Orangery and papilonium Prabos

Idea projektu

Some of the rooms had to be retained — specifically, the new gas boiler room, two transformer substations, and the electrical distribution rooms. The building currently features a high percentage of glazed façade, which became a key source of inspiration. I decided to build on the existing appearance and repurpose the structure as an orangery and papilionium. The company could benefit from increased visitor traffic and the associated publicity. At the same time, the building offers space for conferences and other social events, not only for employees but also for the public.

Popis projektu

Urban design: The building of the former boiler house is located on the western edge of the PRABOS company site. Currently, access to the premises is only possible through the main gatehouse, which is not suitable given the building’s new public function. This would result in unwanted interaction between visitors and the company's internal operations. For this reason, I propose the creation of a new entrance from the street adjacent to the park. This solution would allow for complete separation of the company’s logistics and the orangery’s public access, avoiding any conflicts between users. However, it would require the demolition of an existing structure and the construction of a six-meter-wide access road for passenger vehicles, which is not ideal. Next to the former boiler house, I have designed an access road and parking area, as well as service roads for the technical facilities that remain in their original state. Architecture design: In designing the building, I aimed to preserve its original character. The most distinctive features are undoubtedly the continuously elevated space on the second floor extending up to the roof, and the glazed façade. These two elements created an ideal interior environment for cultivating taller plant species. I sought to maintain visual openness within the interior, allowing sightlines between different levels and the main orangery and papilionium space. Inspired by the façade, I introduced similarly segmented glazed surfaces into the interior, resulting in a sunlit, cohesive space that preserves the visual continuity of the design. I also aimed to unify the façade by removing unnecessary openings. On the northwest façade, I designed an elongated window connected to a simple skylight. In contrast, the southeast side features no windows, as it houses the electrical distribution rooms and the conference hall. As a final layer of expression, I proposed a street art composition on the façade that reflects the building’s new function. Spatial layout: The building is divided into four above-ground floors. On the ground floor, in addition to preserved technical areas, there is a reception with a lobby and restrooms. The main entrance is located on the northeast side, adjacent to a staircase leading to the upper floors. Next to the main entrance is a separate entrance for the gardener, with direct access to the storage area and an elevator. The second floor houses the orangery and papilionium, as this is where the previously mentioned double-height space extends up to the roof. Planters of various sizes are arranged throughout the space, along with seating areas for visitors. A large orange tree stands above the original concrete columns preserved from the ground floor, reaching up into the higher levels. On the third floor, there is a multi-purpose hall with restrooms and a furniture storage room. This level also includes a gallery overlooking the orangery, offering visitors visual connections between floors. The fourth floor contains an additional part of the orangery with smaller plants. This floor is situated in the same location as the original coal hoppers, one of which has been preserved and now functions as a trough for a newly created water feature.

Technické informace

The steel frame, which forms the original structural system of the building, has been preserved. Columns with cross-sections of 200×200 mm and 350×200 mm are arranged in a regular 6-meter grid. The only added elements are the structural system of the staircase and the gallery on the third floor; all other components remain original. New masonry partitions are introduced only on the ground floor and the third floor. Due to maintenance and cleaning requirements, the entire building will feature an exposed concrete floor made of monolithic concrete screed. The glazed façade will need to be replaced, but its appearance and material character are to be preserved. The building will also require thermal insulation and a new white plaster finish.