On a large plot of land between Dunajská and Grösslingová streets (formerly Red Army Street), older buildings were demolished and a multifunctional bank and apartment building was constructed according to a design by the prominent Slovak architect K. Paluš. A branch of the then Czechoslovak State Bank (ŠBČS) was opened in the lower section of the building, its raised ground floor facing Dunajská Street. A residential tower block with 44 apartments stands at the centre of the plot. The building complex is interconnected by atriums that create a buffer between the apartments and the street, enhancing privacy, while the bank’s entrance was directly from the street. The unifying feature of this unconventional combined apartment building and bank is its light-coloured (white and grey) façade cladding and contrasting elements of black anodized aluminium. 

The architect K. Paluš designed a relaxation area with an unusual fountain in the section of the atrium between the bank and the residential building. The fountain was formed of a stone basin with a cubist-style metal body. Its surface comprised a series of angled triangular and square panels that resembled the facets of precious stones. The "diamond" effect was further enhanced by the sprays of water. Today, we do not know what inspired the architect when he designed the fountain, but the result served as a tribute to Cubism, and stood in stark contrast to Paluš’s typically restrained, rational architectural style. Although a significant portion of the complex was built as early as 1974, it was not completed for a further three years. The fountain, together with a metal relief on the façade by Alexander Trizuljak, were added in 1977. Unfortunately, the building’s new owners disconnected the fountain, eventually removing it. The atrium is currently enclosed by a fence, and is accessible only to parking customers. 

ZD

Research status as of 30. 04. 2024.