Floating Belt: The history of collisions

Idea projektu

1. Philosophy
Our project, “Floating Belt: The history of collisions”, is rooted in the vision of revitalizing Zahrádky Castle’s heritage through architectural, installation, and artistic interventions. We aim to weave the castle’s storied past into a dynamic, immersive experience, where the “floating belt” concept breaks traditional spatial boundaries. This approach transforms the castle into a narrative vessel, guiding visitors through a journey that reinterprets historical collisions—of forms, eras, and functions—fostering new perspectives on the building’s legacy.
2. Background
Zahrádky Castle, a witness to centuries of history, carries layers of architectural and cultural significance. However, like many historic structures, it faced challenges in adapting to modern uses while preserving its heritage. The competition provided an opportunity to reimagine the castle complex (including the farmhouse, orangery, and custodian’s house) as a cohesive, experiential space. Our team sought to honor the past not by preservation alone, but by activating it—creating spaces where history intersects with contemporary life, ensuring the castle remains a vital, engaging landmark.
3. Objectives
· Heritage Activation: Breathe new life into the castle’s history by integrating interactive architectural elements (e.g., the floating belt) that highlight historical narratives.
· Experiential Design: Create immersive, evolving experiences that encourage visitor engagement, blurring the lines between audience and participant.
· Adaptive Reuse: Strategically renovate structures (retaining key heritage features while modernizing functionality) to serve contemporary needs (e.g., the farmhouse café as a community hub).
· Spatial Cohesion: Unify the castle complex through design interventions that connect disparate structures, enhancing navigability and aesthetic harmony.
4. Expected Outcomes
· Cultural Revitalization: A renewed appreciation for Zahrádky Castle’s history, drawing broader audiences and reinvigorating local cultural pride.
· Sustainable Use: Adaptive reuse reduces environmental impact, transforming the complex into a self - sustaining cultural and community space.
· Architectural Innovation: A model for blending historical preservation with avant - garde design, inspiring future heritage projects.
· Community Engagement: Spaces like the farmhouse café and orangery stage will foster social interaction, positioning the castle as a community cornerstone.

Popis projektu

1. Castle Interventions
· Floating Belt System: A dynamic architectural element traversing the castle, redefining vertical/horizontal circulation and creating narrative - driven pathways.
· Adaptive Renovation: Selective remodeling of interior spaces to accommodate exhibition, event, and visitor amenities, preserving historical facades and structural features.
· Material and Atmosphere Design: Use of textured materials (e.g., muslin for the farmhouse enclosure) to evoke historical “collisions” and create immersive atmospheres.
2. Farmhouse Transformation
· Café Redesign: A two - story, double - height café with multi - level access (ground - floor entrance, winding staircase, and upper - level office connectivity), maximizing accessibility and community use.
· Interior and Exterior Upgrades: Structural repairs, material rejuvenation (e.g., exposed brick, modernized fixtures), and landscape integration to blend historical and contemporary aesthetics.
3. Orangery Reinvention
· Immersive Stage: A flexible performance space where actors and audiences interact intimately, set within the orangery’s historic garden context.
· Heritage - Sensitive Upgrades: Structural repairs, material matching (e.g., gray masonry, metal studs), and spatial reconfiguration to support cultural events while preserving architectural integrity.
4. Custodian’s House Renewal
· Minimalist Renovation: Light remodeling (wall repairs, interior design updates) to create a comfortable, functional residence for site administrators, respecting the building’s original layout and heritage.

Technické informace

1. Architectural Materials
· Castle Floating Belt: Lightweight, durable steel framework with composite cladding (to minimize structural impact on historic foundations).
· Orangery Repairs: Matching gray masonry for wall restoration, corrosion - resistant metal studs, and breathable waterproofing membranes to preserve historical materials.
2. Structural Interventions
· Load - Bearing Upgrades: Reinforced concrete and steel supports in key areas (e.g., farmhouse café staircase) to meet modern safety codes without compromising historic structures.
· Foundation Stabilization: Micro - pile underpinning in the castle and orangery to address settlement issues, ensuring long - term structural integrity.
3. MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) Systems
· HVAC: Ductless, energy - efficient systems (e.g., mini - splits) in renovated spaces (farmhouse, custodian’s house) to preserve historical interiors.
· Lighting: LED fixtures with adaptive controls (dimming, color - tuning) to highlight architectural features (e.g., castle’s floating belt, orangery’s stage) and reduce energy use.
· Plumbing: Low - flow fixtures and decentralized water heaters to minimize resource consumption, with piping routed to avoid historic fabric.

Dokumentace

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