Danube House

For over two decades, Danube House has stood as a modern landmark on Prague’s Vltava embankment, recognised for its distinctive prow-like form and expansive glazed atrium. Gillespies is supporting Bogle Architects in its transformation into a next-generation workplace, one that places environmental performance and human well-being at the core of its design vision.

Commissioned to lead the landscape and planting design, Gillespies is playing a key role in redefining the building’s ground plane, atrium, terraces and rooftop spaces. Our concept draws inspiration from the neighbouring river-themed buildings and the buildings proximity to the river. 

At the heart of the building, the atrium has been reconceived to emulate the cross-section of a riverbed. The flow of people through the ground-floor space mirrors the rhythms of a watercourse, with main pathways facilitating primary circulation and fast-paced routes offering hot desking options, while slower routes resemble areas where a river deposits sediment, form cosy seating nooks, lounges and private meeting spots, encouraging relaxation and connectivity.

On the ground floor, a lush parterre garden creates a vibrant arrival experience. Featuring tropical planting, a reception and café, this space is anchored by a sculpted island formed from recycled cladding material, offering flexible zones for work, gathering and relaxation.

A sculptural floating staircase, inspired by the course of a river, rises through the atrium to a series of elevated platforms. These include sunken lounge areas, yoga decks and informal meeting spots. Reed-like lighting and gobo projections mimic rippling water, creating a calming visual atmosphere and reinforcing the building’s nature-inspired identity.