Kamenný Přívoz, Czech republic
2022
@aosi.office
Winning competition proposal by young czech studio AOSI will transform a former farm complex into a new cultural center. Extensive changes await the long-disused Šíbal’s farm in Kamenný Přívoz: Brno based architects AOSI have won the open architectural competition with their sensitive proposal to transform the buildings into a cultural center that will act as a new focal point for the social life of the village.
The design takes its cues from the Czech folk architecture of the area. Gabled roofs supplemented by aeration openings form a prominent part of the village’s character. Stone walls are another typical architectural element owing to the position of the village on the slope of the river valley. The design works with the three existing buildings of Šíbal’s farm and highlights their vernacular expression. A new volume complements the spatial arrangement and takes on the materiality of the existing stone wall. Connecting passages are created between the newly formed square and the village through the eastern and southern sides of the site.
The architects therefore open the area as much as possible and create a community and cultural center accessible and inviting from all sides. The multifunctional hall, located in the existing barn building, meets the requirements of a modern sports and community center and will act as a social gathering space for the village. “In the existing buildings, we see the spatial and expressive potential to create a real social center, therefore our proposal preserves the buildings, renovates and adjusts them to the required functions through minor interventions,” explains the lead architect Ivo Stejskal. A part of Šíbal’s farm is a municipal library with a reading room and a café.
The cafe is extended outside by a terrace, which is part of the newly created village square. The orchard, the garden overlooking the valley and the central tree will provide ample space for outdoor meetings. The project uses local materials such as stone, timber and traditional locally sourced roof tiles. It thus preserves the original character of the present vernacular architecture, which it further develops. “The design best met both urban and architectural requirements. We appreciate the meaningfully usable public space and the effective solution of operational needs,“ said the jury evaluating the winning proposal.
Open public architectural competitions are rare in rural locations in Czechia. The Šíbalův project aims to set a precedent for other local authorities who would like to repurpose currently disused buildings into cultural and social centers in a way that adds to the architectural quality of the village. through a public tender.
