AMNESIA

Project idea

The idea of this project stems from a pressing need: the disconnection between people and their historical environment. Over time, the Zahrádky Castle and its landscape have been subjected to physical transformations, neglect, and partial erasure of memory. This has resulted in a loss of collective identity and a lack of accessible public spaces that reflect cultural continuity.

The inspiration behind this intervention is the potential of architecture to heal, reconnect, and reveal. The castle, once a center of life and tradition, is reimagined not only as a heritage site but as a living space for community gathering, cultural exchange, and reflection.

The project seeks to revive the hidden layers of the site—its buried structures, abandoned spaces, and fragmented landscape—and translate them into new opportunities for social engagement. By integrating contemporary functions such as a wellness center, exhibition spaces, outdoor paths, and celebration areas, the intervention becomes a bridge between the past and the present.

This project responds to the need for a shared, inclusive place where people can meet, celebrate traditions, and rediscover the story of their land.

Goals and Objectives:
Reconnect people with their cultural and architectural heritage.
Transform neglected spaces into areas of gathering, healing, and learning.
Preserve the historical essence of Zahrádky Castle while introducing modern, respectful uses.
Create inclusive, accessible, and meaningful public spaces.
Promote community participation and cultural continuity.

Re-establish the castle as a symbolic and functional heart of the region.

Project description

This project consists of a comprehensive restoration and revitalization of Zahrádky Castle and its surrounding landscape. It addresses the need to reconnect people with their historical environment by transforming neglected, abandoned, and hidden spaces into functional, inclusive, and meaningful areas for community life.

The scope of the project includes multiple interconnected parts, each designed to serve a specific purpose while maintaining harmony with the site’s identity and heritage.

This project consists of the following parts:
Main Area – Zahrádky Castle Core Restoration.
Restoration and adaptive reuse of the main castle building.
Recovery of the underground level and projecting it to the surface.
Creation of gathering and celebration spaces.
Spa and Exhibition Wing.
New wellness space inspired by the nearby Bezdrevský potok river.
Exhibitions that narrate the castle’s and region’s forgotten history.
Emphasis on healing, reflection, and storytelling.
Landscape Axis and Pavilion.
Reinterpretation of the historic hunting lodge (Zahrádecký letohrádek).
Transparent modern pavilion sheltering a preserved statue.
Pedestrian path guiding visitors through a narrative journey.
Cultural Hub and Celebration Zone.
Public square for concerts, festivals, and community events.
Parterre garden connecting the orangery, greenhouse, and custodianship.
Open platform for artistic and cultural expression.
Farmhouse and Outdoor Extension.
Renovation of the farmhouse with improved lighting and openings.
Exterior landscape connecting to the town hall.
Viewpoint and path for observing the traditional Palio tournament.

Each part of the project contributes to a larger goal: to offer a space where architecture meets memory, culture meets nature, and people meet each other again in a living, breathing historical site.

Technical information

The project combines traditional restoration techniques with modern architectural interventions, respecting the historical integrity of the site while introducing contemporary functionality. The construction materials and structural systems have been carefully selected to reflect the original character of the castle and its landscape, while meeting today’s standards of durability, safety, and sustainability.

Technical Information:
Castle Restoration and Underground Level Projection:
Structure: Load-bearing masonry walls using locally sourced limestone and brick infill.
Flooring: Reinforced concrete slabs with natural stone finishes for durability and historical coherence.
Roof: Rebuilt using timber framing with clay tiles, respecting the original style.
Stabilization: Micro-piling and injection grouting used to reinforce foundations, especially where underground levels are reactivated.

Spa and Exhibition Space:
Structure: Steel and concrete frame system allowing flexibility and open interiors.
Materials: Natural lime plaster, glass façades with thermal performance, local stone cladding.
Interior finishes: Wood and ceramic tiles, warm tones referencing the surrounding landscape.
Sustainability: Geothermal heating and passive ventilation strategies used for energy efficiency.

Pavilion (Hunting Lodge Replica):
Structure: Lightweight steel frame.
Envelope: High-performance laminated glass with UV protection, minimal steel profiles.
Foundation: Screw piles to minimize ground impact on archaeological layers.

Landscape and Public Spaces:
Pathways: Permeable stone or gravel surfaces to reduce water runoff.
Lighting: Solar-powered lighting poles for sustainability and minimal intrusion.
Water management: Rainwater collection systems integrated in the landscape design.
Vegetation: Native plant species selected to preserve biodiversity.

Farmhouse Renovation:
Openings: Enlarged and aligned using reclaimed timber frames and double-glazed windows.
Insulation: Natural wool insulation for walls and roofs.
Finishes: Limewash paint and breathable materials to ensure historical continuity.

Documentation

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