In 2010, the prominent, protected heritage townhouse No. 202 in Braunerovo Square underwent a complete reconstruction during which the investor cooperated admirably, not only with the architects themselves but also with the restorers. The prized, originally Renaissance, historical house, which had been extensively modified in Classicist style in the 19th century, was derelict. The building, which had been long neglected, was vacated in the 1990s and continued to fall into disrepair. However, most of the historical elements preserved (e.g. the Renaissance arcades in the courtyard wing, auxiliary or so-called “black kitchen”, wall decorations) remained in salvageable condition.
The reconstruction project, whose aim was to transform the house into a place for relaxation and living whilst retaining its historical countenance, was carried out by the Prague ABV studio in 2009. At the same time, restoration research work was carried out by the restorer Lenka Tučková, lead by the painter Jiří Látal.
Construction changes to the exterior mainly concerned the colouring of the main facade. Grey tones replaced the hitherto ochre colour, and a distinctive shade of red accentuates the surrounds to the main entry portal (restoration research confirmed a brick-red shade). The architects utilized the fact that the house is set into a slope, and connected the courtyard tract at first-floor level with a raised garden (also accessible from Zámecká Street) which offers impressive views of significant historical buildings of the town. It also provides a view of the rear facade of the house itself with its originally-shaped roof – so-called “swallow”, which is hidden from the square by an attic storey with false windows.
Thanks to the extensive restoration, the interior was revived with painted decoration to the walls and ceilings. The interior decoration of the corridor on the first floor is especially noteworthy, as several historical paint layers were uncovered (mainly from the 19th century) and consequently, changes were made to the original restoration intention. Instead of reconstructing the stencilled decoration, all the layers discovered were left visible in order to document the historical development of the interior decoration. Moreover, the stucco work and painted decoration imitating stone in other corridors was all renovated. The restored interior was equipped with atypical, sumptuous furniture and lighting of modern design.
