Recreational facility

Mendelova univerzita v Brně

Project idea

This project presents a newly designed recreational facility intended primarily for the accommodation and operation of summer camps, adaptation courses for school collectives, experiential education programs, and other group-based leisure stays. The core concept of the project is rooted in the author’s personal insight into the current state and shortcomings of such facilities in the Czech Republic, many of which are outdated and no longer meet contemporary functional, hygienic, or legislative requirements.

The objective of the design is to propose a functional, spatially efficient, and operationally logical building that ensures comfort for both clients (participants) and staff, while supporting a wide variety of educational and recreational activities. The architectural layout responds to the specific needs of this type of group accommodation, including the separation of operational zones, optimized hygienic infrastructure, and flexible common areas.

Special attention has been paid to ensuring compliance with current building regulations and technical standards, with an emphasis on the hygienic and safety requirements for accommodation and food service facilities. The project also considers practical aspects such as ventilation, accessibility, and the integration of natural materials, reflecting the character and purpose of the facility. Overall, the proposed building aims to serve as a modern, adaptable, and sustainable environment for temporary group stays in natural settings

Project description

The scope of the project includes the architectural and spatial design of a new-build recreational facility intended for temporary accommodation of up to 56 individuals. The proposed building is designed to support group-based stays, particularly summer camps, adaptation programs for students, teambuilding retreats, and experiential learning events.

The project encompasses the development of a functional layout that separates operational zones (client areas vs. staff facilities), the design of hygienic infrastructure in accordance with Czech technical norms, and the integration of key communal areas such as a dining hall, multipurpose room, and art workshop.

Additionally, the solution addresses technical aspects including structural composition using CLT panel technology, proposals for thermal insulation, ventilation, and energy-efficient heating. The scope also includes consideration of external access, circulation, and basic site development such as parking and outdoor facilities.

The project does not include detailed structural calculations, fire safety documentation, or complete HVAC system design. These aspects are intended for further development in the implementation phase.

Technical information

The designed building is a two-storey new-build recreational facility with a total usable floor area of approximately 1,900 m². The load-bearing structure is based on a prefabricated wooden construction system using CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber) panels, specifically the Novatop Element system. The architectural layout is composed of three interconnected volumes: a western wing (client entrance and relaxation), a central volume (dining hall, kitchen, and multipurpose room), and an eastern wing (staff facilities and services).

The building is founded on concrete strip footings, and all vertical and horizontal load-bearing elements are constructed from engineered timber panels. The roofing system is designed as a low-slope (5°) ventilated flat roof with a standing seam metal sheet covering. Thermal insulation is provided by wood fibre insulation boards with a vapor-open roof structure.

Ventilation is designed via mechanical heat recovery units with a combined airflow capacity of approximately 2,500 m³/h, ensuring sufficient indoor air quality for up to 56 users. The building is heated using a low-temperature underfloor heating system supplied by a cascade of air-to-water heat pumps with a combined output of approximately 100 kW. Rainwater is collected and managed via a retention tank system with controlled outflow and potential for greywater reuse.

The design complies with relevant Czech standards for hygienic facilities (ČSN 73 4108), accommodation buildings (ČSN 73 4301), and structural timber elements (ČSN EN 1995-1-1). All materials used in the project were selected with regard to durability, sustainability, and suitability for intensive group use.

Documentation

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