This two-storey, originally Empirical style, townhouse in a terrace of historical houses in Šmilovského Street underwent an exemplary reconstruction between 2011 and 2013. During the reconstruction the designers, Molo architekti, skilfully adapted the interiors to suit the needs of a modern histological laboratory and at the same time to fulfil housing requirements. The designers, in cooperation with the investor, managed to merge operational requirements of the new purpose of the building with its historical character using modern architectural language and thus transform a dilapidated building in the centre of the town into a living, functional building.
Due to the fact that the building is listed, all modifications had to conform to the requirements of the town council and the National Heritage Institute. Therefore, the layout of the building and its facade remained almost unchanged – with the exception of the three attic windows in black steel, probably the only clue as to the modifications carried out. However, the facade facing the courtyard has, across its entire width, an annex of contemporary design. It is composed of two spaces: the mass of the staircase and the monolithic facade contrasting with the “fragile”, lateral annex and its glazed wall which is unified by a jutting out wooden lattice fulfilling both aesthetic and shading functions. As the designers themselves noted, this has the effect of lightening the rear facade – a reference to historical annexes on courtyard galleries and verandas.
The ground floor and first floor are reserved for laboratory work and include staff and storage facilities, a laboratory with microscopes, preparation room for samples and office areas. The interior and all its fittings are carried out in bright white and grey tones. It is dominated by a steel stairway with illuminated glass treads, functioning as a distinctive light source. There is a flat in the attic, accessed via an independent stairway. The main living space opens out into the centre of the roof trusses and features a large terrace.
The designers spent a lot of time on the layout of the intimate courtyard with a terrace and a fountain, decorated with a sculpture – Stojící (Standing) – by Arnold Bartůněk.
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