Continuity and Change at Zahrádky

Idea projektu

This project aims to respectfully transform the Zahrádky Castle complex into a functional academic and civic hub, while preserving the historical and cultural essence of the site. The intervention seeks to engage in a non-invasive dialogue between past and present—highlighting heritage rather than replacing it. The castle itself becomes the centerpiece of this vision. Selected volumes are emphasized through contemporary additions that remain formally and materially distinct, ensuring reversibility and minimal impact on the historical fabric. These additions are not intended as dominant gestures, but as transparent thresholds that frame and protect the existing structure. The project’s second focus lies in the revitalization of the farmhouse, conceived as a Community Integration Center for the town of Zahrádky. Through this transformation, the project aims to provide inclusive spaces for social, cultural, educational, and economic activities, serving both the university community and the local population. Overall, the design seeks to create a layered experience where historical memory and contemporary life can coexist. It aspires to provide a model for how heritage sites may be reactivated in a way that is both innovative and responsible—preserving identity while ensuring future relevanc

Popis projektu

The project for Zahrádky Castle focuses on revitalizing the historical site through subtle yet expressive architectural interventions. Rather than altering the castle’s neoclassical identity, the proposal enhances it by highlighting selected volumes with lightweight steel frameworks clad in glass. These transparent structures create a “crystal box” effect—protecting and drawing attention to the original masonry while establishing a contemporary architectural dialogue. The intervention respects the integrity of the existing building, with all additions conceived as reversible and non-invasive. Internally, the castle is adapted to support new academic and civic functions, including conference rooms, student housing, and university offices. A key component of the project is the transformation of the farmhouse into a Community Integration Center for the town of Zahrádky. This space serves as a civic and cultural hub, offering a café-bar, exhibition areas, coworking spaces, small commercial units, and multipurpose rooms for meetings, workshops, and local events. The design supports social interaction and community development while preserving the architectural identity of the original structure. The orangery is preserved through a careful restoration process, maintaining its external appearance and architectural essence without introducing new elements. This approach prioritizes architectural contrast without conflict, aiming to preserve the historical and spatial values of Zahrádky while ensuring its functionality and relevance for future generations—both for university life and for the everyday needs of the local community.

Technické informace

The architectural intervention introduces a system of lightweight metallic structures designed to highlight and protect selected volumes of the historical castle. These structures are conceived as independent, reversible layers that never compromise the original masonry. Built with slender steel profiles and anchored to non-invasive connection points, these new elements create a spatial threshold between the existing architecture and its contemporary reinterpretation. The structural design allows for transparency and lightness, visually framing the original façade while enabling full reversibility and future adaptability. The steel frameworks are clad in transparent panels, generating a “crystal box” effect around the castle’s massing. This provides passive protection from weathering while offering a visual expression of care, contrast, and architectural dialogue. All additions respect heritage conservation principles, ensuring that no load is transferred to the historic walls. The technical strategy prioritizes durability, minimal footprint, and constructive clarity—allowing the contemporary additions to coexist with the historical structure without conflict.