Kreativno staklo Srbije

Creative Glass Serbia

Kreativno staklo Srbije

Creative Glass Serbia

SRNA:
The beauty and meaning of eco-conscious glassmaking

Proizvodi ateljea SRNA, apciklirane staklene boce; dizajn i izrada: SRNA || fotografija: ljubaznošću SRNA
SRNA’s products made from upcycled glass bottles; design and production: SRNA || photo: courtesy of SRNA

SRNA: The beauty and meaning of eco-conscious glassmaking

Proizvodi ateljea SRNA, apciklirane staklene boce; dizajn i izrada: SRNA || fotografija: ljubaznošću SRNA

In the village of Vrané nad Vltavou, just eight kilometres south of Prague, stands one of Europe’s best studios dedicated to glass upcycling. It occupies the former paper mill, which has been transformed into a lively workshop where used glass bottles are given a second life as new glasses, carafes, vases, pitchers, and more. The studio’s charming and unusual name – SRNA, which in Czech means doe – is actually an acronym derived from four Czech words: Sklo (glass), Recyklace (recycling), Nápad (idea), and Alchymie (alchemy).
Čaša, apciklirana staklena boca; dizajn i izrada: SRNA || fotografija: ljubaznošću SRNA
Drinking glass made from upcycled glass bottle; design and production: SRNA || photo: courtesy of SRNA
This conceptual framework was the starting point back in 2012, when a group of young artists and enthusiasts came together around a shared fascination with glass, a growing awareness of waste as a major issue in consumer society, and the minimalist beauty of glass packaging. The most dedicated among them was Dominik Hejtmánek, a young sculptor and photographer, who not only built the SRNA studio but has remained its key guardian of values to this day.

A one-of-a-kind glass upcycling lab

Behind this initiative lies a carefully thought-out approach, not only to materials and design, but also to technology, which is equally guided by principles of ecology and sustainable development. That’s why the SRNA studio relies exclusively on clean energy sources – electricity and hydrogen.
When Dominik first started, he was learning how to cut glass without breaking it or injuring himself, using nothing more than a traditional scythe sharpener. Today, he runs a true upcycling laboratory equipped with original inventions. Alongside a unique machine that cuts glass using a thermodynamic reaction, the workshop features a so-called carousel used for fire-polishing bottle rims, various grinders, and a range of custom-made tools designed specifically for creative glass upcycling.
Proizvodi ateljea SRNA, apciklirane staklene boce; dizajn i izrada: SRNA || fotografija: ljubaznošću SRNA
SRNA’s products made from upcycled glass bottles; design and production: SRNA || photo: courtesy of SRNA
Čaše, apciklirane staklene boce; dizajn i izrada: SRNA || fotografija: ljubaznošću SRNA
SRNA’s basic collection – simple drinking glasses made from upcycled glass bottles; design and production: SRNA || photo: courtesy of SRNA
The studio’s main raw material is used bottles, mostly wine bottles, which are slimmer and more elegant in shape. There are also unusual square or polygonal bottles, large demijohns that can, for example, be turned into sizeable bowls, and other bottles collected from cafés and restaurants in Prague.
The entire production process is based on handcrafting and traditional glassmaking techniques, primarily grinding and polishing, followed by sandblasting, engraving, and cutting. A great deal of unseen effort also goes into the early stages: collecting, sorting, cleaning, and washing the bottles. Only after that are they ready to be cut, technically refined, and given their final decorative form.
The glass that is not upcycled, such as bottle necks and pieces that accidentally break during production, is sent to a recycling facility, where it is further processed and sold. Products with minor imperfections are given away for free, most often to various charitable organisations and the people they support.

The simplicity of deep meaning

SRNA’s core product line highlights nothing more than the play of light through glass. The design is defined by clean lines, free of mannerism and anything superfluous. It draws inspiration from the aesthetic of glass packaging, which is above all meant to be functional, and it is recognised by the studio’s hand-sandblasted SRNA mark. These minimalist pieces, through which this eco-friendly upcycled glass production first came to life, continue to rank among the studio’s bestsellers.
Vaza, apciklirana staklena boca; dizajn i izrada: SRNA || fotografija: ljubaznošću SRNA
Vase made from upcycled glass bottle; design and production: SRNA || photo: courtesy of SRNA
Proizvodi ateljea SRNA, apciklirane staklene boce; dizajn i izrada: SRNA || fotografija: ljubaznošću SRNA
SRNA’s products made from upcycled glass bottles; design and production: SRNA || photo: courtesy of SRNA

The cafés and restaurants that supply SRNA with bottles were initially simply pleased that someone was taking their waste away for free. Over time, however, they began to appreciate the fact that SRNA could also create personalised glassware and vases for them, featuring their logo, motto, or any desired motif. By using such items, they send a clear message to their customers about their social and environmental responsibility, and they can also get unique gift sets for special occasions or important guests.

