MÚZEUM SILENCE

Project idea

The museum design is based on the principles of horizontality and verticality as its primary compositional concept, reflecting both the character of the surrounding landscape and the existing spatial context of the Villa Rustica site. The architectural form is intentionally reduced to a simple, archetypal rectangular volume whose purpose is not to dominate its surroundings or compete with the historic monument, but rather to provide a respectful architectural backdrop. The building deliberately steps into the background, allowing the archaeological site to remain the visual and cultural focal point while emphasizing its historical significance.

The concept of horizontality is expressed through the museum's low, linear form, carefully integrated into the landscape to follow the natural horizon of the terrain. This horizontal composition is intentionally contrasted with the strong vertical presence of the surrounding mature trees and vegetation, creating a subtle dialogue between architecture and nature. Despite this contrast, the building does not appear intrusive; through its scale, material palette, and careful placement, it seeks to blend naturally into its surroundings and become an integral part of the landscape.

Project description

The museum layout is designed according to the principle of a linear spatial organization, naturally guiding visitors through the building while ensuring a clear and continuous exhibition route. The main entrance is oriented perpendicular to the access road, creating a clearly defined point of arrival and an intuitive circulation pattern throughout the museum.

The entrance area consists of a foyer with a reception desk and visitor lockers. Adjacent to the foyer is a café, visually and functionally connected to the entrance space. The café is accessible both from the foyer and independently from the exterior via the parking area, allowing it to operate separately from the museum during opening hours or public events.

The linear spatial sequence continues through an exhibition corridor, which also functions as a gallery space displaying smaller artefacts and interpretive elements. This sequence naturally guides visitors towards the main exhibition hall, conceived as an open and highly flexible space without permanent partitions or dividing walls. This approach allows for a wide range of exhibition layouts and provides the flexibility to accommodate temporary exhibitions, cultural events, workshops, and educational activities. Individual exhibition zones are defined through furniture and display cases rather than fixed architectural divisions.

A series of benches is positioned along the main circulation axis, reinforcing the contemplative character of the space and extending seamlessly into the main exhibition hall. The seating area is directly connected to large pivot doors leading to the outdoor terrace, creating a fluid transition between the interior and the surrounding landscape while allowing the space to be flexibly adapted for various events.

Supporting facilities are also accessed from the main circulation route, including visitor restrooms, staff facilities with a kitchenette and dedicated sanitary amenities, an artefact storage room, a janitor’s room, a technical room, and a multifunctional space intended for film screenings, workshops, and studio activities.

The main exhibition hall is enclosed on two sides by large glazed façades, providing abundant natural daylight while framing views of the surrounding landscape. This visual connection with nature enhances the contemplative atmosphere of the museum and establishes a dialogue between the archaeological heritage on display and its contemporary environmental context.

The main exhibition hall opens onto an outdoor terrace that is both visually and physically connected to the Villa Rustica archaeological site. The terrace serves as an observation and gathering platform, allowing visitors to experience the monument within its broader landscape while offering panoramic views of the surrounding scenery. It is sheltered by a steel grid canopy with a pronounced cantilever, which creates filtered shade and allows mature vegetation to grow through the structure. Integrated seating encourages visitors to pause, reflect, and engage with both the archaeological site and the surrounding natural environment.

Technical information

The museum is designed with a structural system based on 450 mm thick sandwich reinforced concrete external walls. The wall assembly consists of a 200 mm load-bearing reinforced concrete layer, a 150 mm mineral wool insulation layer, and a 100 mm non-load-bearing exposed concrete inner layer, creating a robust envelope with high thermal performance and a refined architectural finish.

The design incorporates large-format frameless aluminium glazing manufactured by JANOŠÍK, enhancing the visual connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape while maximizing the amount of natural daylight within the building. The transition to the outdoor terrace is achieved through concealed pivot doors with an exposed concrete finish, seamlessly integrated into the wall construction so that they visually merge with the concrete surface and preserve the purity of the architectural expression.

The flooring throughout the building is specified as cast terrazzo, providing material continuity across the interior while ensuring durability, low maintenance, and a clean, homogeneous appearance.

The roof structure is designed as a steel grid system with a modular spacing of 2.5 × 2.5 m and a structural depth of 1.0 m. Thermal bridges at the junction between the roof structure and the external walls are eliminated through the use of Isokorb thermal break elements, ensuring compliance with thermal performance requirements.

A prominent cantilevered steel canopy extends above the terrace, allowing mature trees to grow through the structural grid and integrating the surrounding vegetation into the architectural composition.

The building is finished with an extensive green roof, designed to improve rainwater retention, reduce surface runoff, and enhance the site's microclimatic conditions while reinforcing the museum's integration with the surrounding landscape.

Documentation

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