Stodola 21 Renovation by DOMYJINAK Architects: Economically and Environmentally Sustainable  

Project Specifications

Project Name: Stodola 21 Renovation

Project Architect: DOMYJINAK Architects

Project Location: Trebesice, Czech Republic

Project Area: 335 sq.m

Area of Land: 6472 sq.m

Area Enclosed: 1694 sq.m

Project Year: 2021

Head Architects: Jan CERNOCH, Petr SIKOLA, Vaclav DVORAK, Aneta STROUHALOVA, Hana KLAPALOVA

Stodola 21 Renovation by DOMYJINAK Architects followed the main ideology to revitalize that part of the barn placed in the southern portion of the village. The newly proposed function of the structure is to facilitate a technical history of the small village. The design has been proposed as a Modern Barn to serve the village.

Source: adsttc.com

The renovation procedure involved the rebuilding of the stone walls of the original barn to the initial height. To add a touch of modernism, a steel structure holds the lightweight roof on the top subtly.

The design merges with the natural site elements and neighboring features. The interiors are equipped with sanitary services and an office. The remaining space is utilized as a parking lot for the new machinery.

The building links the service yard to the municipality road for the convenience of services. The main material palette of the building comprises authentic stonework, brick vaults, and black steel.

Source: adsttc.com

In contrast to these materials is a wooden sliding gate imparting access to the structure. The cubicle for the office is well-cladded with expanded metal and roads and the pedestrian routes are paved with modern gray concrete paver blocks.

New vaults constructed in bricks have been placed above the entrance. The walls follow intrigue stonework and brickwork. To add a modern touch to the structure, a roof composed of self-supporting steel can be seen with beams, columns, and bracing. 

Source: adsttc.com

The roof is placed 5m above the ground level and is extended from the walls for about 1m to protect the inner hall from extreme weather conditions. The entrance gates’ pair are double-sliding leaves operated manually.

The interior space is home to a small brick structure of an operator dimensioned 10m x 4m with a height of about 3.5 m. This small building is cladded with an expanded material that amplifies the incorporation of current-day design language. The hall excluding the operator’s room is well ventilated and spacious.

The main functioning building is fully insulated and tempered and forms a connection with the technical block through means of the adjacent road. 

Source: adsttc.com

The DOMYJINAK Architectural studio focuses on present-day architecture with a comprehensive operation of technicalities. The design team focused on restoring the original architectural language on the plan of the former barn. In an attempt at this, the new floating roof was added to connect the interiors with the surroundings. The North-South axis of the building is passable and is utilized for handling and storage of materials.

This design proposal is a social responsibility designed as a creative solution for the issue of lack of area to be allocated for municipal pieces of machinery and facilities. The facade of the barn is maintained to make it blend with its immediate surroundings and in order to maintain the authenticity of the structure. 

The project aimed to restore and maintain the torso of the significant historic barn of the village and adopting current architectural techniques, the structure is transformed to a contemporary form with a few modern materials in the palette. 

The architects followed a sensitive approach towards the restoration by preserving the original structure as much as they could and adding greenery in large amounts to the site surroundings. The elevated roof skeleton safeguards the objects from wind and enhances the interior atmosphere. It also aids in slowing the flow of rainwater. 

Source: adsttc.com

The interior offices for official staff are lighted up with voids created in the stone masonry facade. The shade of anthracite sheet metal composing these offices is enhanced by adding windows with the same colored frames. 

This project is an example of adaptive reuse. Adaptive reuse can be described as a process that involves reusing old structures or sites for a newer purpose. It can be linked to conserving the historic architectural language and taking advantage of it to meet the current demands.

The historic stonework of the original barn holds character and design details unique to the older times which wouldn’t have been possible in the latest building proposal. The one-of-a-kind details can be found in this extraordinary design. 

Where contemporary architecture has become all about new design proposals and modern techniques, this project exemplifies the beauty of historic structures. It conveys a solid message that architecture is not about proposing new designs. Rebuilding or preservation of historic structures also forms a major part of the architecture.

Great architecture is one that is loaded with cultural context, and local materials and is sensitive to its surroundings. These qualities can be seen in this structure which has a very delicate and thoughtful design approach that respects the originality of the building.

The design caters to the need for economic construction and serves as a technical background of the village for the local municipality. The proposal serves the natives of the village and aims at improvising and assisting in the current quality of life of the village.

This architectural design is a great example of the modern design vision associated with its historic background and aligning with the concepts of sustainability. Stodola 21 Renovation went through serious planning to propose a creative yet local solution to the issue.

Source: adsttc.com

The natural color and material palette for the design camouflages the surroundings and natural landscape. The rustic gray appearance of the structure is enhanced by a contrasting wooden main gate. This vintage looks further balanced with a touch of modernity with advanced materials like steel and anthracite metallic sheets.

Gray pavers and green landscaping contrast to impart unique aesthetics to the overall structure and form a visual balance. The building is a great example of harmony and balance between classic architecture and a contemporary approach.

Source: adsttc.com

This adaptive reuse project has injected a new life into the old structure and has managed to preserve the historic values and resources linked with it. The abandoned yet significant barn was made to breathe again with a restoration of the old architecture and additions of modern elements in it.

Proposing solutions with restoring the barn instead of its demolition and constructing a new one has saved on the cost and benefited the environment. Reusing and revamping old architectural elements minimized resource consumption and resulted in a structure that has always belonged to the village community. 

The amalgamation of the old structure with the latest techniques and added landscaping has assisted in the preservation of the original and authentic architectural features local to the village. The well thought planning managed to connect the building with various routes to carry out services conveniently.

Source: adsttc.com

Also Read: Ai-Generated Collective Poems: UK Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai

DOMYJINAK Architects have successfully achieved a perfect balance of sustainability at modern design solutions in this historic barn. The approach of adaptive reuse turned out to be economically and environmentally healthy. An energy-efficient design aligned with the site features managed to bypass the waste associated with the modern constructions.

Source: adsttc.com

This project can be considered remarkable for valuing the historic structure as an important part of sustainable development. The design is eco-friendly and has social benefits to the local community and is aimed to serve well for the municipality and practical needs.

This structure enables a glimpse into the past and borrows a modern character from the present and future architectural language.

For more information about the latest architectural development, keep coming to Architecturesstyle.