Published on kosicednes.sk
It’s not enough to live a healthy lifestyle, we must also work in a healthy workspace.
Košice is a unique city — it has an immensely rich history, diverse culture, and pleasant residents. So why not build something exceptional in such a unique city and right in its center? The company MM Invest, s.r.o., is completing the Bastion Office Center business center on Továrenská Street. It is a unique green building with modern architecture, top-notch technologies, low operating costs, and an above-standard quality work environment. Not to mention that there are still relatively few such buildings in Slovakia.
Bastion Office Center holds the globally recognized LEED GOLD certificate. It is only the second building in Košice to receive this certification. LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) is an internationally recognized certification system. Buildings aiming to earn it must focus on energy savings, water consumption efficiency, CO₂ emissions reduction, indoor environmental quality, and the environmental impact of materials and resources.
Water efficiency and eco-friendly materials
But what does this mean in practice? The materials used in construction must be certified, health-safe, and locally transportable. Green buildings with LEED certification are energy-efficient, as eco-friendly materials and technologies are used from the start of construction. A good example is the use of special toilet flush systems that consume a maximum of two liters of water, and minimal water flows through the faucets as well.
“There are double water systems in the building. Regular drinking water flows into the sinks, but the toilets flush with groundwater. This represents significant savings of drinking water. The walkways around the building will not be asphalted but paved and lined with flowerpots, creating a pleasant promenade for the public. The greenery is watered with groundwater,” says Ján Marušin, Managing Director of MM Invest.
Work environment without light smog
The building must not produce light pollution. Even the roof membrane must not reflect light — it must be covered with river gravel. The working environment must be modern and healthy, which contributes not only to employee satisfaction but also to their productivity. “We found that the most frequent complaints in buildings are about bad air and low humidity,” adds Ján Marušin.
Thermal Comfort during the whole year
Modern buildings can be cooled differently than with classic air conditioning. At Bastion Office Center, they chose the radiant PYD® system, which creates a pleasant climate and thermal comfort in both summer and winter, without the feeling of air draft, harshness, or health issues. “This system ensures a pleasant climate year-round and reduces operational costs,” adds Ján Marušin.
Carbon dioxide can be deceptive — one person can use up the air in a 5×4 meter room in two to three hours; ten people do it in just 15 minutes. The building monitors CO₂ levels, humidity, and air temperature in individual zones. Fresh air is supplied in the necessary amount to prevent elevated CO₂ concentrations, helping avoid fatigue, lack of concentration, and headaches.
Optimal humidity is maintained using modern technologies — during low outdoor temperatures, water is added to the interior using high-performance steam generators. The ventilation system can humidify or dehumidify air to reach optimal levels.
Polluted air in the city center is a major issue — Košice air is five times more polluted compared to other cities. Therefore, air in Bastion Office Center is filtered 24/7 using ionizers that turn small particles into larger ones and capture them in special filters.
Proper light intensity is key for energy and concentration. The building uses LED lights with smart controls that automatically adjust lighting to daylight intensity, ensuring an optimal working environment.
The most modern technologies ensure a high-quality and healthy work environment. Among the building’s tenants are also major players in the region, which confirms the trust placed in this project.
Bastion Office Center has six floors, 9,500 m² of office space, and a three-level underground parking garage with 229 spaces. For eco-friendly transportation, up to 50 parking spaces are reserved, with access optimized for proximity to the building.
In 2018, during the excavation of the underground levels, valuable archaeological finds were discovered, bearing witness to the rich history of Košice — from pottery to coins and even gaming tokens.