Similar services are also sought by environmentally conscious beverage producers and other brands, who prefer to collaborate with partners that share their values.

Dominik Hejtmánek, the founder of SRNA, is well known in Prague, not only because he grew up and studied there, but also because he displays his unusual creations every Saturday at the vibrant Naplavka urban market. He shares the space with small producers of fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, fish, cheese, eggs, pastries, and with artisans showcasing their handmade creations.
This riverside market along the Vltava also attracts many tourists seeking expressions of local popular culture. Sometimes, Dominik brings along an eye-catching engraving machine to demonstrate how glasses, vases, and other items are decorated. He is very approachable, and at the studio he regularly hosts workshops on glass upcycling and engraving, where anyone can come and create their own piece.

The importance of local glassmaking tradition

SRNA’s engraved glass line is what sets it apart most from other European producers of upcycled glassware, such as Amarzzo, Lucirmás, Rebottled, etc. While the studio is also recognisable for a few hand-sandblasted motifs, most notably Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince, engraving is a far more challenging technique. It radically transforms the glass surface and can significantly increase a piece’s market value.
Dominik himself is a self-taught glassmaster and can engrave simpler designs. That’s why the studio remains open to engravers of all generations, especially Jaroslav Mádle, from whom Dominik continues to learn this craft.
Čaša, apciklirana staklena boca; dizajn i izrada: SRNA || fotografija: ljubaznošću SRNA
Drinking glass made from upcycled glass bottle; design and production: SRNA || photo: courtesy of SRNA
The Czech Republic has a rich tradition of glass engraving, dating back to the 17th century and the work of Caspar Lehmann, a master at the court of Emperor Rudolf II. Today, this artistic craft is practised by many – there are schools, festivals, and skilled glassmakers – and Jaroslav Mádle is among the very best. He spent his career at the Rückl glassworks in Nižbor, where he engraved collections commissioned for the English Queen, Arab sheikhs, and the Pope. In recent years, he has been a regular guest at the SRNA studio, also conducting public workshops. Through his work for SRNA, Mádle has demonstrated that used bottles can be transformed beyond recognition, bringing a previously unseen level of aesthetic refinement to upcycled glass.

SRNA also plans to incorporate other hand-decorating techniques for glass, for which the Czech Republic is among the most renowned countries in the world, just behind Italy and the Venetian island of Murano. The studio may first introduce hand-painted designs, further distinguishing its products from those of other European upcycled glass producers. Even now, SRNA is one of the oldest and therefore most experienced studios in the field, offering a wide range of durable and reliable products, carefully conceived and crafted with high precision.

An invitation to the journey of eco-friendly glassmaking

As ideal combinations of functionality and style, SRNA’s creations meet the demands of today’s market for modern, environmentally responsible luxury. They reflect a deep respect for nature and are the result of long-term efforts invested in the sustainable development of Czech and European glassmaking. By transforming tons of glass waste, which in nature would take a thousand years to decompose, SRNA produces practical items that people can enjoy and use for decades.
Through their work, Dominik Hejtmánek and his small team highlight the importance of aligning modern lifestyles more closely with nature. They believe that upcycling everything we discard today will become a natural part of everyday life, essential for preserving both the environment and our health. Therefore, they invite everyone to join them on this journey of ecology and design, where the alchemy of SRNA’s glass unites tradition and innovation, offering new forms of beauty and meaning.
Čaša, apciklirana staklena boce; dizajn i izrada: SRNA || fotografija: ljubaznošću SRNA
Drinking glass made from upcycled glass bottle; design and production: SRNA || photo: courtesy of SRNA
Through their work, Dominik Hejtmánek and his small team highlight the importance of aligning modern lifestyles more closely with nature. They believe that upcycling everything we discard today will become a natural part of everyday life, essential for preserving both the environment and our health. Therefore, they invite everyone to join them on this journey of ecology and design, where the alchemy of SRNA’s glass unites tradition and innovation, offering new forms of beauty and meaning.

References