Kultúrne Centrum Kežmarok

Project idea

The topic of this assignment is based on an architectural competition with a defined site and a prescribed development program. The task is particularly challenging due to the immediate proximity of several religious buildings of varying architectural value, as well as the heterogeneous character of the extensive public space located at the boundary between the historic city center and the surrounding urban fabric.

The site contains an existing school building, which is to be integrated into a new complex with a new function, complemented by commercial spaces and residential units. The core of the program consists of a large multi-purpose hall and a small hall, both with the necessary support facilities, together with a restaurant/café and associated entrance and foyer spaces.

Particular emphasis should be placed on the multi-functional use of both halls, their connection to the existing courtyard, and the creation of a convincing and sensitive architectural expression for the new cultural center within the historic skyline of the city.

The assignment also includes the revitalization of the park landscape and the improvement of the extensive public space, of which the proposed building forms an integral part.

Project description

The subject of this master's thesis is the design of a cultural centre located within a historically and urbanistically significant area of the town of Kežmarok. The site is situated in the immediate vicinity of the historic town centre and is strongly defined by the presence of several religious buildings representing different architectural periods and typological approaches. This layered urban fabric creates a distinctive spatial context that requires a sensitive yet contemporary architectural response.

The primary objective of the proposal is to create a mixed-use complex that responds appropriately to the existing urban structure, respects the scale and character of its surroundings, and simultaneously introduces a new quality to the public realm. The proposed development integrates a variety of functions, including multi-purpose halls designed to accommodate diverse cultural and social events, a library, a restaurant, commercial units, and residential spaces. The interaction between these functions generates a vibrant urban environment with the potential for continuous use throughout the day.

A fundamental premise of the design is the preservation and transformation of the existing former school dormitory through adaptive reuse. This approach reflects contemporary architectural principles focused on sustainability, minimizing interventions, and making efficient use of the existing building stock. The newly proposed building enters into a dialogue with the original structure, resulting in a compositionally balanced ensemble founded on the principles of contrast and continuity.

The proposal places particular emphasis on the creation of diverse spatial conditions that allow for flexible use while encouraging social interaction among users of different age groups and interests. The spatial organization enables multiple activities to take place simultaneously, transforming the cultural centre into a dynamic platform for community life.

Technical information

The new building is designed as a hybrid structural system combining a reinforced concrete frame with a timber–steel structural system. The basement level consists of a cast-in-place reinforced concrete frame arranged on a regular structural grid, providing efficient transfer of vertical and horizontal loads to the foundations. The regular grid is locally modified to accommodate specific spatial and functional requirements. The basement perimeter is formed by monolithic reinforced concrete walls, which serve both as load-bearing elements and as retaining structures resisting lateral earth pressure and groundwater action. The internal load-bearing system comprises reinforced concrete columns with variable cross-sections determined by the structural loading and their position within the structural scheme. The building is laterally stabilised by reinforced concrete communication cores acting as shear walls.

The above-ground storeys are designed as a hybrid system combining a timber frame with cross-laminated timber (CLT) walls. The external CLT panels perform both load-bearing and stabilising functions while contributing to the overall spatial bracing of the structure. The structural system is conceived as an integrated three-dimensional load-bearing system, emphasising overall stiffness and the efficient transfer of horizontal forces to the vertical stabilising elements.

Internal partition walls within the new building are designed either as lightweight CLT panels or reinforced concrete walls in technical and service areas, depending on the required fire resistance, acoustic performance, and operational loading. Enhanced acoustic separation between selected spaces is achieved using a double CLT wall assembly incorporating mineral wool insulation and an air cavity without rigid connections, creating a mass–spring–mass system with improved airborne sound insulation.

The horizontal load-bearing structure of the basement consists of reinforced concrete beams arranged in an orthogonal grid, transferring loads from the floor slab to the vertical structural elements. Within the above-ground levels, the large-span auditorium is roofed by a system of glued laminated timber (GLULAM) beams, providing high structural stiffness and favourable dynamic behaviour over long spans. Floor structures in the remaining parts of the building are designed as timber beam systems optimised with respect to vibration performance and long-term deflection.

The roof structure above the main hall is designed as a sawtooth roof supported by a steel sandwich structural system, enabling large unobstructed spans while providing controlled natural daylight to the interior. In the remaining parts of the building, the roof is designed as a timber beam structure incorporating a green roof assembly, improving stormwater retention, thermal stability, and the overall microclimatic performance of the building.

The connection between the new building and the existing structure is provided by a steel bridge incorporating an expansion joint, allowing independent structural movements of the two building volumes. The bridge is supported by a steel frame structure with integrated columns positioned within the façade plane. Thermal bridging is minimised through the careful integration of the bridge structure into the building envelope.

Documentation

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