Helfštýn Castle Palace Reconstruction / Atelier-r

Helfštýn Castle Palace Reconstruction / Atelier-r - Exterior PhotographyHelfštýn Castle Palace Reconstruction / Atelier-r - Exterior Photography, Windows, BrickHelfštýn Castle Palace Reconstruction / Atelier-r - Exterior Photography, Windows, Brick, FacadeHelfštýn Castle Palace Reconstruction / Atelier-r - Interior Photography, Windows, Brick, Beam, ArchHelfštýn Castle Palace Reconstruction / Atelier-r - More Images+ 43

Týn nad Bečvou, Czech Republic
  • Architects: Atelier-r
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  3000
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2020
  • Photographs
    Photographs:BoysPlayNice
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  Remmers, UnionOcel, Viabizzuno, tubag
  • Lead Architect: Miroslav Pospíšil
  • Co Author: Martin Karlík
  • Design Team: Miroslav Pospíšil, Martin Karlík, Robert Randys, Lucie Rohelová, Adéla Tomečková, Milena Koblihová, Daria Johanesová
  • Clients: Olomouc Region
  • Structural Stability Of Historical Constructions: Ladislav Klusáček
  • Structural Stability Of Newly Inserted Constructions: Jan Lukáš
  • Rehabilitation Of The Damp Parts Of Historical Walls: Pavel Fára
  • Contractors: Hochtief, ARCHATT PAMÁTKY, Hochtief
  • Steel And Corten Construction: Zámečnictví Sloupský, Zámečnictví Sloupský
  • Glass Construction: Bubeník 1913
  • Concrete Floors: AAP hranice
  • City: Týn nad Bečvou
  • Country: Czech Republic
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Helfštýn Castle Palace Reconstruction / Atelier-r - Exterior Photography, Windows
© BoysPlayNice

Cultural heritage.  Rising high above the Moravian Gate valley, Helfštýn Castle is the second-largest complex in the Czech Republic right after Prague Castle. Helfštýn was established in the 14th century. In 2014 the Renaissance palace ruins had to close down due to severe safety hazards such as falling masonry and remains degradation.

Helfštýn Castle Palace Reconstruction / Atelier-r - Exterior Photography, Windows, Brick, Facade
© BoysPlayNice

The primary requirement of the castle owner; Olomouc Region, was to renovate the palace along with the construction of a new roof. The National Heritage Institute insisted on the preservation of the building in a state of ruin. The roof was allowed only partially, and it could only go as high as the level of the peripheral walls. 

Helfštýn Castle Palace Reconstruction / Atelier-r - Exterior Photography, Windows, Brick
© BoysPlayNice

Project planning was rather unique. The 3D model based on thousands of photographs from a drone allowed us to map all the types of plaster and masonry modifications. 

Helfštýn Castle Palace Reconstruction / Atelier-r - Image 39 of 48
Helfštýn Castle Palace Reconstruction / Atelier-r - Image 46 of 48

New concept. We aspired to go beyond the technical reconstruction assignment. We strived to complement the historical building with contemporary architecture that would focus on both practical uses as well as gaining an aesthetic appeal.

Helfštýn Castle Palace Reconstruction / Atelier-r - Exterior Photography, Windows, Brick, Facade
© BoysPlayNice

In order to immerse the visitors in the historical development of the original renaissance palace, we inserted new sightseeing routes into the already existing gaps in the ruins, connecting the ground floor with the newly accessible higher levels of the palace. Newly added contemporary elements are clearly recognizable in historical construction. We worked with three basic materials, one for each level of the building. The roofing is made of glass on steel beams, the staircases and footbridges have been made of corten steel and the ground floor paths are made of polished concrete.

Helfštýn Castle Palace Reconstruction / Atelier-r - Interior Photography, Windows, Brick, Beam, Arch
© BoysPlayNice

Glass roof. The flat glass roofs have been inserted in between the walls of the ruins. The wide-open sky was the key inspiration when choosing the material for the roof. Using glass provides perfect daylight conditions to the interior of the palace. We have chosen to work with the sanded glass for a couple of reasons. It is easy on the maintenance and the flat dispersed light compliments the exhibitions inside the palace. The chapel roof was an exception. The clear glass roof symbolizes heaven quite literally.

Helfštýn Castle Palace Reconstruction / Atelier-r - Exterior Photography, Brick, Beam, Facade, Arch
© BoysPlayNice
Helfštýn Castle Palace Reconstruction / Atelier-r - Interior Photography, Windows, Beam, Column
© BoysPlayNice

We have put a roof on five chosen chambers only. The corten footbridges serve as a roof for the staircases. We intentionally left out some of the spaces in order to enhance the spirit of the impressive ruins and encourage the visitors to look up to the sky. 

Helfštýn Castle Palace Reconstruction / Atelier-r - Exterior Photography, Windows, Brick, Facade
© BoysPlayNice

Corten footbridges.  What once used to be a roof has now become the new sightseeing route. Being this close to the construction details of the original palace and as high as the top of the walls allows the public to admire the historical significance of the sight and the sheer views of the surrounding region.

Helfštýn Castle Palace Reconstruction / Atelier-r - Interior Photography, Windows, Facade, Stairs
© BoysPlayNice
Helfštýn Castle Palace Reconstruction / Atelier-r - Interior Photography, Brick, Arch, Column
© BoysPlayNice

It was crucial to choose a material that would be timeless. Corten is a special iron alloy that undergoes corrosion, matures, and matches the texture of the old historical walls. Moreover, Helfštýn Castle is well-renowned for its iron craftsmanship tradition, therefore it made perfect sense to choose corten to work with.

Helfštýn Castle Palace Reconstruction / Atelier-r - Exterior Photography
© BoysPlayNice

Concrete paths.  On the ground floor, we designed a network of marching areas and pavements from precise smooth pre-cast concrete boards laid down into individual areas. Pre-cast concrete is defined by rigorously straight Corten steel profiles that create a distance from uneven and irregular walls. The area between the precise profile and irregular walls is dumped by gravel that highlights both and conciliates irregularity with the uncompromising straight forefront.

Helfštýn Castle Palace Reconstruction / Atelier-r - Exterior Photography, Brick
© BoysPlayNice

Past and present.  Our concept is based on respect towards the historical building and it pursues a major effort to preserve the castle’s authentic character. The palace gained an attractive sightseeing route that allows the visitors to learn about the building history and enjoy the picturesque views from the footbridges on the upper levels of the castle what once used to be a roof. Contemporary architecture does not compete with the historical building, rather it creates a cohesive unit in which all the elements, old and new go hand in hand.

Helfštýn Castle Palace Reconstruction / Atelier-r - Exterior Photography, Windows
© BoysPlayNice

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Project location

Address:Hrad Helfštýn, 751 32 Týn nad Bečvou, Czech Republic

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Helfštýn Castle Palace Reconstruction / Atelier-r" 24 Aug 2021. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/951016/helfstyn-castle-palace-reconstruction-atelier-r> ISSN 0719-8884

© BoysPlayNice

耐候钢与荒废古堡,Helfštýn城堡修复更新 / Atelier-r

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