About us

Our story, our history…

The roller mill with the production of direct current for the needs of the city, which is part of the Šamorín industrial heritage, was built at the intersection of the traffic artery in the direction of Bratislava – Komárno with a turn to Senec.

It was built in the style of industrial buildings from white cement bricks. The machinery came from the Budapest-based Ganz Danubius machine shops. The type of mill was cylindrical and powered by a steam engine.

The mission of the old mill during the socialist period was the research and production of agricultural fodder and fodder mixtures.

The decline in agricultural production suspended the operation of the mill – the site fell into disrepair for many years. However, the architecture, the favorable location within the estate and enough space within the plot for the development of static transport predestined the object for further evaluation. The turning point in the fate of the mill occurred thanks to the private initiative of the Očkov´s, who developed the intention to convert the once important industrial plant into a hotel, commercial and social use.

The project of the architect Andrea Očková preserves the material substance of the entire production plant – all the structures of the main buildings, the industrial expression of the exterior of the building, including architectural details. Only utilitarian ground-floor additions and worthless provisionals were demolished. Adaptation to the new function required the construction of new buildings that connect the production buildings into a single unit. The architect clearly differentiated the architectural means of expression of the new buildings. However, the new buildings do not suppress the original architecture, rather they clearly complete it harmoniously, materially, materially and in color.

By the *author’s pen

On the way through Šamorín, we often passed a dilapidated building right next to the main road. It yawned blankly, reminiscing about the old days. The dilapidated mill has always tickled my imagination with its special charm. I imagined that I would have the opportunity to give a new life to an industrial building with a memory. Everything that can be invented from old factories, mills, waterworks…! The idea about the reconstruction of the mill, which was maturing in me, later became a reality.

The two original buildings from the previous century were complemented by younger, uninteresting tin halls that robbed them of their charm. Among this tin flood (the result of cheap patched solutions), a small park was squeezed. In the middle of the park, a gingerbread house – the so-called laboratory. The original mission of the old mill – that is, in the period of socialism – was the research and production of agricultural fodder and fodder mixtures.

The idea that a shopping center would be created here was born gradually. We considered for a long time the limitations and possibilities that the old mill provided. Even though the building was not registered and protected as a monument, it was clear from the beginning that we had to preserve the charm and atmosphere that the mill radiated. The atypical space and today’s requirements needed unconventional ideas and solutions.

Remaking the layouts and adapting the old building to the new mission was not easy. On the one hand, we wanted to preserve the original mill, and on the other, a shopping area, restaurant, and hotel were to be created. It was necessary to ensure undisturbed operation, meet hygiene requirements, place air-conditioning units, and find solutions for the movement of disabled visitors between different levels of floors. Part of the starting point was the expansion of old buildings with new modern parts. They formed a link between the old and the new.

Currently, there are large glazed areas that separate, but do not hide, the entrance hall, passing through two floors. For us, the industrial nature of the building was an advantage. The new part has also adapted to this. We recognized many technical solutions – steel structures, exposed ceilings, original details.

During the construction of the generous original production space, space and ceiling height were not spared, strict economy and ergonomic measures were not yet applied, and the movement areas of the workers were not precisely marked. The entire original object, although industrial, was embellished with details that survived the enthusiasm of socialism.

Nowadays, I can’t even imagine that, for example, someone would go to the trouble of creating a hand-forged railing with ornaments at the back exit of the production hall. As we gradually broke into the bowels of the generous concrete structures, we kept discovering treasures and details that belong to the inherent color of the old industrial. We were saving them from today’s modern devastation, indifference and inattention.

Another difficult task was the selection of materials. Under the old plasters, we found the original brick cladding typical for these buildings. However, the entire building had to pass an energy audit, which required the insulation of the facade. Inevitably, new cladding had to be used on the modern parts as well. Concrete paving in the interior completes the overall industrial character.

In the present period, industrial architecture is experiencing a rebirth. We discovered her hidden charm and rough elegance. The architecture of the renovated and rebuilt Aréna mill also has its exposed concrete surfaces, exposed steel structures, admitted technical elements; somewhere as a necessity, elsewhere it was the author’s intention. We wanted to give the objects a new meaning, a second breath, a current mission.

When I go back to the beginning, I ask myself if I would undertake such a demanding reconstruction again. After all, building on a green field makes it possible to think everything perfectly and in advance, to fully meet all the requirements of modern times. Construction is not made more expensive by unexpected surprises, the architect himself is the creator and author of every situation. But then I answer to myself that we managed to give a second chance and resurrect the genius loci of an industrial object. Discover it for yourself and for others. The mill has repaid us with a wonderful atmosphere and it is already clear that it is attracting interest. The inhabitants of Šamorín grew up with this building, many worked here, some remember the times when it burned down. From now on, they will meet him in a different and, I believe, pleasant form. Many of them are grateful.

Andrea Očková, author of the project