REVITALISATION OF THE STATION BUILDING IN SLANÝ

Project idea

The aim of the design is to create an architectural ensemble that responds sensitively to the historical context of the site, but at the same time meets the current requirements for function, operational comfort, technical accessibility and aesthetic perception of public space. The design does not treat history as a dogma, but as a living layer with which it is possible to have a substantive and creative dialogue. The building therefore does not emerge as a copy of the past or as a solitary manifestation of the present - but as a combination of both approaches, in which each has its own clearly defined role and defined space. The basic concept of the design is based on a conscious contrast - between the past and the present, between public function and private use, between the preservation of the traditional material and spatial structure and the insertion of a new form that responds in form and material to the needs of today. This contrast is not seen as a confrontation, but as a source of identity and character of the whole building. It is in the tension between the two different approaches that an authentic expression emerges, which allows the building to be both a carrier of historical memory and a part of contemporary life.

Project description

The design addresses the complex architectural modification of the building with an emphasis on the clear delineation of two contrasting parts that reflect the different historical context and functional content of the building. This contrast is consciously applied to both the exterior and interior and forms the basic compositional and meaning-making principle of the entire design. The historic part of the building has been rehabilitated to a form consistent with its original expression and proportions. This part serves as the station facilities with public spaces and offices of ČD. The newer part of the building is intended for the function of a guesthouse, with accommodation capacity and corresponding operational facilities. The architectural approach here, while respecting the traditional scale and rhythm, is complemented by contemporary elements in the form of a light steel structure that forms the external staircase, balcony gallery and lift shaft. This structure is acknowledged and stylised as a separate architectural motif, bringing a lightness, transparency and industrial character to the whole, appropriate to the context of the railway site. The visual connection between the two parts of the building is provided by the horizontal articulation - the historic cornice transitions smoothly in a modern concept into a system of steel profiles, which are at the same height level. This element serves as a connecting line across the different architectural expressions and at the same time unifies the material whole. The two spatial dominants of the building determine its expression and relationship to its surroundings. The first is the restored historic entrance portal, designed on the basis of archival documents with attention to detail, symmetry and historical dignity. The second landmark is the steel railway tanker, into the body of which the outdoor elevator is integrated. This element not only functionally addresses the accessibility of the building, but also creates a strong symbolic reference to the original industrial and transport character of the site. The project thus offers a sensitive combination of restoration and contemporary addition, creating an architecture that is functionally sophisticated, contextually anchored and expressively self-conscious - without attempting a historicizing copy or formal gesture.

Technical information

The revitalization of the building is designed with an emphasis on long-term sustainability, energy efficiency and technical integrity of the building. All interventions respect the historic character of the building, while using modern construction technologies and materials that allow to meet current standards without compromising the architectural values of the building. One of the key aspects of the design is the high quality thermal envelope of the building. The building is insulated using thin-film insulation systems that provide a high thermal standard while maintaining the original proportions of the façade and without negatively impacting the plasticity or profiling of the historic elements. This allows the building to be modernised in line with energy efficiency requirements without causing visual deformation. Special attention was paid to the daylighting of the interior, especially in the attic space. For this purpose, the NEBESYS roof light system was chosen, which allows for an efficient supply of natural light without disturbing the continuous plane of the roof sheathing. This system not only contributes to the operational comfort and quality of the indoor environment, but at the same time it does not disturb the monumental expression of the building, which is particularly important given its character. The steel structure, which is part of the new architectural element on the side of the guesthouse, is technically designed as a separate structure independent of the original building. It consists of rolled steel sections and is connected by a combination of welded and bolted joints, thus ensuring both its static rigidity and the possibility of possible future dismantling or modification. The entire design is based on the principles of a gentle and conscious approach to revitalisation, where each technical solution promotes the long-term durability of the structure, user comfort and respect for the historical and urban context of the site.