieve that. Many issues cropped up that had to be solved on the spot. From September we continued with the new roof, including insulation and waterproofing, and gradually replaced the windows,” he noted. Work then carried on at the same pace in the following months, which made it possible to hand over the completed building on schedule.
A school open to everyone
One of the new features that greeted students after the holidays was a brand-new elevator in the courtyard. It allows the school to admit students with disabilities and helps them overcome physical barriers when moving between the school’s wings. “We invested almost another 320,000 euros in building the elevator, partly supported by Slovakia’s Recovery and Resilience Plan. Of that sum, nearly 135,000 euros came from the region’s own funds,” said the governor of Trenčín Region. “I think it’s a great benefit. We now also have restroom facilities for people with disabilities. They won’t face the same difficulties moving around the building as before,” added the school principal. A total of 29 regional secondary schools have joined the accessibility project, funded under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, through which the region is gradually removing barriers and opening up education to people with disabilities.
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