In 2001, when the A4 apartment block designed by the design studio Rudiš-Rudiš architekti (06-1155) was being built, two apartment blocks – A2 and A3 – were also under construction in the area U Nemocnice, with the latter both designed by Josef Pleskot. As was stipulated in the development plans, both studios designed the buildings with respect to the existing A1 block (06-1143). Both also applied uncustomary balcony-style walkways. However, their opinions differed concerning the architectonic concept: whilst the A4 block formally linked up with the existing A1 block to create one organic unit, Josef Pleskot's design, which was the winning entry among contributions from seven teams, chose a different course which relied on individuality.
The almost identical A2 and A3 blocks, set at a right angle to the A1 block, are made up of three low prisms (storeys)resting offset, one on top of the other. The resulting overhangs are utilized as terraces, loggias, elevated walkways and covered entrance areas. Each block is set into the slope in the direction of its longitudinal axis. Such a layout enables access to two storeys directly from the terrain, from the “interior block” in one case and from the raised “upper” street in the other case. The access is through the aforementioned balcony-style walkways which function as a semi-public, semi-private space, seamlessly linking up to the approach road, and freely accessible to the public (conversely, the walkways in the A4 block are closed to the public).
The tranquil, horizontal aspect of the block is underlined by its flat roof, covered in its entirety with maintenance-free greenery. At ground-floor level the perimeter walls are clad in wood, and the upper levels are rendered in a shade of green. The whole surface is broken up with square windows and French windows with wine-coloured window frames, a colour-scheme which is repeated on the entrance doors to the flats.
The blocks altogether hold 38 housing units, with the largest flats composed of three rooms, a kitchen, and toilet and bathroom. Moreover, the A3 block contains two flats specifically designated for disabled inhabitants. The largest flats are situated on the first storey with direct access to the adjacent terrain, and feature a front garden and individual, barrier-free access. They also include parking for one or two cars directly before the entrance to the flat.
In 2002, not long after completion, the originally open walkways were glazed in to protect them from unfavourable climatic conditions.
