Multilayered Experience of Time and Space

Project idea

Project Title: Zahrádky Castle Design

Background and Conceptual Intention
Zahrádky Castle, a 16th-century cultural monument, suffered significant structural damage due to recent fires, particularly in its northwest wing and roof. In response to the international design competition initiated by INSPIRELI and Charles University, our team aims to revitalize the castle by interweaving historical memory with contemporary architectural interventions, creating a multilayered spatial and temporal experience.

Design Philosophy and Approach
We implement a strategy of “Multilayered Experience of Time and Space” by engaging materials such as steel, fabric, and weathering steel to converse with the historic forms. The replicated and transformed arch installations, fabric spiral staircases, and light-filtering textile elements in the restaurant illustrate how history can be respected while offering an immersive contemporary experience.

Project Goals and Outcomes
1.Preserve the historical facades and restore structural integrity, especially the fire-damaged areas, ensuring continuity of cultural value.
2.Integrate multifunctional uses: exhibition halls, lecture theaters (100 and 50 seats), 3-star quality accommodations, and public dining areas.
3.Activate auxiliary buildings:
- Farmhouse to serve as a citizen info center, small exhibition room, bar , handicraft studio and café.
- Orangery for community events.
- Custodian House to be adapted as per its structurally sound condition.
4.Experiment with materials and forms to create spatial experiences of temporal convergence.

Final Vision
This project is not merely a competition entry, but an experimental discourse on the regenerative value of historical spaces. Through design intervention, we aim to re-establish connections between people and place, history and contemporaneity—reviving Zahrádky Castle as a hub of culture, community, and continuity.

Project description

Scope of Project Solutions

Overall renovation scope
Including four major architectural elements—Zahrádky Castle, Farmhouse, Orangery, and Custodian House—along with the surrounding park. The intervention addresses restoration, adaptive reuse, material innovation, and spatial experience enhancement.

Castle
Preserve external facades. Basement level and first floor to house exhibitions and set up restaurants, hotel lobbies, and some guest rooms on the first floor . Upper levels contain a 100-seat auditorium, two 50-seat lecture halls, and 3-star level accommodation for up to 120 guests.

Farmhouse
Reused as a municipal information center with a small historical exhibition, café, bar, office space, craft workshop, and storage room.The courtyard is retained for public interaction.

Orangery
Designated for cultural and community events. Structure maintained and adapted for lectures, exhibitions, and social gatherings.

Custodian House
In good condition; light adaptation allows for potential uses such as administration or residence.

Venue Design and Environment
Maintain original park layout. Introduce signage systems and soft infrastructure to enhance orientation and event integration.

Technical information

Technical Specifications

Structural repair
Rebuild structurally compromised NW wing and roof of the castle. Strengthen cracks and foundation subsidence areas. All reinforcements must be compatible with the historic structure and conservation policies.

Material Applications
Innovative material use: weathering steel, fabric, steel bar frameworks. Installations reinterpret historical forms using contemporary language. Textiles create lightweight membranes for shadow-play and visual fluidity.

Spatial Layout and Functional Organization
Functional zoning is clear—restaurant, exhibition, accommodation, and conference areas—ensuring efficient circulation. Public and semi-private areas are blended to balance tourist and staff needs.

Documentation

Show PDF 1